Energy efficiency help for 100 homes in west Devon

The council says energy efficiency upgrades could save households £400 a year

Help with the cost of making homes more energy efficient is being offered to 100 households in west Devon.

The work to upgrade heating systems and insulation is being offered by West Devon Borough Council.

It said the improvements would help those who are on lower incomes and whose homes are in most need of upgrading.

The council estimates the work could help eligible households cut their energy bills by £400 a year.

The project follows an award of £1.8m by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero to improve the energy efficiency of 100 homes across west Devon by March 2025.

To be eligible for the improvements, the council said residents must:

• Have a combined annual household income of less than £31,000

• Be living in the most poorly performing properties as measured by their Energy Performance Certificate (D-G properties)

• Be living in properties not heated from the gas grid.

It said energy efficiency improvement work would include insulating walls and lofts, and installing low-carbon heating such as heat pumps.

Those living in private rented properties could also benefit, it added.

Council leader Mandy Ewings said: "It has been a tough time for many, particularly those living in homes that are not as efficient as they should be.

"This support will help ease the financial burden of many and ensure more efficient energy use, allowing our residents to stay warmer for longer, at a lower cost."

Households that think they may be eligible for the scheme can find out more online.