As the country becomes gripped in an energy cost crisis, Leicester homes are set to benefit from a range of cost-cutting energy efficiency improvements, as part of a multi-million scheme delivered by the city council, and landlords are urged to get involved.
So far, over 350 low-income households have already benefitted from upgrades as part of a major scheme delivered by Leicester City Council, following its successful bid for £3.5million of Green Homes Grant funding. A further 200 homes are scheduled to receive upgrades over the coming months.
Due to high demand, applications for the current Green Homes Grant LAD programme have been paused. It is hoped that applications will reopen in autumn 2022
However, support is still available through the Home Upgrades Grants (HUG) scheme, which is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of electrically heated homes for low income households. There is no cost for eligible owner occupiers, but landlords of private rented properties will need to make a contribution.
The schemes are aimed at properties with low energy performance and cover the costs of a range of energy upgrades including external wall, loft, and under floor insulation; air source heat pumps; solar PV panels; and, modern, energy efficient storage heaters.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “Installing energy efficient home improvements – such as solid wall insulation – is a good way to reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions. We know these measures can be expensive and, without support, could be out of reach for many low-income households which already struggling with the rising costs of energy. So, it’s absolutely vital important that people can get help to meet the costs through schemes like the local Green Homes Grants.
“Our energy team has done a fantastic job in securing this funding to help hundreds of eligible residents heat their homes more efficiently, cut their energy bills and support the city in doing its bit to tackle the climate emergency.
“With spiralling energy costs, it is more important than ever that support is available for people to make their homes more energy efficient and affordable to heat. We will be doing everything we to attract and secure the funding we need to help make that possible.”
To find out more about the Home Upgrades Grant scheme for electrically heated homes, contact the Green Homes Grant team at E.ON on 0333 202 4820. Offices are open Monday to Friday between 9am – 5:30pm.
EON is delivering the scheme on behalf of Leicester City Council and you don’t have to be an EON customer to apply.
For full details of the range of support available - for both home owners and tenants/landlords - to help make Leicester’s homes more energy efficient click here
