Cheaper, warmer & greener homes

Published Wednesday 9 November, 2022
Last updated on Wednesday 9 November, 2022

The sustainable warmth scheme aims to upgrade energy inefficient homes of low income households, helping people to save money on their energy bills whilst also reducing carbon emissions.

Delivered by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, and supported by Swale Borough Council, eligible residents with a combined gross household income of less than £30,000 and living in energy inefficient homes are encouraged to apply.

The energy efficiency of the home is determined by the EPC rating, which will be assessed for eligibility during the application process.

Funding is available to households heated by a gas boiler connected to the mains gas grid (on-gas), but households heated by alternative fuels including electricity, oil, liquid propane gas, and solid fuels (off-gas) should also get in touch.

Local contractor, Eon, will guide customers through the application journey, helping them understand and establish eligibility for the scheme.

If eligible, they will identify which improvements for the home will provide the greatest benefits and arrange any surveys and installations.

The funding allows £10,000 per property to provide a range of energy and cost saving upgrades, depending on the specific circumstances such as the fuel source, energy efficiency and EPC rating of the home, with up to £25,000 available for the least efficient homes heated by the most polluting fuel sources.

Cllr Julian Saunders, chair of the environment committee at the council, said:

“The sustainable warmth scheme aims to save residents money, reduce fuel poverty and cut carbon, and we encourage anyone with a household income of less than £30,000 and living in energy inefficient homes to apply.

“We’ll be reaching out to residents that we think could be eligible for the funding, but if anyone is struggling to keep their home warm with an outdated or inefficient system, then please get in touch.”

Cllr Tim Valentine, vice chair of the environment committee at the council, said:

“We declared a climate emergency back in 2019 and outlined our intention to be a carbon neutral borough by 2030.

“Not only would this funding help people save money they desperately need, but it will also help us reach our target, and do our bit as a borough to tackle climate change.

For more information, and to apply, visit www.eonenergy.com/green-homes-grant or call 0333 202 4859.