Households save money on bills with energy efficiency investment

As part of last year's Sustainable Warmth funding, which included the Home Upgrade Grant and Local Delivery Scheme, Stratford-on-Avon District Council and its delivery partners have successfully delivered 45 energy efficient measures for residents across Stratford-on-Avon District.

These fully funded grants have successfully helped residents achieve warmer homes and lower energy bills, with the installation of energy efficiency measures such as insulation and solar panels. Across Stratford District, 30 properties received energy upgrades in 2023. This included the installation of 45 energy efficiency measures.

These were:

A Stratford-on-Avon District resident commented on the effectiveness of the grants:

"I should like to express my appreciation for the efficient way that the process has been handled. My wife and I are delighted that solar panels have been installed and have noticed after even such a short time, that a noticeable amount has been saved on our electricity bill. Everyone involved was friendly and professional and the work was carried out much more quickly that we imagined it would be."

There are currently several grants available depending on your personal circumstance. These include the Home Upgrade Grant phase 2 (HUG2), Energy Support Fund and Physical Intervention Fund. HUG2 provides energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating to low-income households living in the worst performing, off-gas grid homes in England. The scheme aims to improve the warmth and comfort of homes that do not have mains-gas heating, whilst also reducing energy bills, carbon emissions and levels of fuel poverty across the county.

Eligible households could receive free energy efficiency improvements or clean heating (such as air source heat pumps) for their homes, following a home assessment.

You could be eligible if you are a homeowner or a private rented tenant, and if you:

• Don't have gas central heating
• Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G
• Have a combined annual household income under £31,000 (gross) - savings are not assessed

Properties within certain postcodes automatically meet the income eligibility criteria. Properties within these eligible postcodes that meet the other conditions are automatically eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant.  You can find out if you live in an eligible postcode here. Applications are being made through local charity Act on Energy, and all energy efficiency measures are carried out by E.ON, a Trustmark registered contractor.

Dave Newitt, Head of Green Funding Solutions, at E.ON UK, said: "Improving home energy efficiency helps households across the country to benefit from a more sustainable and comfortable home, reduce their energy bills and is essential to meeting the UK's net zero targets." We're pleased to be helping eligible households across Stratford District make their homes more energy efficient as we work with Stratford-on-Avon District Council to install energy improvements, such as insulation and solar panels." For more information about the scheme, including details on how to apply, you can visit the Act on Energy website or call 0800 988 2881 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "I would encourage anyone who might be eligible to get in touch, especially those in the qualifying postcode areas in Alcester East and West, to see what improvements can be made to your home to make it warm and affordable." For more information about what funding is available and general energy advice, please click here.