Grants available to offset increasing energy bills

Low income households are encouraged to check if they are eligible for the Green Homes grant scheme.

With Ofgem’s announcement of a rise in the energy price cap from April 2022, residents in West Norfolk are being encouraged to check if they are eligible to receive help under a time-limited scheme that could help to help local householders offset the impact of any increases in their energy bills, be warmer in their homes and lower their carbon emissions.

The Borough Council has secured some extra funding and householders can apply to receive improvements to increase the comfort and warmth in their home. The scheme offers a wide range of insulation measures and renewable heating technologies which are designed to support homes to reduce their impact on the environment, including air source, ground source, and hybrid heat pumps.

This Warmworks scheme is time limited and is open to homeowners, private tenants and landlords, where the home has a low energy rating and a low annual income.

Warmworks will arrange a survey in the homes of eligible householders to agree the work that will be carried out. An accredited and registered sub-contractor team then completes the installation of the agreed heating and energy-efficiency measures, before an independent inspection assesses the completed work against rigorous quality standards. Where required, Warmworks will also then arrange for a full annual service to be completed 12 months later.

As well as the Warmworks scheme, the borough council will also be announcing some further funding for Norfolk Warm Homes and the new Home Upgrade Grant, which will be launching shortly.

Cllr Sam Sandell, cabinet member for people and communities, said: “This scheme is one that people across west Norfolk can benefit from, and with Ofgem’s announcement of an increase in the energy price cap from April, now is the time to check if you are eligible.

“People who are on a low income and finding it hard to heat their home could benefit from measures that will make their home warmer, offset increases to their energy bill, and decrease their home’s impact on the environment.

“I’d encourage everyone in west Norfolk to check if they are eligible to receive help from the Green Homes Grant scheme.”

Ross Armstrong, Warmworks Managing Director, said: “A few minutes to complete our short application could help your home stay warmer for years ahead.”

You can find out if you are eligible for the scheme by completing the short application form at http://surveys.est.org.uk/s/GreenHomesGrantSchemeLAD or by calling 0808 196 8255.