A £3.3 million grant is set to improve energy efficiency in hundreds of Plymouth homes.
The money, which comes from the Government’s Green Homes Grants scheme, will help to go towards measures in the homes that are most in need of energy saving improvements.
The programme will support the Council’s Climate Emergency commitment to make Plymouth carbon neutral by 2030.
Around 300 homes will benefit from the funding through the installation of energy efficient measures each costing on average of £10,000 per property. This is estimated to save £4.5 million in energy bills and deliver 19,000 tonnes of CO2 reductions over the lifetime of the measures.
The energy improvements will be subject to the Energy Performance Certificate recommendations at each property, but could include solid wall insulation, under floor insulation and the fitting of solar panels.
The installation programme, due to be complete by April 2021, complements the Council’s Resurgam COVID-19 recovery plan by creating and securing local contractors employing 43 full time staff, including five apprentices.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene, Councillor Sue Dann said; "This is very welcome funding and will help households in Plymouth, by reducing their energy bills and fuel poverty. Improving energy efficiency in our homes not only saves money, but reduces carbon emissions and contributes to curbing climate change, this helps local people and the planet.
"Given the current economic challenges, it’s positive that the installation of these energy-efficient measures will further support the local economy by providing jobs and opportunity."
Residents who wish to apply for national Green Home Grant vouchers directly, can find out more at Plymouth Energy Community’s webpage here.