What can I do to improve my home?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years and provides a list of recommended measures to improve energy efficiency based on the circumstances at the time of the assessment. You don't necessarily need to already have an EPC to access support, however it may help guide which measures are worth pursuing.
Our Warm Homes service and local support
Our Warm Homes service can signpost residents on a low income to access local offers available via District and Borough Councils, the Lightbulb Housing Service or other third-party charitable organisations.
If you’re not sure where to start, read our advice booklet:
The booklet has advice and practical steps you can take to reduce energy usage, access benefits and signposting to wider resources.
Alternatively, complete a self-referral for advice via our Warm Homes service where further information and resources are available.
Information and support is available for residents struggling with the rising cost of living. See Find help with the cost of living.
A national register of warm spaces has been set-up to support those struggling to keep warm.
Current schemes
Green Living Leicestershire Home Upgrade Grant
The aim of the scheme is to improve the warmth and comfort of homes that do not have mains-gas heating, whilst also reducing energy bills, carbon emissions and levels of fuel poverty across the county. Eligible households could receive free energy efficiency improvements or clean heating (such as air source heat pumps) for their homes, following a home assessment.
See: Home Upgrade Grant.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Grants are available via larger energy suppliers and installers working on their behalf for a range of insulation measures and support to upgrade or replace inefficient or broken heating systems.
Some measures require a household contribution and the measures available from providers may vary.
ECO grants are primarily directed at homeowners, with more limited measures available to private rental and housing association properties dependent on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.
Eligible households must be in receipt of qualifying benefits, or on a low income and qualify via Local Authority Flexible Eligibility which takes into account household circumstances and property characteristics.
For more information see Energy Company Obligation (ECO) - home energy efficiency.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Government is providing grants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps and biomass boilers, through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Grants of up £6,000 are available to subsidise the upfront cost of low carbon heating technologies.
The scheme is open to domestic and small non-domestic properties in England and Wales. It runs from 2022 to 2025.
For more information see Boiler Upgrade Scheme (Ofgem).
Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a new government offer to help people insulate their homes, make them more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills.
Previously known as ECO+, the £1 billion scheme will help around 300,000 households across the country with the cost of installing new home insulation, and will save consumers around £300 to £400 a year on their bills.
The scheme will boost help for those on the lowest incomes, as well as extending support to a wider range of households living in the least energy-efficient homes in the country (those with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below) and in the lower Council Tax bands (A - D and England).
The scheme works by obligating energy suppliers to help customers to reduce their heating bills, through the installation of energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation. The cost of this may be covered in full through the scheme, or you may be offered the insulation for a contribution, depending on the measure and any property issues.
The scheme will launch later this summer and run until March 2026. For more information see: Great British Insulation Scheme (Ofgem).
Solar Together
Solar Together Leicestershire is an innovative new scheme offering high-quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage. It is a group-buying scheme, which brings Leicestershire households together to get high-quality solar panels at a competitive price, helping you through the process and keeping you informed at every stage. The scheme runs in phases, and you can register your interest online.
For more Information see: Solar Together Leicestershire.
Previous schemes
Green Living Leicestershire home energy grant
Green Living Leicestershire is a partnership between Leicestershire authorities to deliver projects supporting sustainability and Net Zero - the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible.
The home energy grant is administered by the County Council's Warm Homes service together with YES Energy Solutions.
For more information see Green Living Leicestershire – home energy grant.
If you have queries relating to previous schemes, please contact the Warm Homes team: warmhomesinfo@leics.gov.uk