300+ Sign Up for Grants to Cut Energy Bills In Half

December 1, 2014

 

More than 300 people have already registered for a unique home energy improvement scheme led by Haringey Council that offers grants of up to £6,000.

The Smart Homes project offers homeowners in six north London boroughs a one-stop-shop for major green upgrades to their properties – with subsidised energy assessments and technical support.

Funded by the Green Deal Communities Fund, the 12-month scheme is the first of its kind in the country and aims to make it simpler and more affordable for homeowners to make the vital upgrades that could cut their energy bills in half.

Since launching in July, hundreds of residents have been in touch with energy experts Instagroup and supplier E.ON, who the council have commissioned to offer a simple service and remove the hassle of dealing with many different firms.

Councillor Joe Goldberg, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Sustainability, said: “I’m pleased that so many people have already taken advantage of this opportunity to make their homes more sustainable for the future.

“Our commitment to promoting pioneering green measures like this helps residents facing a rising cost of living, creates new long-term employment and supports our ambitions to cut carbon emissions.”

The project focuses on solid wall insulation and on Victorian and Edwardian terraces where simple, cheap energy upgrades can be difficult because of the design of the older buildings.

More than 35 per cent of heat is lost through external walls, with insulation upgrades one of the best ways to keep warmth in and cut down on wasted energy use.

Residents in Haringey, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest are eligible for the scheme, which will see more than three quarters of work carried out by local traders.

www.haringey.gov.uk