Lower-income householders across Devon and Torbay whose homes are not on the gas grid are invited to apply for free energy efficiency improvements to their homes.
Eligible homeowners will be supported throughout the works and can help decide what improvements are made.
All those supported through the scheme will receive a whole house energy improvement plan which can be used to carry out further, self-funded measures in the future.
The Home Upgrade Grant scheme aims to deliver energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to low-income households living in poorly performing homes.
Devon County Council has secured £13.2 million funding to deliver this project over two years from April 2023 until March 2025.
This scheme is open to households whose homes are not heated by gas (ie dwellings that use oil, LPG, coal, solid fuels or electricity for heating purposes), have an Energy Performance Certificate of D, E, F or G and who are on a low income.
To fulfil the low income criteria, applicants must either live in an eligible postcode area or have a total household income of £31,000 or less before tax.
From this week members of the public can check their eligibility and apply through the Energy Saving Devon website.
Many homes in Devon need substantial investment to improve their energy efficiency. Devon has higher levels of fuel poverty (13%) than the UK average (10.6%). Overall, more than 20% of Devon’s carbon emissions are generated in the home, mainly through heating and hot water, making them a priority for climate action.
Local Authorities across Devon and local Community Energy Groups have formed the Energy Saving Devon partnership, working together to make every house in Devon healthy to live in and affordable to run.
The partnership is committed to helping reduce Devon’s carbon footprint and lifting communities out of fuel poverty.
This project takes a ‘whole house’ approach, prioritising the measures which will have the most impact on making the home more energy efficient.
The measures on offer to individual households will depend on the measures recommended by a Retrofit Coordinator following a site survey and discussions with the homeowner to understand what their priorities are, such as reducing costs, reducing carbon, improving air quality or all three.
Upgrades could include cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, loft insulation, external wall insulation, draught proofing, underfloor insulation, low energy lighting, heat pumps, heating controls, solar PV (where heating is electric), solar thermal and double glazing.
Chair of the Devon District’s Forum, Councillor Phil Bialyk, said: “These upgrades will ensure that you use less energy, as a more efficient home would lower your fuel bill. The improvements to your home will also help protect you from the health risks associated with damp and cold homes.
“This scheme is an example of councils across Devon working in partnership to benefit the residents of Devon to help reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crises, lift low-income households out of fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions.
“I encourage Devon residents to check their eligibility on the Energy Saving Devon website and apply.”
Leader of Torbay Council David Thomas said: "We know that people want to save money on their energy bills and also do their bit to help the environment. This scheme is an excellent way for residents to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their costs, as well as being better for the planet."
Private sector landlords who own four or fewer rental properties are able to apply for this scheme. They will be required to contribute a minimum of 1/3 of the total cost of the upgrades.
Registrations for this scheme are now open on the Energy Saving Devon website.
Alternatively, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can register your interest by phoning Devon County Council directly on 0345 155 1015.
News archive
- October 2024 (4)
- September 2024 (17)
- August 2024 (7)
- July 2024 (24)
- June 2024 (8)
- May 2024 (25)
- April 2024 (19)
- March 2024 (17)
- February 2024 (16)
- January 2024 (14)
- December 2023 (14)
- November 2023 (30)
- October 2023 (21)
- September 2023 (22)
- August 2023 (18)
- July 2023 (17)
- June 2023 (14)
- May 2023 (11)
- April 2023 (9)
- March 2023 (36)
- February 2023 (22)
- January 2023 (26)
- December 2022 (18)
- November 2022 (24)
- October 2022 (18)
- September 2022 (13)
- August 2022 (15)
- July 2022 (22)
- June 2022 (14)
- May 2022 (35)
- April 2022 (23)
- March 2022 (32)
- February 2022 (18)
- January 2022 (14)
- December 2021 (22)
- November 2021 (22)
- October 2021 (25)
- September 2021 (23)
- August 2021 (18)
- July 2021 (26)
- June 2021 (24)
- May 2021 (21)
- April 2021 (21)
- March 2021 (33)
- February 2021 (30)
- January 2021 (27)
- December 2020 (24)
- November 2020 (37)
- October 2020 (29)
- September 2020 (27)
- August 2020 (22)
- July 2020 (37)
- June 2020 (38)
- May 2020 (39)
- April 2020 (36)
- March 2020 (22)
- February 2020 (10)
- January 2020 (18)
- December 2019 (7)
- November 2019 (11)
- October 2019 (15)
- September 2019 (16)
- August 2019 (8)
- July 2019 (9)
- June 2019 (7)
- May 2019 (16)
- April 2019 (11)
- March 2019 (11)
- February 2019 (7)
- January 2019 (11)
- December 2018 (11)
- November 2018 (14)
- October 2018 (14)
- September 2018 (9)
- August 2018 (7)
- July 2018 (19)
- June 2018 (21)
- May 2018 (7)
- April 2018 (10)
- March 2018 (35)
- February 2018 (9)
- January 2018 (15)
- December 2017 (9)
- November 2017 (17)
- October 2017 (11)
- September 2017 (6)
- August 2017 (7)
- July 2017 (13)
- June 2017 (22)
- May 2017 (16)
- April 2017 (8)
- March 2017 (9)
- February 2017 (9)
- January 2017 (4)
- December 2016 (10)
- November 2016 (11)
- October 2016 (14)
- September 2016 (9)
- August 2016 (10)
- July 2016 (11)
- June 2016 (4)
- May 2016 (20)
- April 2016 (14)
- March 2016 (18)
- February 2016 (8)
- January 2016 (15)
- December 2015 (13)
- November 2015 (19)
- October 2015 (17)
- September 2015 (8)
- August 2015 (6)
- July 2015 (19)
- June 2015 (11)
- May 2015 (20)
- April 2015 (14)
- March 2015 (15)
- February 2015 (13)
- January 2015 (17)
- December 2014 (17)
- November 2014 (18)
- October 2014 (14)
- September 2014 (17)
- August 2014 (16)
- July 2014 (10)
- June 2014 (8)
- May 2014 (1)
- February 2014 (1)
- January 0001 (1)