Homeowners in Chesterfield that have no mains gas supply to their property have benefited from financial support to help make energy efficient improvements to their homes and reduce their bills.
We’ve teamed up with Marches Energy Agency (MEA), and E.ON Energy Solutions to help residents to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient – after the council successfully secured over £440,000 through the Government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) in the last two years.
In total, grant funding has been used to help to improve the energy efficiency of 27 homes in the borough – this included an additional five properties than originally planned as we received an extra £48,800 in funding from central government to support local residents.
Improvement measures were dependant on the outcome of a technical survey, but many included the introduction of a range of improvements from insulation and solar panels to air source heat pumps and smart heating controls. These measures will help to save residents money on their energy bills whilst also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The funding was available to homeowners who do not have a mains gas heating system and where their property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D,E,F or G.
To help even more residents improve the energy efficiency of their home, we have also applied for funding for the Warm Homes: Local Grants scheme - a UK government programme that helps low-income households in England make improvements to their home.
While we wait to find out if our bid for funding has been successful, we are encouraging residents who meet the eligibility criteria below to contact our partners, Marches Energy (MEA), to register their interest.
The scheme is going to be rolled out over a three-year period, with households selected set to benefit from items such as external wall insulation, cavity insulation, loft insulation, internal wall insulation, ventilation, air source heat pump, solar and smart controls to improve EPCs from D or below to C or above subject to a technical survey.
Find out more details, including eligibility criteria here.
Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We understand that it’s a difficult time for many people as the cost of living continues to rise. With funding secured through this scheme we have been able to support homeowners in making improvements to their home to help to increase the warmth and comfort of their homes, whilst also reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.
“Despite facing significant financial pressures now and in future years, the council is committed to supporting those most in need and is doing all it can to maximise external funding opportunities like this, to help households across the borough.”
Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning, and the environment, said: “Helping to improve the energy efficiency of 27 homes in the borough is fantastic. Adding extra insulation will help to reduce energy consumption in buildings, keeping the homes warmer for longer, and in turn reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels are a great renewable energy source, and installing the air source heat pumps will help reduce carbon emissions when compared to more traditional gas boilers.
“Chesterfield Borough Council has made a commitment to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and to support the wider borough to become carbon neutral by 2050. We are making good progress towards our targets, and the positive actions taken as part of this project will benefit both residents and the wider environment.”