Free energy-saving home upgrades offered to low-income families
Applications are open for two schemes to help low-income families in Windsor and Maidenhead improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Eligible homeowners or private tenants can apply to receive the free energy-saving upgrades designed to lower carbon emissions and help manage energy bills.
This will help families phase out high carbon, fossil fuel heating and reduce fuel poverty. Homeowners and those in private rented properties are eligible for both schemes.
The upgrades could include insulation, low carbon boilers and smart heating controls.
You may be eligible if you are in a home which has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G and have a combined household income of less than £31,000 per annum.
Also eligible are those receiving certain benefits such as Universal Credit.
The first scheme is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme Flex Phase 4 (ECO4), where energy suppliers fund the installation of energy efficiency measures in households.
Properties with all types of fossil fuel heaters or electric room heaters are eligible. Applications can be made to this scheme until March 31, 2026.
The second scheme, the Home Update Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), is open to off-gas grid households, where gas is not used for heating but runs on oil, LPG, solid fuel or has electric heaters.
Applications can be made until March 31, 2025.
RBWM encourages people to apply as soon as possible to ensure adequate time to assess and deliver the works.
The council has partnered with charity, the National Energy Foundation, who will administer the first scheme; the second is being delivered through the Greater South East Net Zero Hub and AgilityEco.
These organisations will assess applications and arrange a survey in the homes to agree what work will be carried out.
Installation will be completed by an approved and trusted subcontractor.
To apply to the ECO4 scheme, call 0800 1070044, or email bhbh@nef.org.uk
For the full eligibility criteria and to apply for the HUG2 scheme, visit hugapply.co.uk/author/gsenzh or call 0800 1078883.
The council’s website has a flowchart to help residents determine which scheme is best for them at: www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/environment-and-waste/energy-and-sustainability/home-energy-grants
Anyone who is struggling with the cost of living is encouraged to look at the council’s Here to Help campaign for energy saving advice and support: rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/hub-page/here-to-help
