Hertsmere residents urged to check eligibility for Green Homes Grant scheme

Households throughout Hertsmere are being encouraged to see if they may qualify for support through the Green Homes Grant scheme, ahead of next month’s energy price cap rise.

The government funded initiative has been launched to help residents reduce their energy bills, make homes warmer and lower carbon emissions.

Under the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme householders can apply to make energy saving improvements to their home.

A number of insulation measures and renewable heating technologies are offered including air source, ground source, as well as hybrid heat pumps.

The Green Homes Grant is open to homeowners, private tenants, and people in social rented accommodation – where the home has a low energy rating and a low annual income.

The scheme is being delivered locally by managing agent Warmworks on behalf of Hertsmere Borough Council, and via funding from the UK government.

Warmworks will arrange for a survey to be conducted within eligible households to confirm what work will be carried out.

A registered and accredited sub-contractor team will complete the installation of the agreed heating and energy efficiency measures, before an independent inspection assesses the finished work against rigorous quality standards.

Where necessary, Warmworks will also arrange for a full annual service to be completed 12 months later.

First launched in 2015, Warmworks is a joint venture partnership between the Energy Saving Trust, Everwarm and Changeworks.

The managing agent was initially set up to deliver the Scottish government’s national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland. It now oversees several different schemes across the UK.

Ross Armstrong, Warmworks Managing Director, said: "I'm delighted that Warmworks is working in partnership with Hertsmere Borough Council to deliver the Green Homes Grant scheme.

“Not only do the funded energy efficiency measures that the scheme provides give local people an opportunity to reduce their carbon emissions and support the transition to Net Zero, but also one of the most important benefits we can offer through the scheme is to help people feel warmer, healthier and happier in their homes.

“A few minutes to complete our short application could help your home stay warmer for years ahead.”

Councillor Seamus Quilty, Portfolio Holder for Environment, added: "Following Ofgem’s announcement of an increase in the energy price cap from April, the Green Homes Grant scheme can offer vital improvements that could see many people across Hertsmere who are on a low income and finding it hard to heat their home benefit from measures that could see them being warmer, offset any increase to their energy bills, and decrease their home’s impact on the environment.

“Warmworks has a strong track record of delivering schemes that have helped nearly 25,000 households across the UK to improve the heating in their homes, and be happier, healthier and more comfortable in them.

“I’d encourage everyone in Hertsmere to check if they are eligible to receive help from the Green Homes Grant scheme.”

Last month, Ofgem announced the energy price cap would rise by 54% in April due to record increases in global gas prices – with millions of customers now expected to typically pay an additional £693 a year.

However, oil and gas prices have continued to surge further this week following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  

The new energy price cap is set to affect customers on default tariffs that have not switched to a fixed deal as well as those who stayed with their new supplier, after their previous provider exited the market.

For people on default variable rate tariffs paying by direct debit, the price cap will climb from £1,277 to £1,971. Prepayment customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017.

Energy firms are now beginning to announce how much customers will pay for their bills once the new price cap takes effect next month.

Ofgem have advised customers who are struggling to meet their fuel bills to contact their supplier as soon as possible.

Residents in Hertsmere can find out if they are eligible for the scheme by completing the short application form at http://surveys.est.org.uk/s/GreenHomesGrantSchemeLAD or calling 0808 196 8255.