Targeted grants for low income households to install new heating and insulation are now available.
Cheshire East is now offering Home Upgrade Grants for private residences which are not heated by gas and have an Energy Performance Certificate [EPC] Band D, E, F or G. This can be used on solid wall insulation, internal and external, cavity wall insulation, loft, room-in-roof and flat roof insulation, under-floor insulation, air source heat pumps, solar thermal for hot water, solar PV for electricity, high heat retention electric storage heaters, heating controls, and external window and door upgrades.
Qualifying homeowners must have lived at their address for at least 12 months. Private tenants whose landlords own no more than four rental properties also meet the criteria. Total household income must be no more than £36,000 before all taxes and deductions, or no more than £20,000 after housing costs and tax contributions.
The scheme is running at a time when low income energy costs are a major concern, with the UK Government recently announcing that Winter Fuel Payments will be stopped for most pensioners, other than those on pension benefit and other means-tested forms of support.
Meanwhile, energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will rise 10% on 1st October, which could lead to an increase in annual bills of £550 for the least energy efficient homes. The average UK household currently pays £1,568 a year for gas and electricity, but this will reach £1,717 once the new price regime comes into effect.
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