Funding for energy-efficiency measures for your household
Find out about the Sustainable Warmth and green homes grant schemes which can help fund energy-efficiency improvements to your home.
Across the UK, many households will see the cost of gas and electricity rise as the energy price cap - the limit on what energy suppliers can charge - increases.
This shift will see many feeling the pinch, but there are changes you can make to try and keep energy costs under control. Energy-saving improvements could make your home more efficient, keeping a lid on rising energy prices. Some households across the South East may even be eligible for a government grant to fund energy-efficiency works.
Sustainable Warmth Grant
The Sustainable Warmth Grant offers energy saving home improvements, like insulation, renewable heating systems and double glazing.
This could help you:
- reduce your energy bills
- make your home warmer and more comfortable
- lower your carbon emissions
The grant is funded by the UK Government and managed by Warmworks with support from Energy Saving Trust.
Eligibility
To get these improvements:
- your home should have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rated E, F or G (D-rated homes can also be considered), and
- you are likely to be an eligible household if you are on a low income. For example:
- if your annual household income is under £30,000, or under £20,000 after rent or mortgage costs
- your household is on means-tested benefits
- an allowance will also be made for the number of children in your household, or if you have recently lost income
Find out about energy certificates on GOV.UK.
How to apply
You can apply through the Energy Saving Trust.
Online
You can complete the online application form on the Sustainable Warmth website.
Telephone
Call free on 0808 196 8255
Green homes grants
The green homes grants are part of the Sustainable Warmth government grant scheme designed to fund energy-efficiency upgrades to residents who are most likely to be impacted by the high cost of rising bills. These improvements will help you to use less energy and spend less on your energy bills.
How it helps
The scheme aims to:
- provide energy saving technology and upgrades which will be installed by approved installers
- create warmer, healthier homes
- help to cut carbon emissions
- make funding available for homes on and off the gas grid
The energy-efficiency grants will cover a range of energy-saving home improvements designed to balance the needs of residents with carbon reduction and grant availability.
What you can apply for
Energy and cost-saving upgrades that you may be able to get for your home:
- insulation and ventilation upgrades
- an upgrade to a low carbon heating system (the new heating system cannot include a gas or oil boiler)
- heating controls
- solar PV (that generates free electricity)
- energy efficient lighting
Grants available
There are grants available for owner occupiers and for privately rented properties.
Owner occupiers
For homes connected to the gas grid, the grant is up to £10,000. For homes not connected to the gas grid, the grant is on a sliding scale, from £10,000 to £25,000. The exact amount available is dependent on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of the home and the fuel source that heats the home currently (the EPC can be determined by the programme if it is unknown).
Privately rented properties
To qualify the tenant must meet the income eligibility and the landlord will need to contribute a minimum of one third towards the cost of the upgrades in addition to the grant provided.
For privately rented properties connected to the gas grid, the grant is up to £5000. For privately rented properties not connected to the gas grid, the grant is on a sliding scale, from £10,000 to £16,666. The exact amount available is dependent on the EPC of the home and the fuel source that heats the home currently.
If overall costs exceed the maximum grant available, additional investment by the landlord will be required. Costs and the contributions expected from the landlord will be agreed prior to commencement of work.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Sustainable Warmth Funding your:
- home should have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rated E, F or G (D-rated homes can also be considered but may be placed on a waiting list if the scheme is oversubscribed)
- household must have one either
- an income of no more than £30,000 (before tax or any other deductions)
- an equivalised income where cost of living is below £20,000 (i.e. after rent or mortgage costs)
- a composition (e.g. number of dependents) which stretches income to a position where they would be in fuel poverty
Find out about energy certificates on GOV.UK.
How to apply
You can apply through E.ON Energy.
Online
You can check your eligibility and apply for a green homes grant on the E.ON website.
Telephone
Call free on 0333 202 4859