Homeowners urged not to miss out on energy-saving grants

Eligible homeowners across the district are being urged not to miss out on government-funded measures to save money on their fuel bills.  

Properties which meet certain criteria including their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, could receive home improvements from insulation to air source heat pumps as part of the Homes Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) scheme for free.  

Cllr Mel Dawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change at Canterbury City Council, said: “We’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint and retrofitting homes is a vital part of that.  

“The upgrades involved in HUG2 will help residents live in warmer homes, reduce their carbon footprint and cut down on their energy bills.  

“We all have a role to play in reducing carbon and we are proud to be involved in this scheme.” 

According to EPC records, 779 homes in the district could be eligible for the HUG2 retrofitting scheme.  

Paid for by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and managed by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZH) and Canterbury City Council, it provides free energy-saving improvements to eligible properties. 

The measures can include insulation upgrades, installing solar panels, low carbon heating systems such as air source heat pumps and more.  

Households with a combined annual income of less than £36,000, including benefits, whose homes are not heated through mains gas and are hard-to-heat, could be eligible. 

Eligible properties will receive an assessment to evaluate and determine the energy saving measures that could be undertaken, and improvements made are completely free of charge.  

Work is completed on a first-come, first-served basis with applications closing at the end of September.  

Maxine Narburgh, GSENZH Regional Director, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to make their homes more energy-efficient, cutting their carbon footprint and their bills at the same time. 

“Please check your eligibility and apply before it’s too late.” 

To find out more about HUG2 and if your home is eligible, visit www.hugapply.co.uk or call Eon on 0333 202 4820.

Published: 10 July 2024