Environment - New Support For Homeowners To Get Green Grants

A new system to help homebuyers get green grants worth hundreds of pounds to lower their fuel bills and make their homes greener has been announced following the introduction of Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates.

Most people are unaware that there are typical grants of £100 to £300 for cut price loft and cavity wall insulation. The programme is expanding next year so even more home buyers will be able to benefit from hundreds of pounds off insulation.

Measures recommended in the EPC could save the average consumer £300 a year off their fuel bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

With EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) giving home-buyers a home energy rating, the system will make it easier for consumers to get grants to make the improvements recommended in the certificates.

For the first time, the six major energy companies have agreed that when buyers move into their home and sign up to an energy contract they will get immediate access and information about 'green' grants or offers to consumers. This follows talks with the Government and will help them make their home more environmentally friendly and cut fuel bills.

In addition, the scheme will include a new portal on the Energy Saving Trust's website where consumers only need to tap in their postcode to find details of offers available. Once fully rolled out it is estimated that the energy certificates would save nearly a million tonnes of carbon per year by 2020.

Consumers who choose to give details from their EPC to suppliers will also receive targeted offers for recommendations in their certificate. This information will not be used for any other purpose and cannot be given to anyone else by the supplier.

The offers are funded by energy suppliers and other partners, with their investment in 'green grants' increasing to £2.5 billion over the next three years from April 2008, compared to £1 billion over the last three years.

EPCs are being introduced as part of Home Information Packs, starting with four bedroom homes and above. The certificates will give consumers energy ratings for homes of A-G, similar to consumer friendly fridge ratings.

Source: Communities and Local Government

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