Applications urged to help those living in fuel poverty
NEARLY £2 million of government money is being used to help people living in fuel poverty to improve energy efficiency in their homes.
Derbyshire Dales District Council has secured the funding until
March 2025 to improve the energy performance and heating systems of off-gas grid homes in the area.
Energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar panels and air source heat pumps are being installed in homes with the poorest EPC ratings where residents are on a low income, with projects already completed in Parwich and Hognaston.
The council is working with a firm called Broad Oak to deliver the new equipment, which is earmarked for 34 approved properties so far.
At a retrofitted property in Hognaston, where an air source heat pump and solar PV have been fitted, the homeowner said: “I would recommend the grant scheme.
“The entire house is constantly warm and comfortable.”
A resident of a retrofitted property in Parwich, where solar PV, air source heat pump and loft insulation have been fitted, described Broad Oak, the contracted installer, as “very polite, clean and professional”.
A district council spokesman said: “We have 15 homes at the work-inprogress stage right now, with Broad Oak carrying out the works.
“We have a total of 34 properties approved for applications with us so far.
“The bespoke retrofit assessments have recommended a combination of energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures to be installed.
“We still have funding available and we are keen to retrofit more properties here in the Derbyshire Dales.
“We need more referrals and applications, so please get in touch if you want to find out more or refer eligible properties where you know the resident may be struggling to keep warm or is suffering from fuel poverty.”
To find out more, or to discuss eligibility criteria, you can call the Marches Energy team on 0800 677 1332 or email hugd@mea.org.uk.