People on low incomes who live in poorly-insulated properties are being offered grants of up to £25,000 to help them combat soaring electricity bills – but the money runs out next month.
The Mayor of London’s Warmer Homes programme is providing grants for measures including double-glazing, draught-proofing and insulation for walls, lofts and floors. Homeowners and private renters with an income of less than £20,000 after tax and mortgage/rent costs, or those who are on qualifying benefits can apply.
The programme also includes the installation of more efficient sources of energy such as solar panels and heat pumps. Homes with electricity-based heating are expected to benefit most from the scheme.
South East London Community Energy (Selce), a local co-operative, is offering residents across SE London help to apply for the grants. Applicants will need to provide supporting paperwork and agree to an energy review of their home before any work can be done. Applications need to be in by the middle of January.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for low-income households in private sector housing to give their homes a major energy-efficiency upgrade,” said Katherin Garcia Rincon, Selce’s energy advice manager. “But they need to act quickly to secure the funding and we’re here to help as much as we can.”
Katherin added: “The whole Warmer Homes programme is designed to make the application process as easy as possible and enable residents to save money on their bills for many years to come.”
Applications can be made directly at warmerhomes.london while help with completing an application can be provided by Selce on 020 4566 5764 or energy.advice[at]selce.org.uk.
Selce also provides confidential, one-to-one sessions at its energy advice cafés, which run every Tuesday from 10am to 2.30pm at Woolwich Library.
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