Have you heard of the Green Homes Grant? Here’s how it might help you.
What:
The government has recently announced a new Green Homes Grant available to homeowners and landlords in England to help us make our homes more energy efficient and reduce our energy bills. The grant is for a voucher of up to £5,000 towards the cost of energy efficient and low-carbon heating improvements in the home, covering up to two-thirds of the cost.
The way the scheme works is that measures are split into primary and secondary measures. Vouchers must be used to install at least one primary measure, and then if you chose to also install secondary measures the voucher can also help cover the cost of this. The maximum amount received for a secondary measure will be equal to what is received for a primary measure.
Primary measures include insulation of any kind, such as cavity or solid wall, or under-floor. It includes low carbon heat systems, such as air source or ground source heat pumps, or solar thermal.
The secondary measures include measures involving windows and doors, such as draught proofing or double/triple glazing, and heating controls and insulation for hot water tanks.
Who:
Grants are available to all homeowners and landlords. The maximum voucher amount that can be received is £5,000. However, vouchers of up to £10,000 are available to homeowners who receive a qualifying benefit, or where someone in the homeowner’s household receives a qualifying benefit. In this case also, the voucher will cover 100% of the costs.
How:
Vouchers can be applied for from the end of September 2020. At the moment you can check your eligibility and find what improvements may be suitable for your home on the Simple Energy Advice Website. Once you have your results on what improvements are suitable, you can choose these improvements to see estimated costs and find accredited tradespeople to get quotes from. It is recommended homeowners get three quotes for the application of the voucher to find the best price. These vouchers will be needed for the application process. The scheme will be available until 31st March 2021.
The grant is still available if you are claiming other grants.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO): You can claim the Green Homes Grant if you are receiving ECO funding as long as they are providing different measures, for example loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): You can claim both the RHI and Green Homes Grant for renewable heating. The Green Homes Grant must be applied for first and then Ofgem must be notified of the use of this when applying for the Domestic RHI.
What we can do:
Our Warm Homes Officer here at PECT can help you with the process of applying for the Green Homes Grant, as well as any home energy related queries. For more information, call 01733 568408, email [email protected] or visit www.pect.org.uk/warmhomes