Just weeks left for Ashford homeowners to take advantage of free energy-saving upgrades

Homeowners in Ashford borough need to act quickly to avoid missing out on free energy-saving upgrades to heat their homes and save money.

Eligible residents only have until 30 September to apply for phase two of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2), where they could receive free measures such as insulation, solar panels, low carbon heating systems and more.

The retrofitting scheme is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and managed by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZH) and Ashford Borough Council.

Cllr Steve Campkin, portfolio holder for climate, environment and sustainability, said: “There are many eligible homeowners in the borough who could miss out on these free energy-saving upgrades. These measures will help heat homes while cutting their carbon footprint, and also help reduce energy bills. I urge residents to check they are eligible and apply.”

To be eligible for free upgrades, households must have a combined annual income of less than £36,000 (including benefits) or live in a specific postcode area, their properties must not be heated through mains gas, and they should be considered hard-to-heat homes.

Graeme Heron, Energy Efficiency Programme Lead at GSENZH, said: “Retrofitting homes is an essential step in decarbonising our communities. The free measures available for eligible homes will help keep residents warm and cut bills. Check your eligibility and apply before it’s too late.”

An assessment will be carried out on eligible properties to determine which energy saving measures could be undertaken. Work is completed on a first-come, first-served basis and homeowners should apply by 30 September to allow for works to be completed before the end of the scheme in March 2025. 

To check if you’re eligible and apply, visit the HUG website or call delivery partner E.ON on 0333 202 4820.