The Royal Borough is working in partnership to offer two schemes to help support low-income families in the borough improve the energy efficiency of their homes while reducing their carbon footprint, with applications now open.
Eligible homeowners or private tenants can apply to receive the free energy-saving upgrades designed to lower carbon emissions and help manage energy bills. This will help families phase out high carbon, fossil fuel heating and reduce fuel poverty.
You may be eligible if you are in a home which has an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D, E, F, or G and you have a combined household income of less than £31,000 per annum, or you are receiving certain income-related means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit.
The first scheme is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme Flex Phase 4 (ECO4), where medium to larger energy suppliers fund the installation of energy efficiency measures in households. The council has partnered with charity, the National Energy Foundation, who will administer the scheme.
For this scheme, properties with all types of fossil fuel heaters or electric room heaters are eligible. Applications can be made to this scheme until 31 March 2026.
The second scheme, the Home Update Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), is being delivered across the region through the Greater South East Net Zero Hub and AgilityEco. It is open to off-gas grid households, where gas is not used for heating but runs on oil, LPG, solid fuel or has electric heaters and aims to support those who find it difficult to keep their homes warm.
Applications can be made until 31 March 2025, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure adequate time to assess and deliver the works.
Homeowners and those in private rented properties are eligible for both schemes. Across both schemes the energy and cost-saving upgrades that eligible residents could get for their home could include insulation upgrades, low carbon boiler upgrades and smart heating controls to improve their property’s EPC rating.
Councillor Karen Davies, Cabinet Member for climate change, biodiversity and Windsor Town Council, said: “These schemes provide support to low income households in the borough, helping families save money and reduce fuel poverty, while also cutting carbon and supporting the progress towards our commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions in the borough by 2050 at the latest. This follows on from other schemes we have offered in previous years to support low-income families decarbonise their homes. With energy bills remaining high, we’re keen to offer whatever support we can for our residents, and I’m pleased to see these initiatives being delivered in partnership with the Greater South East Net Zero Hub and the National Energy Foundation.
“Our Environment & Climate Strategy sets out our commitment to help the borough tackle climate change and the steps we need to take to bring about positive change. These upgrades will help families manage energy bills, while supporting the shift to cleaner, greener energy sources.”
The Greater South East Net Zero Hub and National Energy Foundation will assess applications and arrange a survey in the homes of eligible householders to agree what work will be carried out. Installation will be completed by an approved and trusted sub-contractor.
For the full eligibility criteria and to apply for the HUG2 scheme, visit https://hugapply.co.uk/author/gsenzh/, or call 0800 1078883. If you would like to apply to the ECO4 scheme call 0800 1070044, or email bhbh@nef.org.uk. The council’s website also has useful information, including a flowchart to help residents determine which scheme is best for them. Visit https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/environment-and-waste/energy-and-sustainability/home-energy-grants
Anyone who is struggling with the cost of living is encouraged to take a look at the council’s Here to Help campaign where you can find energy saving advice, support from providers and Government support. Visit https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/hub-page/here-to-help