Photo of two people stood in a garden outside their house
Credit: Energy Saving Devon

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is marking Energy Savers Week (15 - 21 January 2024) by raising awareness of support available for lower-income householders who are not on the gas network.

EDDC is working with Devon County Council to offer residents the chance to obtain free energy efficiency improvements.

To be eligible you’ll need to:

  • own and live in your property that is not connected to mains gas for heating
  • have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G
  • have a combined gross household income of less than £31,000 a year OR live in an Automatically Eligible Postcode Area (For more details, see Energy Saving Devon’s FAQs)

Devon has higher levels of fuel poverty (13 per cent) than the UK average (10 per cent). More than 20 per cent of Devon’s carbon emissions are generated in the home, mainly through heating and hot water, making them a priority for climate action.

The measures on offer will depend on the recommendations following a free site survey. Upgrades could include cavity wall, solid wall, external wall, underfloor, and loft insulation, as well as draught proofing, low energy lighting, heat pumps, heating controls, solar panels, and double glazing. The Retrofit Coordinator will assess what will have the most impact, and discuss priorities, such as lowering costs, reducing carbon, and improving air quality.

Homeowners supported through the scheme will receive a whole house energy improvement plan which can be used to carry out further, self-funded measures in the future.

Councillor Dan Ledger

Councillor Dan Ledger, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Homes and Communities, said:

“I am delighted that EDDC and Devon County Council successfully secured Government funding for the Home Upgrade Grant. The Home Upgrade Grant is an exciting opportunity to install improvements in homes not connected to mains gas for heating. These energy efficiency measure will support homeowners in eligible areas of East Devon or with low incomes to help reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions.”

The offer is on a first-come, first-served basis, as there is limited funding available per household.

To apply, visit www.energysavingdevon.org.uk/help/hug2/ or phone Energy Saving Devon’s Advice Line on 0800 138 6207 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or email energysavingdevon@cse.org.uk.