Additional funding is available to help people in Wellington lower their energy bills.
Somerset Council has secured funds from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme to help homeowners and private rental residents across the county to save money by ‘retrofitting’ their homes.
“Retrofitting” refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency, making it easier to heat, able to retain that heat for longer, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy.
Somerset Council has secured an additional £1million in funding to support the ‘retrofitting’ initiative.
This funding supplements approximately £6million already allocated for distribution by the council over a three-year period, from April 1st this year to March 31st, 2028.
Types of measures which can be installed using the grant are:
- Floor insulation.
- Wall insulation.
- Loft insulation.
- Door and window replacements.
- Ventilation.
- Solar panels.
- Air Source Heat Pumps.
- Storage Heaters.
The grants are means-tested, and residents can check if they are eligible and apply by searching ‘retrofit and energy efficiency’ on the council’s website.
Cllr Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness said: “I welcome the news that we have been awarded additional funds to help us continue to deliver clean, efficient and more cost-effective energy for Somerset residents.
“This investment is vital in ensuring that everyone in our community can benefit from modern, sustainable heating solutions, particularly those who may be struggling with older, inefficient systems.”
“It is heartening to hear stories like the one shared by a resident, which demonstrate the real difference these improvements make to people’s day-to-day lives.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy will ensure we can reach even more households and support Somerset’s journey towards a greener future.”
BELOW: A Warm Homes: Local Grant client talks about the improvements which have been made to their home using the funding.