Energy efficiency measures for your home

Our District Council has a number of schemes in place to help improve energy efficiency - many of these could be expanded as I've noted in the past - Kirkless Council for example offers all 40,000 residents free insulation - but we are working on that...for now I thought I ought to push some of what is available locally....

Photo: view from top of Stroud

A good starting point for general energy efficiency advice and guidance is the Gloucestershire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre FREEPHONE 0800 512 012

Levels of grant can change within a given year or between years, and amounts offered depend on age, personal circumstances and source and availability of funding.

Gloucestershire Warm and Well - This award-winning scheme started in 2001 is aimed at homeowners and private tenants. The Warm and Well scheme can refer clients to the most appropriate sources of funding including the Gloucestershire Energy Efficiency Grant (GEEG). GEEG grants can help people over 60 years old with less then £16,000 in savings and a weekly income of between £166-£215 (single person) or £244-£297 (for a couple). Free insulation measures may be available to people over 65 regardless of income and savings. The GEEG grant is subject to a survey and funding being available.

Measures available from the Warm and Well scheme include loft and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, heating controls, replacement of an old or broken down gas boiler with an efficient condensing boiler and low energy light bulbs. Home visits and energy efficiency advice are also available. For more details call Warm and Well on 0800 512 012

Rent Warm, Rent Well - available for private landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their rented properties. There is up to £100 per measure for loft and cavity wall insulation

Warm Front Grant - This scheme is managed by EAGA Ltd and is funded by the Government. It gives grants up to £2,700 to make houses warmer and more energy efficient (up to £4,000 for oil heating). It is available across the UK to homeowners and private tenants. To qualify you must receive one of the qualifying income related benefits, and be over 60 or have children under 16, be pregnant (with a MAT B1 certificate) or receive a disability benefit. Measures include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, gas or oil central heating, heating repairs, cylinder jackets and low energy light bulbs. For more information call Gloucestershire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 or the Warm Front Team on 0800 316 2814 or 0800 072 0151

Stroud District Council’s WISE Homes Grant - The WISE Homes scheme (Well Insulated Saving Energy) is intended to provide assistance for owner occupiers and private tenants in homes which are “hard to treat” as a result of having solid walls, and/or sloping ceilings, and/or off the gas mains. Eligibility is determined by an individual home energy survey and income assessment. The scheme offers measures such as insulation of sloping ceilings, floors, internal and external solid walls, and heating systems. Grant contributions are also available towards renewable energy technologies such as solar water heating panels and wood pellet stoves and heating systems. For more information call 0800 512 012 or Stroud District Council direct on 01453 754464

Fuel Supplier Schemes - Many of the gas and electricity supply companies offer energy efficiency discounts. In most cases you don’t have to buy your fuel from a particular company to take advantage of their offers, as they are available to all home owners. Check your bill to see if an energy efficiency helpline number is given.

Winter Fuel Payments - For advice on any aspect of Winter Fuel Payments, call the helpline: 08459 15 15 15 (8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri). Please have your national insurance number ready when you call. You can also visit the website here.

The Home Heat Helpline - The Home Heat Helpline is an independent telephone service that helps people who are struggling to pay their energy bills keep warm in winter. Contact the helpline: 0800 33 66 99 or visit the website here.