As we already know, the fourth stage of the ECO scheme has been delayed for three months, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get access to funding to help put energy-saving measures into your customers’ homes. One such funding pot, the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) is open now and looking for applications. Read on to find out everything we know about HUG.
What is the HUG scheme?
The HUG scheme consists of a £950m funding pot that will be distributed over a number of years. The first instalment of funding, £67m, was allocated in February this year. When you apply for HUG funding, you are applying for a grant to install insulation in your home. To qualify, you need to be from a low-income household (less than £30,000 annually), have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of E to G.
The grant covers part or all of the cost of the installation of insulation including loft insulation, draught proofing, cavity wall insulation and room-in-roof insulation. As with most energy-saving grants, it is designed to save you money in the long term. In fact on average, most people save around £200 a year on their energy bills, through upgrades like insulation.
Where can I get a HUG grant?
HUG is distributed by the government’s Local Authority Delivery Scheme. In order to apply for the funding, homeowner’s will need to apply to their local council. Right now, £67m has been allocated to 22 local authorities across England, to help the local people reduce their energy bills by £200. This round of funding will be available over three years, until 2025.
What are the benefits of HUG?
The benefits of the HUG scheme are dependent upon whether or not you own your home. Those who are homeowners will receive all of their insulation work and survey’s fully funded by the grant. Those who privately rent can receive up to £5,000 for insulation measures, but their landlord must contribute at least one third of the required cost.
On top of the benefits for us as consumers, there are also a number of benefits to the green sector that come from this funding pot. Firstly, 1,300 jobs have been created in the green energy sector, as a result of funding being accessible for installations. Moreover, HUG and ECO funding for installers also makes it easier for households to reduce their individual carbon footprint, as well as collectively allowing the nation to become greener.
The HUG scheme will continue to run alongside the ECO scheme when that funding gets distributed again later this year. For some, the HUG scheme could be the more accessible choice, as you are not required to be in receipt of state benefits, simply a low income household.
Remember, while the ECO scheme may not be running presently, the team here at Green Deal First are still available to help negotiate the best rates for you and your customers, to ensure energy-saving measures are accessible to everyone.