The first households in Herefordshire are seeing the benefits of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme, which is providing free energy efficiency home improvements to qualifying homeowners.
Continuing high energy prices mean many Herefordshire households are anticipating another cold and expensive winter. Now that HUG funding is being implemented some of those bills will begin to fall over the long term, as their improved energy efficiency makes homes easier to heat and power, and lowers carbon emissions.
The scheme is being delivered through a trusted partnership of Severn Wye Energy Agency and Herefordshire Council.
One Longtown resident had an air source heat pump fitted through the first phase of the Home Upgrade Grant scheme. They said:
‘We knew we couldn’t afford heating after renovating the property and heard of grants available. The works were done quickly and efficiently, the plumbers were very friendly and answered any questions we had. We’d absolutely recommend the scheme; it has been a huge cost saving overall not having to pay for a new central heating system.’
Home Upgrade Grant project manager Helen Curley said:
‘We’re delighted to be offering this second phase of the Home Upgrade Grant which will provide many households across Herefordshire urgent upgrades to their insulation and heating systems, including renewable technologies. The first phase of HUG helped 90 Herefordshire homeowners though the installation of 157 measures.’
The HUG offers home energy efficiency upgrades to householders who:
- Live in Herefordshire
- Don’t have mains gas heating in their home
- Live in an energy-inefficient home (with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G)
- Have a combined household income below £31,000 per year or are on means-tested benefits.
Successful applicants receive an expert property survey and the improvements that will make the biggest difference to the efficiency, comfort and cost of powering the property will be installed. They could benefit from a wide range of energy-saving technologies and receive home improvements worth tens of thousands of pounds. These include insulation, solar panels, high heat retention storage heating, air source heat pumps and many households will be offered more than one upgrade.
The scheme uses local installers alongside larger companies, creating an important foundation for long-term change in the energy efficiency of our homes.
Anyone wanting to apply or get more information should call the Severn Wye team on 0800 170 1432 or visit severnwye.org.uk/upgrade. They can also check their eligibility first by answering a few simple questions at the government’s new online eligibility checker www.gov.uk/apply-home-upgrade-grant.
