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If you had a wad of £20 notes, chances are you’d want to keep tight hold of them. Yet many of us really do just throw money away when we don’t take steps to make our homes more energy efficient. Installing insulation could prevent up to 50% of our heat being lost through our walls and roof, and replacing an old boiler with a new condensing one could save you around £80-£120 on your annual heating bill.
The good news is there is loads of help out there to help save you money and cut your carbon emissions. Local authorities and energy companies across the UK are offering advice, grants and discounted products to help make your home more energy efficient. Under the Energy Efficiency Commitment Fund (EEC), utility companies are obliged to have energy-saving targets, and offer energy efficiency grants for things like insulation and low energy light bulbs. And if you are on certain benefits you might be able to receive help for free. Some schemes are UK-wide, whilst others are run locally, either by the energy companies themselves, or in partnership with councils and housing associations etc. They are too numerous to list fully, but the following examples may give you an idea of what you can do to cosy up your home.
Energy efficiency grants from utility companies
Companies such as npower, British Gas and Scottish Power all run their own discounted energy saving measures, particularly to combat fuel poverty in the UK. All offer grants towards loft and cavity insulation, usually to their own customers. However you may be entitled to free insulation if you or anyone else in your household receives benefits, and you don’t have to be a customer to apply.
Energy efficiency grants from Government
Government grants are available across the UK for those on benefits or low incomes, to help tackle the problem of fuel poverty (homes which can’t afford to keep themselves warm).
Warm Front (England)
The Warm Front grant offers a range of insulation and heating measures up to £3,500 or £6,000 (if oil central heating is needed, or renewables recommended), and includes amongst others: loft and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and central heating repairs and replacements.
If you are in receipt of one or more benefits then it is is worth applying for a grant. Additionally, as well as receiving any benefits, if you are 60 years or older; or you have a child under 16 or are pregnant then it is worth applying too.
Grant levels vary and you do not necessarily have to be on benefits to qualify for some type of discount.
Energy Assistance Package (Scotland)
The Energy Assistance Package is managed by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the Scottish Governement, and replaces the Central Heating and Warm Deal programmes. There are four stages to the package:
- Stage one offers free expert energy advice to anyone who phones the Energy Savings Scotland Advice Centre (ESSAC) network on 0800 512 012.
- Stage two provides benefits and tax credit checks and advice on low cost energy tariffs to those at risk of fuel poverty.
- Stage three provides a package of standard insulation measures (cavity wall and loft insulation) to older households and those on one of a range of benefits.
- Stage four offers a package of enhanced energy efficiency measures to those who are most vulnerable to fuel poverty..
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) (Wales)
The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme offers a range of grants for various home improvements:
- up to £2,000 for those on benefits
- up to £3,600 via the HEES Plus scheme if you are over 60 and on benefits
- up to £5,000 if oil central heating is also part of the package
- £500 for over 60s who are not on benefits
- over 80s automatically qualify for HEES Plus regardless of their benefit status.
Grants for Londoners
Those living in the capital can take advantage of discounted home insulation as well as £100 cash back courtesy of the Mayor of London . Those on benefits may be able to get free insulation, and there is also an interest-free loan available to help spread the cost.
Many councils run their own local schemes so it is well worth checking with your own to see what’s available. Additionally, at the Energy Saving Trust, you can enter your details to see if you are eligible for any grants or funding.
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