Thousands of homes to get energy saving home upgrades

Nearly £2bn is to be invested in making up to 170,000 homes more energy efficient.

The government is targeting the funding towards low-income households and social housing residents, and will pay for upgrades such as:

• insulation
• solar panels
• heat pumps

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero believes this could help households save hundreds of pounds a year.

“Living in a warm, comfortable home should not be a luxury,” said Miatta Fahnbulleh, minister for energy consumers.

“It is a right that has been out of reach for too many people for too long.”

Housing groups welcome announcement

The government’s announcement has been hailed by stakeholders across the housing sector.

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: “Decarbonising our homes is a win-win for residents, the government and our planet, creating warmer homes, saving residents money and tackling the climate emergency.”

Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute for Housing, added that this investment is “another important step towards making homes warmer, healthier and more affordable to run”. 

This is the latest step the government is taking to make homes more energy-efficient and bring bills down.

For example, it’s currently consulting on:

• plans to require private landlords to make sure their properties have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030
• making a further 2.7m extra households eligible for the £150 warm home discount next winter

What help can I get with energy costs?

If you’re struggling to keep up with your energy bills right now, then there are options available.

Firstly, speak to your supplier about any help they can provide, such as grants.

We can also help you check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to, offer budgeting tips and talk you through the range of debt solutions available. 

It’s also well worth reading our guide on what to do about energy arrears.