Bring your bills down by being energy efficient

Fuel bills have risen over the last few years and while we can’t do anything about the weather, there are lots of ways to reduce the cost of heating.

Various schemes and grants are available that could help people save more than £200 on energy bills each year and reduce their annual carbon footprint by up to 700kg of CO₂.

Thanet District Council has a dedicated service for people to find out what help is available by contacting energysaving@thanet.gov.uk or calling the Home Energy Officer on 07920 784779.

The service can offer information on funds to make homes energy efficient, assist you with finding the right supplier for your particular circumstances and ensure you are accessing the funds available to help with your energy costs.

The Green Homes Grant offers up to £5,000 towards energy efficient and low-carbon heating improvements to the home. This sum rises to £10,000 for low-income households who own their own property.

The Warm Homes Scheme is aimed specifically at people who are on a low income and have energy bills they can’t afford or have specific health conditions.

The schemes could help homeowners and tenants to install a range of improvements including:

• Cavity or solid wall insulation
• Loft insulation
• Underfloor insulation
• Loft and flat roof insulation
• Air source heat pumps
• Solar hot water
• Biomass pellet boilers
• Windows and doors and heating controls (in some circumstances)

Councillor Helen Whitehead, Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods said:
“It can be worrying for some as we start to think about how to balance staying warm enough at home with keeping the bills down. There is an intrinsic link between improving the energy efficiency of the home and lowering the cost of energy bills.

“There are lots of different ways that homeowners, renters and landlords can benefit, simply by applying for support to upgrade their property. There are grants available for insulation, updated heating systems and renewable energy installation, all of which could bring down the cost of keeping warm.

“Lots of people are experiencing financial hardship because of job losses and income reduction due to COVID-19. We know that this will be the first time some people will have claimed benefits and they may not realise that they’re eligible for help. I’d urge everyone to look into the options. There is money available for those on the lowest incomes or those who are vulnerable to living in a cold home.”

These schemes are designed to help people save energy and reduce their fuel bills. As part of its response to the declaration of a Climate Emergency, Thanet District Council has appointed a dedicated Home Energy Officer who is developing more initiatives to support reducing carbon emissions in housing and also provide affordable warmth.

Anyone who is struggling to afford their energy bills may be able to take advantage of certain benefits, grants and help offered by the Government and energy suppliers. More information is available at www.thanet.gov.uk/energyinthehome.