Sustainable Warmth scheme launches

Delivery of the scheme through the Greater South East Net Zero Hub aims to upgrade energy inefficient homes of low income households, helping people to save money on their energy bills whilst also reducing carbon emissions. West Berkshire District Council are supporting provision of the scheme as the local authority in your area and we encourage eligible residents to apply. 

The Sustainable Warmth scheme incorporates two areas of funding, targeting households with a combined gross household income of less than £30,000 living in energy inefficient homes. The energy efficiency criteria is determined by the EPC rating of the property. Residents will be assisted with this part of the eligibility process during application.  

Funding is available to households heated by a gas boiler connected to the mains gas grid (on-gas), but Local Authorities are particularly keen to hear from households heated by alternative fuels including electricity, oil, liquid propane gas, and solid fuels (off-gas).

A local contractor, City Energy will guide customers through the application journey, helping them understand and establish eligibility for the scheme. If eligible, the installer will identify which improvements for the home will provide the greatest benefits and arrange any necessary surveys and installations.

The funding allows £10,000 per property to provide a range of energy and cost saving upgrades, depending on the specific circumstances such as the fuel source, energy efficiency and EPC rating of the home, with up to £25,000 available for the least efficient homes heated by the most polluting fuel sources.

Cllr Steve Ardagh-Walter, Executive Member for Environment at West Berkshire Council, said: 

"Sustainable Warmth is a very welcome initiative which brings together two fuel poverty schemes. With the current cost of living and energy crisis, the initiative is an opportunity for eligible residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, which in turn can reduce their energy bills whilst also helping to reduce carbon emissions."

Local Authorities will be contacting residents who they believe are likely to be eligible for the scheme. Please check: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/sustainable-warmth for further details.