Energy News

Eco-upgrades for 7 million homes

Tuesday, 2 March 2010

By Daniel Barnes- daniel@consumerchoices.co.uk

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It’s time for eco-home improvements as the government unveils a new scheme to help fund energy-saving projects.

The government is promising eco-upgrades for 7 million homes, and to insulate all lofts and wall cavities by 2015.

The target for insulation and eco-homes will be met through a system of government long-term loans, with households paying off the loan as they save money on their energy bills.

A key initiative will be the loan will stay with the home – paid back through energy bills - and not the householder who orders the improvements.

Loans could cover improvements such as solar panels, wind turbines or ground source heat pumps, as well as insulation.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: “The “Warm Homes, Greener Homes Strategy” will remove the deterrent of up-front costs and reduce the hassle of the move to greener living.

“New ‘pay as you save’ green finance, a new alliance between energy companies and local authorities to help people in their communities, as well as moves to encourage landlords to stop ignoring energy wastage in their properties, will help deliver the radical transformation that’s necessary.”

Grants for low-income families will continue and new help will be targeted at those in private rented accommodation, the government stated.

It is not certain when the loans will become available as new legislation is needed.

New partnerships between energy companies and local authorities will come into action in 2013.

A pilot Insulate Today programme will be launched next month with employees of Aviva, HSBC and Sainsbury being offered help with insulation.

A £2.5m network of Green Show Homes will also be launched.

Housing minister John Healey said: “The Green Show Homes will be lived in by ordinary people and open to the public.

“People will be able to see first hand what a refurbished green home is like to live in, and the new technologies they can use to improve the energy efficiency of their own homes and save money on bills.”