Hundreds of Plymouth homes are set for an energy upgrade this winter thanks to a new pot of grant funding.
The Future Fit programme, a partnership between the Council with local charity Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), will see £4million of government funding distributed across up to 300 eligible homes in the city.
The money will be spent on improvements such as wall, floor and loft insulation; getting rid of draughts; help with heating controls; installing solar and replacing off-the-grid gas heating systems.
To make the process as smooth as possible, PEC has created a handy funding eligibility checker where you can discover what improvements can be funded for your home.
While a number of eligibility factors will be considered, the Future Fit project is open for homeowners and households living in privately rented accommodation with a yearly income of less than £30,000.
Visit the PEC website now for more information, and look out for PEC’s Future Fit team in your neighbourhood over the next few months.
PEC Project Manager Justin Bear said: "Local people are doing all they can to save energy and reduce costs ̶ but if your home is leaking heat, it’s almost impossible to make significant savings without making major upgrades, which aren’t affordable for most. We want to lighten this burden. We don’t want our community to have to choose between keeping the heating on or other vital needs.
"If your household meets the eligibility criteria, we manage the whole process: the initial home energy assessment; coordinating local contractors to do the upgrades according to what a house needs, and issuing the funding on behalf of the Council."
Councillor James Stoneman, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Governance said: “We are proud to be part of this pro-active, urgently needed intervention in the cost-of-living crisis.
“By helping residents have warmer homes and lowering your heating costs, we’re also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and working towards stopping climate change. Future Fit is therefore helping to make a better future for both our local community, and planet.”
Plymouth resident Laurie said: "Plymouth Energy Community have been amazing. Their specialist knowledge got grants to pay for new storage heaters and solar roof panels. I don't know what I would have done without their friendly, helpful support. I cannot thank them enough!"
With rising energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis, bills are getting much harder to manage for everyone. Brought to you by PCC and PEC at this critical time, Future Fit is here to help 300 households stay warm and save money well into the future.