We are committed to helping tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions from homes in our district as part of our goal for a net zero North Herts by 2040. Grants and independent advice are available to help make your home warmer, more efficient and lower emissions.
Warm Homes: Local Grant
The Warm Homes Local Grant aims to help the country achieve its net-zero carbon goal while helping households save money on their energy bills.
Eligible households can receive fully funded energy efficiency improvements worth up to £30,000 per home. Energy efficiency measures may include wall, loft and underfloor insulation, heating controls, draught-proofing, double or triple glazing, solar photovoltaic panels, and heat pumps.
Visit the Warm Homes: Local Grant page for more information and eligibility criteria.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO Flex) scheme
We are working in partnership with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) to expand eligibility for North Herts residents to access funding for insulation and other home improvement measures through the ECO4 Flex and Great British Insulation schemes.
If your home is poorly insulated (rated EPC D-G for owner-occupied or EPC E-G for privately rented), you can now qualify for this funding if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Route 1: Your household has a gross annual income less than £31,000
- Route 2: Your home is EPC E-G and you are in an owner-occupied or private rented sector household with a combination of two of the following:
- A person living at the premises is entitled to a Council Tax reduction
- A person living at the premises is considered to be vulnerable to the cold
- A child living at the premises is eligible for free school meals
- Completed a Warm and Well Assessment carried out by the National Energy Foundation’s (NEF) Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) helpline service. North Herts Council have partnered with BHBH to offer free, independent home energy advice.
- Referred to the Council for support by their energy supplier or Citizens Advice
- Route 3: You receive a referral from the NHS related to severe health conditions impacted by living in a cold home.
For further information, or if you have questions about eligibility, please contact the National Energy Foundation's (NEF) Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) helpline service on 0800 107 0044.
To check your EPC rating, find an energy certificate on GOV.UK.
Use this flowchart to identify how you might qualify for funding:
The ECO Flex scheme is being delivered as part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Great British Insulation Scheme.
Flexible Eligibility Statement of Intent
Insulation fitted through the ECO4 and GBIS schemes
The government has announced it is taking action related to poor-quality solid wall insulation installed under the wider ECO4 and GBIS schemes. Guidance is available for recipients of solid wall insulation through these schemes on the government website: What to do if you have poor quality wall insulation.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government scheme providing upfront costs to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers in homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales.
Acting on behalf of property owners, installers can apply for:
- £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
- £7,500 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump, including water source heat pumps
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
You can check on GOV.UK if you are eligible to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Retrofit guide for homeowners
The Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership have produced an independent guide to retrofitting your house to help residents reduce energy bills, make homes warmer and reduce emissions. The guide looks at common types of housing in our district and gives clear, independent advice about actions you can take.