Free panels and pumps on offer
RESIDENTS URGED TO APPLY FOR UPGRADES CASH
HUNDREDS of people around the county are eligible for cash from a new fund to pay the full price of insulation and other money-saving green improvements to their homes.
The Green Living Leicestershire programme will pay for things such as loft insulation and better windows, but also more expensive improvements such as solar panels and heat pumps, which can save a lot of money on rising energy bills.
Leicestershire County Council, which is in charge of the cash, will offer the money to residents on low incomes and live in their own homes that have low efficiency ratings.
The council estimates more than 300 homes in Leicestershire are eligible for the improvements, which will reduce energy costs as well as making households warmer and greener.
The county may have just experienced a record-breaking heatwave, but with energy caps rising again in the autumn, residents are being encouraged to think about getting their homes ready for the winter and getting on with jobs like installing solar panels, which the Energy Saving Trust estimates can save households an average of £280 a year.
Green Living Leicestershire is funded by £3.6 million from the government. Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for public health at the county council, said: “With energy bills soaring, not only will this scheme help residents with the cost of living, but it will also help Leicestershire become a net zero county by 2045 by cutting carbon emissions.
“I would urge any household who thinks they might be eligible to visit the website and find out more about these essential and sustainable home improvements.”
To have improvements paid for by the fund you need to:
Live in a home that you own in the Leicestershire County Council area;
Have a household income of less than £30,000 or be on a meanstested benefit;
Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G.
The priority will go to people at high risk of fuel poverty and those off the main gas grid. For more information on the grants, or to apply, visit the council’s Green Living Leicestershire page, or call project delivery partner Yes Energy Solutions on 03309 126199, who can support residents with their applications.