Grants provide energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to low-income households in Ashford

People living in homes which don’t have gas heating systems still have time to take advantage of a grant scheme which provides energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to low-income households in the Ashford borough.

Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) is a Government grant scheme to fund energy-saving upgrades for residents who don’t heat their homes by mains gas.

Since the grant scheme was launched before Christmas dozens of Ashford residents have responded, checking on their eligibility to apply and starting the application process.

The good news is that there is still time to apply – HUG2 funding is available until March next year but don’t delay, there is a finite amount of funding allocated and grants are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

The grant will pay for improvements which could help people to use less energy, reduce their carbon footprint and spend less on energy bills. The scheme is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Ashford Borough Council is supporting the delivery of the scheme across the district.

HUG2 is open to home-owners and private tenants in:

• Homes not heated by mains gas which includes oil, coal, LPG or only electric heating (so-called ‘off-grid’) AND
• Households with a combined annual income of less than £31,000 OR receiving income-related means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit OR if you live in certain areas
• Hard to heat homes – this is based on your home Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). You will be helped with this part of the assessment and receive a free EPC assessment if you do not have one already.

Landlords who have four or fewer properties will be able to apply and will be required to contribute at least one third of the cost of the upgrades in addition to the funding provided.

How will it help?

You may be offered energy saving improvements to help cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon emissions. These could include: 

• Insulation and ventilation upgrades (to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer).
• A low carbon heating system such as an air source heat pump (which will mean upgrading any existing heating system).
• Heating controls which make sure you only use heat when you need it.
• An energy efficient hot water solution to keep your water warm for longer.
• Solar panels (PV) to generate electricity.
• Energy efficient lighting which is cheaper to run.

E.ON will guide households through the process

E.ON has been appointed as the approved installer in the Ashford borough and they will be on hand to guide customers through their application, helping them understand and establish eligibility for the scheme. If eligible, E.ON will identify which improvements for the home will provide the greatest benefits and arrange any necessary surveys and installations.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “Phase 2 of the Home Upgrade Grant is a key step towards improving our most energy inefficient homes. It aims to target low-income households helping them save money and reduce fuel poverty. This scheme is a chance for residents to improve their homes, save money on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.”

HUG2 funding is open to private tenants, landlords and home-owners and will be available until March 2025. You can find out more and apply online.   

You can also find out more information by visiting our dedicated web page.