A new system to help home buyers get grants worth hundreds of pounds to lower their fuel bills has been announced today, linked to the introduction of Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates.
Most people are unaware that there are typical grants of £100 to £300 for loft and cavity wall insulation. The programme is expanding next year so even more home buyers will be able to benefit from hundreds of pounds off insulation.
With Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) being introduced today, giving home buyers a home energy rating, the system will make it easier for consumers to get grants to make the improvements recommended in the EPCs. For the first time, the six major energy companies have agreed that when buyers move into their home and sign up to an energy contract they will get immediate access and information about 'green' grants or offers to consumers. This follows talks with the Government and will help them make their home more environmentally friendly and cut fuel bills.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average consumer could save £300 a year off their fuel bills and a new section on their website allows consumers to tap in their postcode to find details of offers available. The offers are funded by energy suppliers and other partners, with their investment in 'green grants' increasing to £2.5 billion over the next three years from April 2008, compared to £1 billion over the last three years.
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said: "Energy certificates have the potential to cut family fuel bills by hundreds of pounds. But it can still be a real hassle getting the work done. Most people don't know these grants are available or don't know how to apply for them. This means it should be much easier for home buyers to get help to cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions too. It could save hundreds of pounds on insulation and hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills too."
