Published: Friday, 24 June 2022

Nearly £2m of grant funding is available for Oxford homeowners & residents in private rented homes to install energy efficiency and cost-saving measures to help reduce the rising cost of bills.

Oxford City Council has secured approximately £1.9 million funding from the government to help low income residents living in low EPC banded properties to make their homes warmer, greener, and reduce energy bills. The funding can fund a variety of home upgrades ranging from smaller insulation and ventilation upgrades or energy efficiency lighting, to larger measures such as solar panel installation and installing heat pumps.

Homes with a low EPC rating are more likely to have higher energy bills. In 2021, the median energy costs per year for homes with an A-D rating was between £434 - £824 per year. In comparison, homes with an E-G rating cost between £1,177 - £2,328. With the rise in energy prices in April 2022, this figure is expected to rise even more.

The grant funding provides support for residents to make changes to their homes which can help to improve their home’s energy efficiency, and reduce their bills. It is estimated that improving a home from Band E to Band C could lower bills by as much as £800 each year.

The funding is available for both homeowners and those living in private rented properties (subject to tenant and landlord approval).

Eligibility

The grant funding will be beneficial for households most likely to be impacted by rising fuel bills. To be eligible for the funding, homes must:

  • Have an EPC rating of band E, F or G. (D-rated homes can also be considered).
  • Homeowners or tenants must be on a low income. For example:
    • If your annual household income is under £30,000, or under £20,000 after rent or mortgage costs
    • Your household is on means-tested benefits
    • An allowance will also be made for the number of children in your household, or if you have recently lost income.

The amount available is dependent on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of the home and the current fuel source of the home. For privately-rented properties, landlords will need to contribute a minimum of one third towards the cost of the upgrades.

Oxford City Council has been awarded the Sustainable Warmth Scheme funding - previously called the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme.

The funding has been allocated to local authorities (via the Greater South East Net Zero Hub) from central government. All work carried out as part of the grant funding must be completed by 31 March 2023.

Find out more

To find out more, and if they are eligible, residents can call the Energy Saving Trust free on 0808 196 8255.

Alternatively, Oxford City Council officers will be attending the Energy Saving Homes Fair in Oxford Town Hall on Sunday 26 June with information on the Sustainable Warmth scheme.

The event will feature stalls and talks from retrofitting experts, installers and householders about measures – both big and small - that individuals can take to improve the energy efficiency of their home.

The event will highlight energy efficiency options, as well as renewable energy generation in the home. This includes solar panels and storage, heat pumps, glazing and ventilation, insulation, and low cost measures.   

The event is open to anyone, including homeowners, renters, tenants, who is interested in how they can retrofit their home, save energy, and save money on bills.

“Many of us are experiencing the rise in fuel prices at the moment and the impact it has on our energy bills. However, the rise in prices can be especially difficult for those on lower income and living in poorly insulated properties who often have to pay more for their bills. The Sustainable Warmth grant allows residents to install measures to improve the energy efficiency of their homes that can help make a real difference. I strongly urge anyone who is struggling and is worried about next winter to apply as soon as possible.”

Councillor Imogen Thomas, Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford and Climate Justice, Oxford City Council

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