Almost 200 people living more energy efficiently thanks to Green Homes grant
Almost 200 residents along the coastal strip of East Lindsey have benefitted from energy efficiency upgrades to their homes thanks to Government Green Homes Grants funding.
The first phase of the programme has now completed with 192 properties receiving works to install measures such as insulation, low energy lighting, solar panels, smart heating controls and air source heat pumps.
East Lindsey District Council bid for funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to undertake the works to properties with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F or G and where household income was below £30,000.
Cliff Abbott from Skegness received solar panels, low energy lighting and cavity wall insulation through the scheme, raising his property from an E rating to a high D.
Mr Abbott said: "My wife has a hot tub for hydrotherapy for a medical condition and now with the Solar PV the electricity used to heat the water is free. She also feels the cold and so the Cavity Wall Insulation is helping to keep the property warmer. I wish it had happened years ago, it's as simple as that. We're over the moon."
Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council, said: "I am delighted that our Government Green Homes Grants funding is well underway here in East Lindsey. With the current cost of living crisis, it is fantastic that we are able to support our residents with technological upgrades to their houses that can make a difference, particularly with winter around the corner.
"Not only are people's lives changing for the better with this grant, but we are also contributing to the global fight against climate change by providing more energy efficient homes."
Overall, the project installed a total of 392 individual energy efficiency measures which is anticipated to save around 421 tonnes of carbon emissions annually through reduced energy usage. The average saving for residents is estimated at £263 a year on their household bills - a figure expected to have increased as a result of recent energy price increases.
East Lindsey District Council is continuing to deliver further phases of Green Homes Grants alongside Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council. All schemes are currently closed but pre-applications are being taken for a new round of funding which is hoped will be in place by April. This will be targeted at properties with no connection to the mains gas grid.
To find out more and to register your interest, visit https://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/greenhomesgrant