Home energy efficiency assessment voucher scheme launches
Homeowners in Suffolk will be able to apply for a voucher that covers the cost of a professional retrofit assessment on their home property.
These assessments are the first step towards making their home more energy-efficient, lowering their energy bills and reducing their carbon footprints.
The retrofitting of all homes to EPC band C (or above) by 2035 is a stepping stone on the journey to achieving national net zero targets by 2050.
Retrofit refers to any improvement work on an existing building to improve its energy efficiency.
It is being funded by Suffolk’s Public Sector Organisations, including Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, and delivered by public services provider Reed in Partnership.
Supporting Suffolk’s Climate Emergency Plan, the scheme will play a significant role in providing support, direction, and incentives for private homeowners to decarbonise their homes.
Residents who own a home with an EPC band of below C can take up the offer of a voucher to claim an assessment from a PAS 2035 retrofit assessor.
The assessor will identify the best measures that could be deployed in their home to improve energy efficiency.
Such measures may include, for example:
- insulation
- draft proofing
- ventilation repairs
- low carbon heating and energy generation (solar panels)
The report will also incorporate analysis of the cost vs benefit of implementing the suggested improvements.
The voucher will entitle them to a cost-free assessment if the size of their property is smaller than 98m2, with a maximum additional charge of just £30 for properties bigger than this.
Homeowners can check to see if their property has an existing Energy Certificate with an EPC band and record of their property size via the GOV.UK website.
There is no obligation to take up the recommendations of the retrofit assessment report, but a new council loan will provide up to £15,000 at 0% interest to those interested in making efficiency upgrades.
The scheme will make available 637 assessments over an 18-month period, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Residents can apply for the vouchers online. Applications will be open from 22 November 2024, and vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
“These home energy efficiency assessments are a great way for Suffolk residents to find out exactly how they can save money on their energy bills, as well as reducing their carbon emissions.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure that homes can cope with the changes in climate, and these assessments will help provide people with the information they need to make those important improvements.
“Once their assessment is completed, they can also make use of the interest free loan scheme we recently announced to help fund these improvements and put money back into their pockets by saving on their bills."
