The new home upgrade grant allows householders to make their homes more energy-efficient.
Please note the home upgrade grant is currently closed to new applications. This post will be updated when further updates are announced.
This grant, designed to assist low-income households living off the gas grid in homes with reduced energy efficiency, offers homeowners exciting opportunities to reduce energy consumption and live more sustainably.
This article explores the new home upgrade grant, its eligibility requirements, and how to take advantage of this opportunity.
Why is there a second phase of the home upgrade grant?
The HUG Phase 2, or Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2, is a grant funding scheme in the UK to improve energy efficiency and promote low-carbon heating in households.
Building on the success of its earlier scheme, this programme provides financial incentives and assistance to homeowners seeking to make improvements.
Whether it’s by enhancing insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances, or instituting renewable energy solutions, Phase 2 provides valuable resources that will make your home greener and more cost-effective over time.
The home upgrade grant is designed to assist low income households improve the energy efficiency of their home, at little or no cost to the homeowner.
Eligibility requirements
The new home upgrade grant has specific eligibility requirements to ensure assistance goes to those with the greatest need. To be eligible for this grant, your home must satisfy the following requirements:
- Low income: The grant is primarily intended for low-income households. This means that if you’re struggling to make ends meet, this could help you make your home more energy-efficient.
- Off the gas grid: The new home upgrade grant is specifically designed for homes like this, as it recognises the unique challenges that off-grid households confront.
- EPC between the rating D and G: The EPC rating for your home should be between D and G. These ratings indicate that your home is less energy-efficient, making it a prime candidate for energy-saving enhancements.
- Living in a supported local authority area: Location-dependent availability of the grant. To determine if your area qualifies, use the “find your council” tool provided by your local government.
Applying for the home upgrade grant
Applications for the home upgrade grant are currently closed, however, when they re open, this is what you will need to do in order to apply for the grant.
How to apply when applications open back up:
- Locate your local council in the area you reside.
- Check to see if your local council has funding for the home upgrade grant.
- If they offer funding and you are eligible, you can then submit an application for the funding.
- Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision as to wether you have been accepted for the home upgrade grant.
It is important to note each council may have different eligibility rules, and different application procedures.
If your residence meets the above eligibility requirements, you are one step closer to receiving the new home improvement grant.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the new home upgrade grant is an exceptional opportunity for eligible homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Not only does it assist low-income households, but it also recognises the unique difficulties encountered by those living off the gas grid. By taking advantage of this grant, you can reduce energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Therefore, if you satisfy the eligibility requirements, contact your local government as soon as possible to make your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
People also asked...
What is the off-gas home improvement grant?
If your property is in an eligible postcode area, is off the gas and has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G, you will be eligible for funding without having to meet any additional criteria, such as income or benefits.
What does the home improvement grant cover?
This programme provides energy efficiency improvements and low-carbon heating to low-income, off-gas-grid households earning up to £31,000 annually. The objective is to reduce fuel poverty and eliminate non-grid-connected fossil fuels.
How much is the subsidy for gas and electricity?
Between October 2022 and March 2023, all residences with a domestic electricity connection will receive a £400 payment over six months to assist with energy costs.
How much funding is available, and is the client required to contribute?
Funding for off-gas homes varies on a declining scale between £3,000 and £38,000 based on the properties archetype and wall type. The available funding is determined by separate average cost ceilings for ‘energy efficiency’ and ‘clean heat’ measures.
How long will the funding be accessible?
Subject to availability, funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Installations must be concluded by March 31st, 2025.
Works performed after this date will only be eligible for funding if DESNZ grants an official extension.
Useful Resources
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Home Upgrade Grant: Phase 2
- Rural services network – Latest news from the home upgrade grant phase 2
- Midlands Net Zero hub – Home Upgrade Grant
- Retrofit Academy – Home upgrade grant scheme
- Cambridgeshire & Peterborough combined authority – Home upgrade grant launches to provide energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to low-income households in England
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