Published date 10 February 2022

Boost for 56 West of England families to cut energy bills

Homes with solar panels on the roof

Energy bills are soaring as the cost of living crisis bites, but for 56 households across the West of England there is some brighter news on the horizon.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris has secured £1 million to install new double glazing, roof and wall insulation, solar panels and heat pumps in homes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The successful bid by the West of England Combined Authority, led by Mr Norris will target draughty social houses which score lowly on official energy efficiency ratings. It will bring the homes up to a level “C” rating that the Climate Change Committee is proposing all UK homes should reach in order to help meet the UK’s net zero carbon target.

A staggering 21 per cent of total carbon emissions in the UK come from our homes, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris

Dan Norris, West of England Metro Mayor:

“There is a cost of living crisis and a climate emergency. People are forking out  more and more on gas, electric and oil. I’m pleased to win this funding to help reduce energy bills for 56 local families by investing to make homes greener and more energy efficient. Choosing between heating and eating is a real choice people are making right now. It shouldn’t have to be this way. Everyone deserves a warm and safe place to call home.”

The South West Energy Hub, hosted by the West of England Combined Authority, is working with Elim Housing Association and Live West in the West of England to deliver the project as well as a number of organisations across the wider South West region. £4.7 million of government funding has been secured of which around £1m will be spent in the West of England, an additional £3.5 million will be match funded from the social landlords. The £4.7m funding comes from government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

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