The Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, which provides fully funded home energy upgrades to Lincoln residents, was named Large Scale Project of the Year at the Regional Energy Efficiency Awards.
Aimed at residents with a household income of £30,000 or under, the scheme gives qualifying householders a bespoke plan of measures aimed at improving the warmth of their homes and lowering their energy bills. The city council has been working with Community Interest Company YES Energy Solutions, who are coordinating the qualification of customers and installation of funded measures such as cavity wall insulation and loft insulation.
The scheme has reached annual bill savings of £96,688, with 246 measures installed in homes across Lincolnshire. Funding is awarded to properties with an Energy Performance Certificate of D or below, as households in this category are likely to feel the impact when temperatures drop.
With funding still available, interested residents are urged to get in touch with YES Energy Solutions as soon as possible to ensure referral.
Councillor Bob Bushell, City of Lincoln Council's Portfolio Holder for Addressing the Challenge of Climate Change said: It has been great to see how this scheme has enabled people to save money and energy.
"There are always extra things we can do in order to become more energy efficient and YES has enabled our residents to do this with their scheme. In becoming more energy efficient now it provides the added benefit that, come wintertime, residents may also be able to save money on their electricity bills."
YES’ Commercial Director Alex Wilkes said, “We are incredibly proud to have accepted this award, as the scheme has truly impacted our customers’ lives.
“The cost of energy is still affecting households up and down the UK, so there has never been a better time to utilise funding available.
“With our team on hand to answer customer calls, and our accredited network of installers prepared for delivery, this is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your home life for the better.”
Residents interested in the scheme should contact YES Energy Solutions’ friendly energy advisors on 03309 126 199.
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Notes
Funding for the Home Energy Upgrade Scheme
The scheme combines two funding streams which include:
Local Authority Delivery Phase 3 (LAD3): a third phase of the LAD scheme with over £280 million available for local government. LAD3 has a refined scope to support low-income households heated by mains gas. Funding is capped at £10,000 per property.
Home Upgrade Grant Phase 1 (HUG1): over £218 million for low-income households with homes that are off the gas grid through the HUG scheme. Funding amount varies depending on property type.
Councils were able to apply for funding to form energy efficiency retrofit schemes.
The Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is from a consortium of councils which include City of Lincoln Council, North Kesteven District Council, South Kesteven District Council and West Lindsey District Council.
The scheme is open to homeowners and private renters. Landlords must contribute one third of the costs as part of government regulations.
The scheme helps residents living in homes with poor energy efficiency ratings of EPC band D or below who also have a low income of under £30,000 or receive means tested benefits.