Solihull begin providing HUG2 improvements

Two homeowners in Solihull Shirley are saving money on their fuel bills and cutting their emissions after becoming the first to benefit from a scheme offering free energy efficiency upgrades to their home.

Using funding from the Government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) Solihull Council has helped two homeowners improve their properties with upgrades including innovative air source heat pumps, solar panels, and radiators.

As a result, the energy performance certificate (EPC) of both homes has improved from an E rating to a C.

The Council is now targeting improvements for dozens of homes in Dorridge, with work on the scheme already well underway.

The Council has recently secured a further £1.2 million of Government funding to allow more residents to benefit from the free upgrades. 

Shirley resident Kate, whose house on Collister Close was the first completed under the scheme, applied for HUG2 through the Council’s partner Act on Energy earlier this year and received a home survey the same month to identify what improvements her home could receive.

Once approval was given the installation was completed within the space of a week.

Kate said: ‘We were really impressed with the advice given and the work from the contractors in making sure everything was carried out to a high standard.

‘We don’t have gas to this property so just having electricity made our energy bills quite expensive, but the measures installed are expected to help us save £1,000-a-year on our energy bills which is absolutely amazing – especially as it hasn’t cost us a penny.

‘We are really interested in sustainable energy and having these environmentally-friendly sources supply our electricity and heating adds value to our house and improves our carbon footprint.’

HUG2 is targeted at homeowner occupiers who have off-gas properties, have a combined annual income of under £36,000, and an energy performance certificate (EPC) between D and G. 

Those who qualify for the scheme are offered a home survey to identify what improvements might be suitable for their property, these potentially including insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps, and more.

Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, said:  ‘Recent figures estimate more than 18 million homes in the UK have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below, accounting for more than half of the housing stock.

‘Driving EPC standards by improving the energy efficiency of our homes not only helps residents save money on their fuel bills and live in more comfortable homes, but also tackles the climate emergency by reducing carbon emissions – something we are steadfast in our commitment to as a Council.’

Cllr Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council, said: ‘It’s great to hear from Shirley residents on how HUG2 is making a difference to them and, thanks to the new funding secured, we are looking forward to helping more people take advantage of the free home upgrades available.’

Energy advice charity Act on Energy is supporting Solihull Council on the HUG2 programme and is the main point of contact for enquiries and applications.