Opportunity knocks for Ashford residents to save money on energy bills

If ever-increasing energy bills keeping you up at night, you’re not alone, with Ashford Council working to help you.

Across the UK, many households saw the cost of gas and electricity rise by more than 50% in April after the energy price cap – the limit on what energy suppliers can charge – was increased by the regulator Ofgem.

This shift will see many feeling the pinch but there are changes you can make to try and keep energy costs under control. Energy-saving improvements could make your home more efficient, keeping a lid on rising energy prices. Some households across the South East may even be eligible for a government grant to fund energy-efficiency works.

Sustainable Warmth

Ashford Borough Council is working with the Greater South Net Zero Hub, which has received more than £118 million in government funding to launch a scheme called Sustainable Warmth. This will enable local authorities across the region to help deliver energy-saving improvements for people who are struggling to pay their heating bills.

How the scheme works

The Sustainable Warmth grant offers energy saving home improvements, like insulation, renewable heating systems and solar PV. This could help you reduce your energy bills, make your home warmer and more comfortable, and lower your carbon emissions. The grant is funded by the Government and managed by Warmworks with support from Energy Saving Trust.

Warmworks is responsible for the whole customer journey, from the initial sign-up process through to a property survey, the installation of energy saving improvements and a quality inspection to ensure that everything has been fitted in line with the standards required by the Government.

Funding is available for homeowners and private tenants who live in a home with a low energy rating and have a household income of less than £30,000 a year, or unemployed and receive an income, health or disability benefit.

Grant eligibility

The primary focus of the Sustainable Warmth scheme is to upgrade privately owned housing occupied by low-income households, where the combined household annual income is less than £30,000 gross (before tax or any other deductions) or under £20,000 after rent or mortgage costs.

For owner occupiers, the grant is up to £10,000 (on gas properties under LAD3 scheme) to help pay for the cost of installing insulation upgrades, low carbon heating or renewables.

Those properties that are off gas (HUG1 scheme) can receive up to £25,000, depending on type of fuel and EPC rating (EPC E, F and G only).

For privately rented properties, the grant is up to £5,000 under LAD3 and variable under HUG1. In order to qualify the tenant must meet the income eligibility and the landlord will need to contribute a third towards the cost of the upgrades. Only homes which have an EPC rating of band E, F and G are eligible for help under the scheme.