Are you eligible for free energy efficient measures for your home?

Home improvements will help make your home warmer and more comfortable, whilst helping you lower energy bills and carbon emissions.

Off-gas homes use more electricity than homes connected to the mains gas grid. Installing energy efficient measures will save you money and energy by making sure your home uses less energy for heating and can retain that heat for longer, minimising wasted energy.

Alongside the Home Upgrade Grant scheme and Somerset Independence Plus, the Centre for Sustainable Energy is working across Somerset to install energy efficient measures to off-gas homes at no cost to the homeowner.

To make sure your home gets what it needs, you’ll receieve a free energy survey to find the most suitable measures for your home. These measures can include:

• Solid wall insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Loft isulation
• Underfloor insulation
• High heat retention electric storage heaters
• Solar panels
• Air source heat pumps
• Heating controls
• Double glazing

Is your home eligible?

To be eligible, you’ll need to:

• Own and live in your property that is off-mains gas for heating
• Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G. If you don’t have an EPC, then the Centre for Sustainable Energy can arrange this for you.

Postcodes in Somerset automatically qualify for this funding if these two critera apply. But, if you’re a landlord or live in a private rented property you may still qualify. If this is you, find out more by getting in touch using the details below.

How do you apply?

You can call the Centre for Sustainable Energy (10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 038 5730, email safeandwarmsomerset@cse.org.uk, or fill in the form below.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone apply on my behalf?

A relative, friend or support worker can assist you in applying if you grant them permission, however the application must be in the name of the homeowner.

How could these home improvements cut my energy use?

The Government grant for home improvements will make your household more energy efficient. The insulation measures not only keep the heat in, so you don’t have to spend as much heating your home, but also help keep the cold out. Insulating your walls, roof or floors or installing low-carbon heating measures such as air source heat pumps, high heat retention storage heaters and solar panels could help improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Do I have to get my own installer?

No, we select a suitable installer within your area to assist us in the installation of your products. You will need to confirm with the installer/surveyor to confirm the survey and installations dates, the rest will be taken care of. However, the contract will be between you and the installer.

Who owns any appliances installed in my home once completed?

You will be the owner of these appliances, whether that be solar panels, air source heat pumps, heating controls, etc. These will be your responsibility to maintain going forward and you will have complete ownership.

COVID-19

Contractors we put forward will follow the latest Government advice during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may mean that work is delayed ensuring we can carry out the works safely.

Who are Somerset Independence Plus and the Centre for Sustainable Energy?

Somerset Independence Plus (SIP) is a partnership between Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset West and Taunton Council, commissioned by the partners plus Mendip District Council, South Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council to provide disabled adaptations, home improvements and prevention services for disabled and vulnerable people of Somerset, to enable them to be more independent, improve their housing and to live safer in their homes. The service also offers detailed customer assessments, and the option to receive advice with any equipment needs which can be done at one of our Independent Advice Centres.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is a charity supporting people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. CSE do this by sharing our knowledge, practical experience and policy insights. In Somerset, CSE runs the Safe & Warm Somerset service offering Somerset residents free, practical advice to help make homes warmer and cheaper to heat. For over 40 years, the CSE has supported people to take effective action on energy in their homes. CSE help communities and local councils to understand energy issues, set priorities and put plans into action. Their research and analysis is focused on making the energy system greener, smarter and fairer. Find out more at www.cse.org.uk