Free energy-saving upgrades available through government home-efficiency scheme

If your home is heated by oil, coal, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or electricity, you may be eligible for a Home Upgrade Grant, to improve your home’s efficiency and reduce your bills.

Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) is a government grant scheme funding energy-saving upgrades for residents who are most likely to be impacted by the high cost of energy bills. 

Applying for funding is simple and, if your home is eligible, it will be surveyed to determine which changes would help you to use less energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and spend less on your energy bills.

The retrofitting scheme is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and managed by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub and Chelmsford City Council. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2024.

Eligibility criteria for HUG2

The HUG2 scheme is open to:

• Homeowners and private tenants in homes not heated by mains gas, which includes oil, coal, LPG or only electric heating.
• Homeowners and private tenants in hard to heat homes, according to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If your home does not have an EPC, you will receive a free EPC assessment.

To qualify for funding, households must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Have a combined annual income under £36,000 or
• Be receiving certain income-related means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or
• Be in an eligible Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) area (check your postcode here: hugapply.co.uk).

Landlords with four or fewer properties are also able to apply for HUG2 and will be required to contribute at least one third of the cost of the upgrades in addition to any funding provided.

How will it help?

HUG2 aims to deliver energy-saving improvements to the homes of people who struggle to pay their heating bills and keep their homes warm in the winter.

Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Green Chelmsford, says this is a great opportunity for eligible homeowners and tenants:

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“The home-efficiency improvements available via HUG2 make it possible to heat homes for less, meaning residents can cut their carbon footprint and reduce their energy bills.

“Our Sustainable Warmth team has contacted those within the district’s Index of Multiple Deprivation area, but there are still many eligible Chelmsford residents who could miss out on these free energy-saving upgrades.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your home’s heating systems, and I urge residents to check their eligibility and apply before the September deadline.”

Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford, Chelmsford City Council

What would funding mean for your household?

If you are eligible for HUG2 funding, a survey will be carried out on your home to identify suitable energy-saving improvements to help cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. These could include:

• Insulation and ventilation upgrades (to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer).
• Upgrading existing heating systems to a low carbon heating system, such as an air source heat pump.
• Heating controls that ensure you only use heat when you need it.
• An energy efficient hot water solution to keep your water warm for longer.
• Solar panels (PV) to generate electricity.
• Energy efficient lighting, which is cheaper to run.

Work is completed on a first-come, first-served basis and applicants should apply by the end of September to allow for works to be completed before the end of the scheme in March 2025.

Graeme Heron, Energy Efficiency Programme Lead at Greater South East Net Zero Hub, is urging residents to apply sooner rather than later:

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“Retrofitting homes is an essential step in decarbonising our communities. The free measures available for eligible homes will help keep residents warm, healthy and cut their bills. Please check your eligibility and apply before it’s too late.”

Graeme Heron, Greater South East Net Zero Hub

How to apply

Applications for HUG2 funding should be submitted by 30 September 2024 to allow measures to be installed by the end of the scheme in March 2025.

You can apply at hugapply.co.uk or by calling the Energy Saving Trust on 0808 1968255.

If you’d like more information, you can contact the council’s Sustainable Warmth team by emailing Sustainable.Warmth@chelmsford.gov.uk or calling 01245 606606 (ask for 'Sustainable Warmth Officer’).