Dacorum residents can save money on bills this winter and make their homes greener - here's how

Dacorum Borough Council is encouraging residents to apply for funding to help reduce the carbon footprint of their homes and save money on their bills this winter.

With winter approaching and COVID-19 still affecting us, people will be spending more time indoors this year - impacting both the cost of heating and creating more carbon emissions.

By carrying out improvements to make their home more energy efficient, residents can not only make their home greener but potentially save up £600 a year on bills too.

Leader of Dacorum Borough Council, councillor Andrew Williams, said: “We want our residents to be happy and healthy in their homes this winter.

"By warming homes as efficiently as possible, householders can save money and drive down their carbon footprints, which is a crucial part of helping towards reducing the Climate Emergency.

"I urge those households that are applicable to take this opportunity as soon as possible.”

There are two different streams of funding that residents may be able to access.

Green Homes Grant scheme

The Government’s Green Homes Grant scheme launched last week and is aimed at home-owners, including landlords.

The scheme provides the chance to get a voucher worth up to £5,000 to pay up to two thirds of the cost of energy saving measures in their homes.

If a member of the household also receives certain benefits, the government may cover 100% of the cost of the improvements up to £10,000.

Vouchers must be used to install at least one primary home insulation or low carbon heating measure. The voucher can also be used to help cover the cost of secondary measures.

Work must be scheduled to be completed and the voucher redeemed by 31 March 2021.

For more information on applying for the voucher and the full list of primary and secondary measures, visit: www.dacorum.gov.uk/homeenergy.

There are only 600,000 vouchers up for grabs throughout England so make sure to act quickly to avoid missing out.

Tradespersons must make sure they are eligible to carry out work under the scheme, which will support thousands of green jobs.

Read: Builders Merchants Federation welcomes Green Homes Grant in Hemel HempsteadECO Funding

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. Under ECO, energy suppliers fund the installation of energy efficiency measures in British households.

The scheme is focussed on helping householders who have high energy bills in relation to their income. If residents meet certain criteria, they could be eligible for low-cost or free home energy efficiency improvements, including insulation and boiler replacements.

Dacorum is working in partnership with YES Energy Solutions to make it easier for households to get the help they need. All installations would take place through an accredited network of installers.

Click here to see if you meet the criteria and find out more.