Liverpool City Region Residents Encouraged To Apply For Home Upgrade Grant To Slash Energy Bills
Homeowners across Liverpool City Region are being urged to take advantage of a government scheme aimed at making homes more energy-efficient and affordable.
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), now in its second phase, is set to provide crucial upgrades to households, significantly reducing energy costs and enhancing living conditions.
The scheme, delivered by Ecogee on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, offers substantial financial support for energy efficiency improvements and low-carbon heating installations. The initiative targets properties not connected to the gas grid, particularly those with lower energy performance ratings.
Managing Director of Ecogee Brendan Helm said: “The first phase of the HUG initiative transformed the lives of hundreds of families in region. Participants have reported dramatic cuts in their energy bills and a noticeable increase in home comfort and the scheme’s success has demonstrated the vital role it plays in promoting energy conservation and reducing the region’s carbon footprint.”
To qualify for the second phase, known as HUG2, households must meet several criteria, where eligible homes should not use gas for main heating, must have an EPC rating between D and G, and fall within an annual income threshold of £36,000 or be located in specific postcodes. Both owner-occupied and privately rented homes (with landlord contribution) are eligible.
Brendan added: “Applying is simple and straightforward. Prospective applicants need only to fill out a quick registration form available on our Ecogee website. Once the form is submitted, a team member will get in touch to arrange a detailed home survey, ensuring that the right upgrades are provided for maximum benefit.
“The Home Upgrade Grant not only helps households save on energy, bills but also contributes to wider environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions. Upgrades can include insulation, energy-efficient windows, and state-of-the-art heating systems, all designed to make homes eco-friendlier and more cost-effective.”
Cllr Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Net Zero, said: “The Combined Authority has already bid for and won £105m in government funding to support low-income households by retrofitting around 10,000 properties with energy efficient measures, including external wall insulation, roof insulation, heat pumps and solar panels. So far, nearly 6,000 properties have been completed.
“Under these schemes, we are working closely with housing associations and local authorities to carefully identify and select eligible households to ensure that measures are installed where they make the greatest impact.”
As the summer heat continues, now is the perfect time for homeowners to act and prepare their homes for a more energy-efficient and cost-effective future.
Brendan said: “HUG2 is a fantastic opportunity for households to enhance their energy efficiency at no cost. It’s about improving quality of life and tackling energy poverty, especially in these challenging times. We encourage everyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply and take advantage of this excellent initiative.”
Liverpool City Region residents interested in the Home Upgrade Grant can find more information and apply by visiting Ecogee’s HUG2 webpage at ecogee.co.uk/hug2-register-to-apply.
