Residents of Liverpool City Region are being urged to apply for the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), a government scheme designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Currently in its second phase, this grant provides vital support for households to enhance living conditions by installing energy-saving measures and low-carbon heating solutions.
Government Initiative to Boost Energy Efficiency
Homeowners in Liverpool City Region are called to take advantage of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG). The scheme aims to make homes more energy-efficient and affordable by providing crucial upgrades. This initiative is delivered by Ecogee on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The second phase of the HUG (HUG2) targets properties not connected to the gas grid, with lower energy performance ratings. Eligible homes can receive substantial financial support for improvements, significantly reducing energy costs and enhancing living conditions.
Criteria for Eligibility
To qualify for HUG2, households must meet several conditions. Eligible homes should not use gas as the main heating source, must have an EPC rating between D and G, and fall within an annual income threshold of £36,000 or be located in specific postcodes.
Both owner-occupied and privately rented homes are eligible. Landlords of rented properties must contribute to the costs. The application process is straightforward, requiring a quick registration form available on the Ecogee website.
Simple Application Process
The application process for the Home Upgrade Grant is designed to be user-friendly.
Prospective applicants need to fill out a quick registration form on the Ecogee website.
Once the form is submitted, a team member will contact them to arrange a detailed home survey, ensuring the right upgrades are provided for maximum benefit.
The upgrades include insulation, energy-efficient windows, and advanced heating systems.
Impact of the First Phase
The first phase of HUG transformed lives by dramatically reducing energy bills and enhancing home comfort. Hundreds of families benefitted from these improvements.
The scheme demonstrated its importance in promoting energy conservation and reducing the region’s carbon footprint. Participants have reported significant savings, highlighting the scheme’s success.
Local Authorities’ Role
The Combined Authority has secured £105m in government funding to support low-income households. This funding is aimed at retrofitting around 10,000 properties with energy-efficient measures, including external wall insulation, roof insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels.
Nearly 6,000 properties have already been retrofitted. Authorities work closely with housing associations and local councils to identify and select eligible households, ensuring that measures are installed where they can make the largest impact.
The collaboration between housing associations and local authorities is crucial for the scheme’s success.
Wider Environmental Goals
The Home Upgrade Grant not only helps households save on energy bills but also contributes to broader environmental goals. By reducing carbon emissions, the scheme supports the fight against climate change.
The initiative aims to improve quality of life and tackle energy poverty. In these challenging times, securing an energy-efficient home is more critical than ever.
State-of-the-art heating systems, insulation, and energy-efficient windows are designed to make homes more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Call to Action
Residents are encouraged to act swiftly. As the weather remains warm, homeowners should prepare their homes for a more energy-efficient future.
HUG2 provides an excellent opportunity for households to enhance energy efficiency at no cost. In these times, improving quality of life and tackling energy poverty is essential.
The Home Upgrade Grant offers a significant opportunity for residents to improve home energy efficiency and reduce bills.
With its dual focus on cost savings and environmental benefits, the scheme supports a sustainable future for the Liverpool City Region.