Council launches free home energy upgrade scheme

Derby City Council said it has already allocated £150,000 towards a number of homes to fund various energy efficiency measures

Residents in "low-income, privately owned homes" are being urged to apply for a grant which offers free energy improvements to their properties.

Derby City Council was awarded £1.6m through the Warm Homes Grant. Homeowners can access up to £30,000 per property to retrofit renewable energy systems like solar panels, insulation, and more efficient heating systems.

The measures aim to improve the city's housing stock, lower bills and improve energy efficiency.

Shiraz Khan, cabinet member for housing at the council, said the improvements would make a huge difference to residents.

According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, eligible applicants will own a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G.

Household income must usually be £36,000 a year or less but those who earn more can be eligible if they live in certain postcodes or one of the residents in the home receives certain benefits.

Derby City Council said it has already allocated £150,000 towards a number of homes to fund various energy-efficiency measures, including solar panels, air source heat pumps, loft insulation and ventilation measures.

Loft insulation is among the improvements which eligible residents could receive

The council has partnered with YES Energy Solutions, a not-for-profit organisation which has delivered hundreds of energy efficiency upgrades across the city through previous government schemes.

Khan said: "The benefits of this project go far beyond reduced bills. We know that warmer homes reduce stress around energy bills and can make residents healthier.

"By implementing new heating systems, installing solar panels or putting in loft insulation, this will impact a lot of people in a positive way.

"We want to see an improvement in housing standards and [this scheme] really benefits people."