Energy efficiency measures reach one million homes, DECC reveals

Extensive energy efficiency measures were installed in one million homes under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Green Deal schemes developed by the UK Government, the DECC has recently announced.

The 1 million milestone comes a month after the government allocated £24 million to help over 5,000 homes receive up to £4000 back for installing solid wall insulation, through the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund.

Up to a further £6 million is still up for grabs – homeowners can apply for up to £1600 if they install two measures from a list of home improvements under the fund.

This £30 million fund is part of an additional £100 million pot announced in October 2014, with the next release expected in February 2015. This is all on top of the £450 million already set aside for household energy efficiency over 2014-7.

In addition, a new £25 million grant announced as part of the Autumn Statement will see an extra 8000 low-income households benefit from first-time central heating for off gas grid homes.

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey commented on this announcement:

“Helping to make one million homes in Britain warmer through energy efficiency is great news – and to hit our target early is even better. One million extra homes already have permanently lower energy bills – whether that’s thanks to better insulation or more effective boilers. The challenge now is to continue this drive – and our next instalment of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is coming soon.”