Worcester City Council has successfully applied for £1,525,900 of Government funding to improve the energy efficiency of local properties – cutting CO2 emissions and helping to reduce fuel poverty.
The funding, which has been received from Government's Green Homes Grant scheme, is being used to improve the energy efficiency of Worcester homes where the combined household income, including benefits, is £30,000 or less.
Worcester is currently estimated to have 8,570 properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of E, F or G – with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least.
Work is now underway to install external wall insulation and in some cases, solar panels, at 60 privately owned Worcester homes and 100 properties rented through Platform Housing.
The City Council wants to hear from Worcester residents living in properties which have no gas heating and rely on old electric storage heaters.Funding from the Midlands Energy Hub is available to replace them with new energy-efficient heaters in around 70 homes. The installation of solar electricity panels, upgraded windows and doors will also be considered.
Funding is also available for external wall insulation for properties with solid walls.
"We are working hard to improve the energy efficiency of more Worcester homes, in our bid to reduce carbon emissions and lift more households out of fuel poverty," said Cllr Andy Stafford, Chair of Worcester City Council's Environment Committee.
"I urge any Worcester resident whose home is heated by older electric storage heaters to get in touch. Improving the energy efficiency of your home will save money on your heating bill."
To be eligible, householder's total income must be £30,000 or less.Installation will start in October, and the offer runs until end of the year.
For further information, call charitable energy efficiency partner Act on Energy on Freephone 0800 988 2881.The line is open from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
The funding is available to owner occupiers and landlords of private rented properties where the householder meets the eligibility criteria. Landlords will be asked to pay a contribution to work at properties they own – but there will be no cost to homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria.
More information on Government's Green Homes Grant scheme can be found at www.worcester.gov.uk/housing/home-energy-advice
