Householders in Solihull who live in energy inefficient properties may be able to benefit from a grant of up to £10,000 to cover the cost of installing a range of energy efficiency improvements to their home.
As part of the Solihull Green Homes, Warm Homes scheme, improvement measures available to eligible residents include the installation of solar panels, wall insulation and smart heating controls.
Householders may be eligible for the grant if the property’s Energy Performance Rating (EPC) is below D, and if the household income (before tax) is below £30,000 or if they live in certain postcodes.
For full eligibility criteria, visit: Solihull Green Homes Grant.
Alternatively, to check eligibility and apply for the scheme, contact Solihull Council’s partner Act on Energy on freephone number 0800 988 2881 for a consultation.
Act on Energy, in addition to offering householders access to a range of grant-funded measures to improve energy efficiency, also offer free energy assessments and advice. They can also give guidance on how to save money on fuel bills and switch energy providers.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning and Housing, said:
“COP26 is helping to increase the spotlight on the importance of retrofitting households. In Solihull I’m delighted that we’re once again working with our trusted partner Act on Energy to offer eligible residents access to a range of energy efficiency improvements.
“The Council’s ambitious Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) emphasises the importance of reducing heat loss from homes if we are to reach our target of becoming a net-zero borough by 2041.
“Retrofitting homes involves installing a range of energy efficiency measures such as double glazing and insulation. It’s a crucial part of the puzzle in achieving our goal, given that 27% of total CO2 emissions in Solihull are associated with the energy used to heat and power domestic buildings.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has seen widespread increases in home energy use, with greater numbers of people working from home. It’s never been more relevant to reduce the amount of energy produced in our households, and the benefits of doing so are both financial and environmental.
“I urge all those living in Solihull who think they may be eligible to get in touch with Act on Energy and start the conversation.”
Rachel Jones, Chief Executive of Act on Energy, said:
“We’re very pleased to be able to deliver this programme and provide much-needed support to those struggling to heat their homes in an environmentally friendly and financially affordable way.
“Household energy bills cost an average of more than £1,200 a year and are set to rise further. Our mission is all about helping those in fuel poverty and letting them know about range of supporting measures that are available to them.
“It’s therefore really important to look at the measures we can take to improve the energy efficiency of homes, so that people are able to keep warm affordably as we head into a difficult winter.”
The Solihull Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Scheme is delivered by Solihull Council in partnership with Act on Energy and the Midlands Energy Hub.