Funding home energy
Home energy efficiency and funding
Energy from fossil fuels such as gas used to heat homes, hot water and power appliances is a major contributor to climate change.
Improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings by reducing the energy we use and moving to using renewable sources such as solar panels is a national, regional and district priority.
Help with paying bills
If you are struggling to afford your energy bills, you might be able to take advantage of certain benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.
There are pots of money available to help with improving the energy efficiency of homes and move them to low carbon heating systems.
Some of those pots are open to all residents, and other pots are targeted at low-efficiency homes, low-income households and households with high fuel bills.
Winter Fuel Payments
Where a household has someone over 65 years of age or older, the Winter Fuel Payment could help with your heating bills over winter.
You get get between 100 and £300 to help pay your heating bills. You can find out more about if you are eligible and what to do next online at gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
Sustainable Warmth Grant
There are grants available of up to £10,000 to make energy efficient improvements to your home.
The grants are dependent on the current energy efficiency of your home and household income.
Landlords can also benefit from this grant.
You can find out if you are eligible and apply online through the Sustainable Warmth Scheme.
Cold Weather Payments
Cold Weather Payments are one-off payments to help you pay for extra heating costs when it’s very cold.
You will get a payment each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature for a set period of time. You’ll only be eligible if you already get:
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Pension Credit
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Income Support
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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Universal Credit
Find out more on the government’s Cold Weather Payments website.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
Check with your supplier to see if they offer the Warm Home Discount – not all suppliers are part of the scheme. You have to apply yourself and you might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill if you are:
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getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit
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on a low income
Find out more about the Warm Home Discount Scheme on GOV.UK.
Grants to help pay off your energy debts
If you have large arrears on your gas, electricity or water bills the following energy companies offer grants and schemes:
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British Gas Energy Trust – you don’t have to be a customer
There are also companies who offer grants specifically for their customers:
When you apply for a grant, you will have to provide detailed information about your financial situation in your application.
It could take a while to complete, and it might be worth getting help applying.
The charity Charis Grants can help you with the application. Alternatively you can get help from an adviser at Citizens Advice.
Energy switching
Changing your energy supplier may save money on your bills. You can use one of the cost comparison sites or buy as part of a collective group.
If you require further assistance with debt advice contact
Solar Together
Canterbury City Council is part of the Solar Together project that aims to provide residents with high quality solar panels via a group buying scheme that means residents can buy solar and install panels at a highly competitive price.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are a good investment. With solar panels you will benefit from saving money on your electricity bills. You will also be helping to reduce COâ‚‚ emissions and support a sustainable future through increased generation of renewable energy.
The current rounds of Solar Together are now closed. But you can still register your interest for future updates and rounds at Solar Together Canterbury.
There are also a number of excellent local and regional installers of solar and renewable energy generation systems. It's always recommended to use Checkatrade to find a reputable, local company.
Heat pumps
About a third of the greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to global warming from the energy that we use comes from burning gas. In 2020, most homes in the district were heated by gas boilers.
Although boilers have been improving in efficiency, they still consume large amounts of gas which comes mostly from fossil fuels. Burning gas in our boilers also contributes to the nitrogen dioxide levels in our local air.
Nitrogen oxides are harmful to human lungs. Scientists estimate that around 20% of the nitrogen oxides in the background air comes from gas boilers.
The UK Government agreed that the primary route to reducing fossil fuels from heating homes is to use heat pumps in combination with improving building insulation. Heat pumps use electricity to move heat from outside the building (from the air, ground or from water) into the building. The Renewable Energy Hub UK provides a comprehensive guide to heat pumps.