Thousands of households have just weeks left to apply for free energy saving upgrades – check if you could benefit
Keep scrolling to find out other benefits councils across the country are offering
THOUSANDS of households could be eligible for free energy saving upgrades, but they must hurry as there are just a few weeks left to apply.
The help is part of the home upgrade grant (HUG) – a government initiative aimed at helping low-income households in England improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
The grant provides funding for various energy efficiency measures and low-carbon heating improvements in homes that are not connected to the gas grid, often in rural or semi-rural areas.
The grant is primarily aimed at low-income households living in homes that are considered energy inefficient, particularly those with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.
The HUG can be used to cover a variety of energy efficiency and heating upgrades, including insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, solar panels, heat pumps and low-carbon heating systems.
The level of funding varies depending on the type of measure being installed, but it generally covers a significant portion of the cost. In some cases, it may cover the full cost.
Bedford Borough homeowners without gas central heating run the danger of losing out on free energy-saving renovations that may help them heat their houses more efficiently and save money.
Residents who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) by September 30.
If approved, they will be eligible to receive free upgrades like solar panels, insulation, low-carbon heating systems, and more.
Households must live in a designated postcode region or have a combined annual income of less than £36,000 (including benefits) in order to qualify for free improvements.
Properties must also not be heated by mains gas and, if available, have an EPC lower than a D.
Councillor Jim Weir said: “We are committed to helping residents in Bedford Borough reduce their energy consumption and lower their bills.
“This scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that. I encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of this offer before it’s too late.”
Each property will have its potential energy-saving measures determined by an initial survey.
Work is completed on a first-come, first-served basis and homeowners who would like their work to be completed before the initiative ends in March 2025 should apply by the end of September.
Bedford Borough residents can also find help and support with the cost of living and energy bills by accessing the .
What if I don’t live in Bedford?
If you are not a Bedford Borough resident, you can check if you’re eligible and apply at or call delivery partners Agility Eco on 0800 107 8883.
To get further help beyond HUG, you’ll need to check with your council – as local authorities are in charge of distributing different funding.
To find your local council, use the
Once you’ve found your council, there should be information on how to apply on its website.
Each council will have a different application process – so exact details on how to apply will vary depending on where you live.
Deadlines can vary too. For example in some areas such as Ealing, the fund has already closed to new applications.
Meanwhile in North Hertfordshire there’s a deadline of September 30 too, and over in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead you have until March 31, 2025.
EXTRA HELP WITH ENERGY UPGRADES
It’s not the only scheme that can help you cover the cost of making your home efficient.
The Energy Company Obligation is a government scheme to help hard-up households upgrade their property.
A free gas boiler is one of the upgrades available for those who otherwise would not be able to cover the cost.
A new boiler costs an average of between £1,000 and £3,500, according to British Gas estimates, depending on the model.
You might qualify for the help if you live in private housing and get one of the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Benefit
- Housing Benefit
If you own your home, it must have an energy efficiency rating of D, E, F or G.
Whereas if you rent from a private landlord, the house must have an energy efficiency rating of E, F or G.
You can check the energy rating of your home using the following tool on the government website: //www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.
To apply for the scheme you can contact your local authority or your energy supplier – see which ones are part of it below.
- British Gas
- E (Gas & Electricity)
- E.ON
- Ecotricity
- EDF
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- OVO
- Scottish Power
- So Energy
- Utility Warehouse
- Utilita
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers households grants up to £7,500 to install heat pumps in their homes.
They are better for the environment than boilers and can save you money on your energy bills.
Previously, households needed to have loft or cavity wall insulation installed in their property to be eligible for the scheme.
But earlier this year the Government changed the qualifying criteria which means it’s now not mandatory.
The Government has said the change to the scheme could save households around £2,500 in total, and it means they no longer need to have insulation installed before applying.
Heat pumps work by shifting heat from the ground or air into your home.
The cost of installing a heat pump can vary from between £2,000 to £15,000, according to Checkatrade.
To get the help you must:
- live in England or Wales
- own the property you’re applying for
- be using the grant money to replace a fossil fuel heating system (such as oil, gas, electric or liquefied petroleum gas)
- have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
You can apply for one of the grants by first contacting a MCS certified installer to get a quote.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.