The most effective solution to fuel poverty lies in energy efficiency improvements to ensure that the fabric of the dwelling is insulated to as high a standard as possible, and that the heating provision is efficient and economic.
Some dwellings may only require simple, common sense measures to make a difference and in such cases basic energy advice may be all that is needed. Other dwellings may need more substantial work to help make them energy efficient. In this case, funding or other practical help may be available.
Obtain energy efficiency advice from the relevant company - your energy supplier
Even comparatively basic improvements can make the difference between fuel poverty and affordable energy costs, and advice is widely available. Click here for contact details
Independent Energy Efficiency Advice Centres - funded by Government
A network of Energy Efficiency Advice Centres established by the Energy Saving Trust has now achieved total coverage of Great Britain. Householders have access to free, independent energy advice.
PRACTICAL HELP
There are several sources of practical assistance for domestic energy efficiency improvements, although eligibility may depend on household income, housing tenure, age or disability.
Eligible households may receive grants for heating and/or insulation improvements from the local authority, from the fuel company that supplies the gas or electricity or through the Government’s Warm Front scheme in England and equivalent programmes in the other countries of the United Kingdom. Some grants are restricted to owner-occupiers whilst others can be paid whether the applicants rent or own their home.
Warm Front is the main Government-funded scheme to tackle fuel poverty in England.
Click here for links to similar support in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland
Scheme | Eligibility | Tenure | Measures |
Warm Front | Householder or spouse receives a means-tested benefit and is over 60 OR Householder or spouse receives a means-tested benefit and household contains a child under 16 years OR Householder or spouse receives a disability-related benefit | Private sector tenants and owner-occupiers only | Heating and insulation measures to a maximum value of £3,500. Works can include central heating installation and in circumstances off the gas network, up to £6,000 for an Oil-fired CH installation. |
Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC)
All energy suppliers are required to achieve energy savings targets as specified by the energy regulator, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). Over the period 2005-2008 around £1.4 billion will be invested in domestic energy efficiency improvements. Most of this cost will be recovered from customers.
Most of this EEC / EESoP expenditure has focused on larger-scale programmes of work rather than assistance to individual households. However many companies set aside part of their budget to fund work for individual customers.
Scheme | Eligibility | Tenure | Measures |
Energy Efficiency Commitment | All households Special provision for Priority Group customers (those in receipt of means-tested or disability-related benefits) | All households | Schemes can include heating and insulation work, low energy lighting and energy efficient appliances |
Note that the EEC scheme will be replaced for 2008-2011 by CERT - the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target
2007 has seen the introduction of Home Information Packs, which include Energy Performance Certificates, the coverage of which will gradually spread to the whole housing market, as it changes hands. The cost of the HIP is carried by the seller. With the introdcution of HIP the government is promoting grants on line at www.direct.gov.uk for energy efficiency measures
Local authorities may fund energy efficiency improvements through a range of grant programmes.
House Renovation Grant
The purpose of this grant is to make a dwelling fit for occupation or to bring the property into reasonable repair. The grant may cover improvements to insulation standards and/or the provision of heating facilities. The amount of the grant is the cost of the work, less any contribution required from the applicant.
Scheme | Eligibility | Tenure | Measures |
House Renovation Grant
| Grant aid is means-tested and applicant may be required to contribute to cost of any improvement works. These grants are discretionary | Owner-occupier Landlord Private sector tenant with legal obligation for such work | Insulation works and double glazing Provision of heating facilities which may include a central heating system |
Home Repair Assistance
The purpose of this grant is to fund small-scale improvements or adaptations to the dwelling. The grant may cover making the property weather-proof, repairs to doors and windows and insulation improvements.
Scheme | Eligibility | Tenure | Measures |
Home Repair Assistance Local authorities can set their own criteria for eligibility and for levels of maximum grant This is not available in all areas. it is usually delivered through a Care and Repair agency
| Receipt of a means-tested benefit. This is not necessary where applicant is 60 or over, disabled or infirm, or is a carer. These grants are discretionary Carer for elderly, disabled or infirm householder | Owner- occupier Landlord Private sector tenant | Insulation improvements |
Disabled Facilities Grants
The purpose of this grant is to assist a disabled person to live more independently in their home through the provision of essential facilities. These facilities may include improving or providing a heating system suitable to the needs of a disabled applicant or adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use.
Scheme | Eligibility | Tenure | Measures |
Disabled Facilities Grants | Means-tested and the applicant may be required to contribute to the cost of improvement works. Grants are mandatory in most cases | Owner- occupier Tenant A landlord may apply on behalf of the tenant | Can be used to improve or install a heating system suitable for the needs of a disabled person, or to adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use |
If you do not own the property you occupy, someone else may have responsibility for ensuring your home is warm and dry. If they are not fulfilling their obligation you can seek help. Eligibile tenants of Private Landlords are entitled to grants if their landlord agrees to the improvements.
Other sources of advice and help
Health and safety- Gas
Health and Safety Executive Gas Safety Advice Line 0800 300 363
Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500
Transco (for gas leaks) 0800 111999
Solid Fuel Enquiries – coal and wood
Solid Fuel Association – 0800 600 000
Oil Enquiries
Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry – 01737 373 311
Others
www.sedbuk.com - Boiler efficiency database and links to various energy sites.
www.consumerfocus.org.uk/ - Consumer Focus - New consumer champion, formed through the merger of energywatch, the National Consumer Council and postwatch
www.est.co.uk - Energy Saving Trust. Information on renewable energy, climate change, community, housing, energy saving tips.
www.cse.org.uk - Promoting sutainable energy policies and practices
www.berr.gov.uk/energy - Information on sustainable energy policies
www.bre.co.uk/page.jsp?id=58 - provides consultancy and advice on all aspects of the built environment
www.nher.co.uk - The National Home Energy Rating scheme
NEA acknowledges the support of e.on in developing these advice pages