03/10/2022 - Save money on energy bills with Sustainable Warmth Funding
Luton Council has announced the introduction of grants to insulate eligible properties across the town, decrease their energy use and therefore save money on energy bills.
Sustainable Warmth Funding, a non-repayable grant scheme, is designed to fund energy-efficiency upgrades for residents who are most likely to be impacted by rising bills and the cost of living crisis. City Energy have been appointed as the managing agents for Luton Council to deliver the Sustainable Warmth Funding, on behalf of South East Net Zero Hub.
Potential energy-saving improvements to properties include insulation and ventilation upgrades, switching to a low carbon heating system, installing solar PV panels, adopting heating system controls and introducing energy-efficient lighting.
Sustainable Warmth Funding is open to private tenants, private landlords and homeowners. It is also targeted at those most in need of support, as rising energy prices put pressure on the cost of living. Households who are eligible must either have a household total income of no more than £30,000 (before tax or any other deductions), an income of £20,000 after rent and mortgage payments or a household composition that stretches income to a position where they would be in fuel poverty.
Properties must also have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G. EPC D properties are also eligible, but there is a 30% cap on the number of properties with this rating that can apply. If residents do not know their property’s EPC, they are still encouraged to apply. An EPC rating can be determined by the programme through a survey of the property.
Leader of Luton Council, Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE, said “Luton Council is fully committed to assisting its residents with the cost of living over the coming months. Energy prices are driving up the cost of living for those who live in our town, stretching the finances of residents as we head into winter. Through Sustainable Warmth Funding, we as a council are supporting households most in need, to reduce their energy use and therefore decrease the price of their bill”.
“I urge Luton residents to check our website to see if they are eligible and apply as soon as possible. The council also has a webpage dedicated to other ways to reduce the cost of living, which can be found here: https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Benefits/support/Pages/Luton-supporting-you.aspx”.
To find out more about the scheme and check your availability, please visit www.luton.gov.uk/energy-advice.
Applications for the scheme are open from 3 October 2022 until 31 December 2022.