Householders can access grants that will either provide all or part of the cost of some home energy efficiency measures. Full grants are means tested and are provided from Government funds. Other grants or discounts are available to anyone regardless of income.
The main Government grant is called 'WarmFront' and provides a range of insulation and heating improvements for those in receipt of many state benefits.
Local authority grants may be available although these are not specifically for energy improvements, but can be part of a bigger scheme. These are called renovation and small works grants.
Energy supplier grants are also available for some improvement measures, generally through discount schemes, and are available from insulation contractors and WEEAC.
For anyone considering installing a renewable energy system, the government provides specific renewable energy grants.
Warmth with WEEAC
If you live in the Warwickshire, Worcestershire or Coventry area and would like WEEAC to find the best grant scheme for you, call 0800 9 882 881.
All major energy suppliers are required by Ofgem (the Energy Regulator) to subsidise some of the main energy efficiency measures. These vary from supplier to supplier and are generally available through insulation contractors.
The amount of subsidy is based on the energy saving potential of a particular measure and could be as much as 50% of the cost. If you are over 70 it will be free.
If you qualify for the Warm Front grant, you will also qualify for free insulation under this scheme.
Most insulation contractors are involved in at least one energy supplier scheme.
The precise details can change frequently and we update these regularly. WEEAC has recently introduced a referral system called 'Warmth with WEEAC' where we will refer you directly to the best scheme for you. For a list of the insulation schemes currently available in Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Coventry, telephone 0800 9 882 881.
Warm Front
If you own your home or rent it from a private landlord, you may be able to claim a grant under the Warm Front scheme.
The work can include a package of insulation and heating improvements, low energy lights and energy saving advice and is now worth up to £2,700. This is not a cash grant; the work is carried out for you by specially appointed contractors.
These grants are only available if you receive certain means tested benefits.
For further information call the Warm Front help line on 0800 316 2814 or use the links below.
Tip from WEEAC
Any work you have done now will reduce the amount you can have done in the future. If you only need insulation at the moment, use an alternative grant and save Warm Front for later. This way, when you need to repair or replace your heating, you will still have the full allocation of £2,700 to pay for it.
Warm Front details
Low carbon buildings programme
The DTI's Low carbon buildings programme provides grants for microgeneration technologies for householders, community organisations, schools, the public sector and businesses. The progarmme is managed by the Energy Saving Trust.
Launched on 1 April 2006, the programme will run over three years and replaces DTI's Clear Skies and Solar PV programmes, which closed for applications on the 31 March 2006. The programme is UK-wide (apart from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and will demonstrate how energy efficiency and microgeneration will work hand in hand to create low carbon buildings.
Find out more
www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
Central Heating
If you receive a means tested benefit, central heating grants are available through Warm Front but generally, there are no other grants specifically for replacing boilers.
The Building Regulations recently changed to require that all new boilers fitted, even in existing homes, are high efficiency. This also requires the heating system controls to be upgaded at the same time if they don't meet current standards.
If you don't know of a heating engineer who can do this work for you, we have provided a list of local heating contractors on a leaflet you can download. These have been checked by us to ensure that they are CORGI approved, have adequate insurance and have been in business locally for at least 3 years.
Local Authority
This depends on your own local authority, but most will have 'Renovation Grants' and 'Small Works Grants'. They will be limited and means tested and may be replaced by low interest loans. They are not intended specifically for energy efficiency improvements, but this can be part of a larger scheme. For example if you need to repair your roof because it's leaking, roof insulation can be included.
Some councils have specific energy efficiency programmes although they may be restricted to a particular area. Again, they will be cash limited and given on a first come first served basis.
Contact the Grants Officer of your local authority to find out what is available.
Charitable Trusts
These are often linked to particular employers, trades or trade unions. Some local charities also have hardship funds and handyman schemes that can help. If you are in need it may be worth contacting organisations that you have previously worked for or belonged to. These are likely to be small grants.
Heart of England Green Loan Scheme
A Green Loan could help you to keep warmer and more comfortable for less money. That's where the Heart of England Loan comes in - you could borrow money for energy efficiency measures such as condensing boilers or cavity wall insulation and pay it back over two years at a special low interest rate. The Green Loan helps spread the cost of improving the efficiency of your home, helping you save money on fuel bills year on year. Contact the advice centre for further information.
Boilers and Heating Contractors
