When Charlie moved into her 1960s semi‑detached bungalow in Gloucestershire last year, she assumed the gas central heating would keep things cosy. But when her first energy bills arrived – a hefty £150 a month – she knew something wasn’t right.
“A couple of months after moving in I started to notice the house got cold very quickly,” Charlie says. “When the bills came in it was a real shock – they were much bigger than I expected.”
Before long, Charlie found herself avoiding the heating altogether. She knew she needed expert advice to understand what was going on. Having worked with Severn Wye before, when they supported energy efficiency improvements to her previous home through the Home Upgrade Grant, she felt confident they’d give her clear, impartial guidance without pushing unnecessary products.
Severn Wye arranged for one of their home energy specialists to visit. After checking her circumstances, they confirmed she was eligible for support through the government’s Warm Homes Local Grant.
“I was secretly hoping I might be able to get solar panels again because they helped so much at my last house,” Charlie admits. “Severn Wye did a really thorough survey and said my home was suitable – but they also explained that insulation was the real issue. Basically, I hardly had any.”
Charlie received a full report explaining the adviser’s recommendations. Alongside the solar PV panels she’d hoped for, the grant covered loft and cavity wall insulation plus a home battery.
“It was all very straightforward,” she says. “From sending in my application to getting a call from the installers was less than two weeks – I couldn’t believe it.”
The installation process impressed her just as much.
“Everyone was so efficient and friendly. The installers kept me updated and even offered earlier appointments when they had cancellations. I work from home so I was worried it would be disruptive, but they were super‑efficient and always tidied up. I can’t fault them – they were fantastic.”
With the battery in place, Charlie no longer needs to plan chores around when the sun is shining. She can store excess energy and use it whenever she needs it.
The transformation has been dramatic. Her home’s EPC rating jumped from D57 to B88, and the difference was instantly noticeable.
“My home heats up quickly and stays much warmer – I’m not huddling by the radiator to work anymore,” she says. “And with the solar panels and the battery, I’m not worrying so much about my bills.”
Charlie has already been spreading the word about the Warm Homes Local Grant.
“Some people don’t believe it can really be free, but I just tell them to give Severn Wye a call and find out.”
Severn Wye is delivering the Warm Homes Local Grant in Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.
Find out more here.
