All services
  1. Home
  2. News

Deadline looms to apply for energy saving upgrade grant for homes with off-gas heating systems

Environment

17 September 2024

4 people stood in front of pound symbols

Earlier this year North Northamptonshire Council announced the availability of the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), a scheme aimed at providing energy-saving improvements to residents with off-gas heating systems.   

The HUG2 program offers free-of-charge energy-saving improvements that will not only keep homes warm but may also help residents manage their heating bills efficiently. Whether you own your home, privately rent, or are a private landlord with tenants, you may qualify to apply. 

Eligible residents now have until the end of September to register for the grant to ensure any approved works are installed before the scheme ends. This could include insulation, solar panels and low carbon heating systems.

The grant is available to households meeting specific criteria, including not being heated by mains gas, having a combined annual income of less than £36,000, and having a home that an Energy Performance Certificate declares as ‘hard to heat.’ 

Landlords are also encouraged to apply, under conditions detailed further below.   

The scheme aims to phase out the use of fossil fuel heating, supporting the UK's 2050 Net Zero commitment and promoting household health and well-being through the reduction of cold homes.   

Eligibility criteria:   

  • The Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) is open to homeowners and private tenants in all three categories:
  • Homes not heated by mains gas which includes oil, coal, LPG or only electric heating.
  • Households with a combined annual income of less than £36,000 OR receiving certain income-related means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit OR you live in an Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) area. You can check your postcode or telephone 0800 107 8883.
  • Hard to heat homes – this is based on your home Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). You will be helped with this part of the assessment and receive a free EPC assessment if you do not have one already.

Landlords, who have four or fewer properties, will be able to apply and will be required to contribute at least one third of the cost of the upgrades in addition to the funding provided. This will be agreed before work begins.   

How will it help?   

You may be offered energy saving improvements to help cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon emissions.   

These could include:   

  • Insulation and ventilation upgrades (to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer).  
  • A low carbon heating system such as an air source heat pump (which will mean upgrading any existing heating system).
  • Heating controls which make sure you only use heat when you need it. 
  • An energy efficient hot water solution to keep your water warm for longer. 
  • Solar panels (PV) to generate electricity.    
  • Energy efficient lighting which is cheaper to run.   

A survey will identify what is suitable for your individual home and you’ll get a free updated EPC assessment.   

The retrofitting scheme is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and managed by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZH) and North Northamptonshire Council.

This grant scheme addresses the pressing issue of fuel poverty, which has affected a significant percentage of households in North Northamptonshire.

We are urging all eligible residents to apply before the end of September.Councillor David Brackenbury, Executive member for Growth and Regeneration
There are still many eligible homeowners in North Northamptonshire who could miss out on these free energy saving upgrades.

Not only will the measures help heat homes while cutting their carbon footprint but can also help reduce energy bills.

This is a fantastic opportunity which should not be missed. I urge residents to check they are eligible and apply.Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

To apply for the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 and find out more, you can find details online or telephone 0800 107 8883. Applications are open till end of end of September 2024 to allow for works to be completed before the end of the scheme in March 2025.

Agility Eco, a specialist company appointed by North Northamptonshire Council, will manage all energy-improvement works on behalf of residents. For direct enquiries or assistance, please contact Agility Eco by calling Agility Eco on 0800 107 8883.