Could you be eligible for green energy funding? Find out how
According to a report from 2021, the government aims to tackle both fuel poverty and the Net Zero goal on carbon emissions by investing billions in promoting renewable energy solutions for low-income households. One of these schemes is called the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) available through the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) strategy. It’s not easy to find out about because it’s never promoted anywhere! That’s why we’re here to tell you more about it.
Porthsmouth City Council gets awarded money to help with the winter fuel crisis
Earlier this year, local councils bid to gain funding in the Sustainable Warmth Competition. Portsmouth City Council was awarded £16 million for the Home Upgrade Grant as part of this. This grant been handed to councils to deliver funding to low-income homes heated by the off-gas-grid. Portsmouth City Council covers most of the south coast and not just Portsmouth. It also oversees Southampton, Adur and Worthing, Arun District (including Arundel and Chichester), Brighton and Hove. Horsham, Mid-Sussex, New Forest and Gosport. It’s worth checking if you’re eligible for HUG funding with your local council – you could be awarded the money to make your heating greener and more sustainable!
If you’re not sure who your local authority is, you can check using your postcode.
Who is eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant?
Your property could be eligible for HUG funding if you meet all of the following criteria.
- Your home is not heated using the gas grid (off-grid) – Around 15% of homes use off-grid gas and this is typically the case in older or rural houses but also possible in urban areas.
- Your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is rated D to G – It’s easy to check your home’s Energy Performance Certificate rating online here using your postcode. You can not only find your rating but also information on your home’s heating and electricity. The average EPC rating in the UK is a D so you’re likely to fit into the bracket even if you can’t find out.
- Your household annual income is £30,000 or less – We don’t have any information on how household income will get calculated just yet but it’s likely to be based on similar systems already used by other government agencies.
If you declare you’re eligible, you will need to provide proof of this before your application can be considered for the Home Upgrade Grant. Your local authority will check.
So what’s the Home Upgrade Grant?
The HUG scheme is about making homes cheaper to warm up through energy efficient and low-carbon solutions which means green energy solutions for more people irrespective of income. Heating your home is essential and nowadays costly with the rising cost of gas prices. Independent sources have been warning that this winter could be a battle for many homes across the country who are already struggling with the cost of living. Green energy solutions make it easier and cheaper for homes to pay for heating and the HUG scheme gives people the opportunity to have green solutions installed for free. It’s a double win! This funding will support the installation process of renewable energy systems up to a proposed value of £25,000 per household.
For EPC F or G rated properties, you’ll see a minimum improvement to at least a D. If your home is D or E rated, you’ll see an improvement to at least a C. A better EPC rating lowers your energy bills, improves your property’s value and reduces your mortgage rates. It’s also a good indication that your carbon footprint is lower – so having a good rating can be very beneficial!
How can I apply?
There’s not much information on how you’ll be able to apply at the moment but here’s what we’ve heard so far…
You’ll be contacted regarding the scheme and asked to submit an application before a survey of your property is conducted. Appropriate measures will be approved and quotes from installers like us will get gathered before a contractor is given the green light to start working.
Quality checks and paperwork will have to get signed-off when the work has been completed. You’ll get a new EPC rating and monitoring data will be gathered. Either the local authority or the subcontractor will pay for you so it won’t cost you a thing!
