Households carrying out energy efficiency improvements on their home can now get more money back to offset the cost of having the work done.
From June, people in England and Wales will be able to get up to £7,600 back through a new Green Deal Home Improvement Fund so they can take control of their bills and have warmer, greener homes.
The scheme helps people to install energy efficiency measures such as solid wall insulation and new heating systems by providing them with money back on the contributions they make towards improvements.
It opens up the market for smaller businesses in the energy efficiency sector, competing in new and innovative ways and providing further opportunities for jobs and growth.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Davey, said:
“The best way for households to take control of their energy bills is to use less energy.
“Faulty boilers, draughty windows and insufficient insulation all cause properties to leak hundreds of pounds every year. But advice and support through the Green Deal can help put a stop to this.
“By installing energy saving improvements, families across the country can enjoy the benefits of warmer, more energy efficient homes and lower bills.”
The average annual bill saving from installing major measures such as solid wall insulation in a three-bed semi-detached house is £270, while savings from other measures such as upgrading a boiler can knock around £100 off a customer’s bill.
Under the new incentive scheme, which is available from June, domestic energy customers can get:
- up to £1,000 for installing two measures from an approved list; and/or
- up to £6,000 for installing solid wall insulation; and
- up to £100 refunded for their Green Deal Assessment.
The scheme also entitles those who have brought a property in the 12 months prior to application to qualify for up to an additional £500 if they carry out energy efficiency improvements.
In December the government announced a £540 million three year energy efficiency package to make Britain’s homes and public buildings more energy efficient.
Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, said:
“The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is another way the Government is making it simpler and cheaper for people to stay warm and improve their homes.
“I want households across the country to benefit from more energy efficient homes and reduced bills through the Green Deal, and that is what the new home incentive fund will do.”
The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund also applies to private or social landlords, who can benefit if they undertake to improve the property and are paying the costs themselves.
Measures eligible under GDHIF:
- Condensing gas boiler (on mains gas)
- Double glazing (replacing single glazing)
- Secondary Glazing
- Replacement Doors
- Cavity wall insulation
- Floor insulation
- Flat roof insulation
- Room-in-roof insulation
- Replacement warm air unit
- Replacement storage heaters
- Flue gas heat recovery units
- Waste water heat recovery systems