Pin Point Issue 24 - 30 June 2022

New funding scheme for home energy improvements.

Lower-income householders across Devon are invited to apply for free energy efficiency improvements to their homes worth thousands of pounds thanks to new government funding.

The scheme will offer eligible householders the chance to improve the warmth and energy efficiency of their homes by ‘retrofitting’ them.

The scheme is being delivered by the Cosy Devon partnership which consists of Devon County Council (DCC), East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torridge District Councils, Torbay Council, West Devon Borough Council and Exeter City Council.

What is ‘retrofitting’?

‘Retrofitting’ is work carried out to improve an existing building by making it more energy efficient. Many homes, particularly older ones, have issues with damp, condensation, draughts, and insulation which make them difficult to heat and can have consequences for our health and quality of life.

Retrofit work aims to solve these issues by taking a whole-house approach to identifying the most impactful and cost-effective measures. When executed properly, these changes can make your home warmer, easier to heat, healthier for your family and for the environment.

Improvements will also reduce energy bills and lower a home’s carbon emissions. More than 20 per cent per cent of Devon’s carbon emissions are caused by our homes.

Who is eligible?

The scheme is available to Devon residents who have an annual combined household income of less than £30,000 and whose homes have an energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F or G.

You can find your homes energy performance certificate here.

If you are a homeowner, and live in that property, you can access funding to cover 100 per cent of costs to retrofit your home (up to a cap). Tenants of rented properties can also apply for grants up to a cap, with the landlord expected to contribute at least one third towards the cost of the work.

Upgrades could include underfloor and solid floor insultation; insultation to cavity, external and internal walls, and lofts; double glazing, draught proofing, ventilation solar panels and heat pumps.

If you qualify, your home will have to be assessed to determine which energy efficiency measures could be installed. The initiative has a quality assurance plan in place to make sure that works are done properly and deliver the benefits and savings expected. The options will then be discussed with you before a final decision is reached.

How do I apply?

If you’re struggling to keep your home warm and you think you might be eligible, contact Exeter Community Energy on 08007723617.

For homes in other parts of Devon: