Are you worried about paying your energy bills?
The Home Upgrade Grant is a new Government scheme to fund energy efficiency improvements for residents who heat their homes using electricity, LPG, oil, wood or coal (they don’t have a gas central heating system), and who are most likely to be impacted by the high cost of energy bills. If your home feels cold during the winter months, and you struggle to pay your bills, you might be eligible.
Improving your home’s energy efficiency could help you to use less energy, reduce your carbon footprint and spend less on your energy bills.
The scheme is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Folkestone & Hythe District Council has signed up to support the delivery of the scheme across the district.
E.ON has been appointed as our delivery partner in this area and they will be on hand to guide customers through the application journey and help them understand and establish eligibility for the scheme. If eligible, E.ON will identify which improvements for the home will provide the greatest benefits and arrange any necessary surveys and installations.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this scheme you’ll need to:
- Own or privately rent your home
- Heat it with either electricity, LPG, oil, wood or coal (not a gas central heating system)
- Have a home which has an EPC rating of D,E,F or G (don’t worry if you’re not sure, apply anyway)
- Have a household income of £31,000 or less OR someone living in the home receives an income related means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit.
Some areas within the Folkestone and Hythe district may be exempt from the income threshold so please apply if you think your income may be too high, and we’ll check for you.
Landlords
Landlords who have four or fewer properties will be able to apply, (tenants will need to be eligible) and will be required to contribute at least one third of the cost of the upgrades in addition to the funding provided. This will be agreed before work begins.
How will it help?
You may be offered energy efficiency improvements to help reduce your energy bills and reduce your carbon emissions. These could include:
- Insulation and ventilation upgrades (to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer).
- A low carbon heating system such as an air source heat pump (which will mean upgrading any existing heating system).
- Heating controls which make sure you only use heat when you need it.
- An energy efficient hot water solution to keep your water warm for longer.
- Solar panels (PV) to generate electricity.
- Energy efficient lighting which is cheaper to run.
A home survey will identify what is suitable for your home and you’ll get a free updated EPC assessment.
HUG funding is now open to private tenants, landlords and home-owners across the district and will be available until March 2025.
If you would like to apply and find out more call 0333 202 4820 or visit the HUG website.