News / fuel poverty
Funding offered to lower household energy prices and emissions this winter
Amid the cost of living crisis and rising costs of energy, Bristol City Council has launched a new phase of the Bright Green Homes scheme, made available to help eligible households lower both their energy costs and carbon emissions.
Fuel poverty has been one of the main challenges across the nation in the post-pandemic economic crisis, especially after the announcement of energy price caps rising.
According to the council, 14.4 per cent (approximately 29,045 households) are living in fuel poverty. This same report highlights the potential rise in these already worrying numbers.
is needed now More than ever
Fuel poverty describes the inability or struggle to afford energy costs. The main drivers of this socioeconomic phenomenon are low income, poor energy efficiency, and high energy prices.
The impact of it goes beyond household finances, as it’s also been shown to have an impact on both mental and physical health.
Councillor Kye Dudd, cabinet member for climate, ecology, waste, and energy said: “The Bright Green Homes project is a fantastic initiative which has been set up to help eligible households install a range of energy-saving and low carbon technologies.
As we approach winter, many people will be thinking about how they can improve the energy efficiency of their homes and save money on energy bills in the longer term.”
But, what are the criteria to be eligible?
Being a homeowner or landlord, not using a mains gas heating system (funding is only available to households with an electric, oil, coal, liquid petroleum gas, or solid fuel heating system), having an annual household income under £30,000 and having a valid Energy Performance Certificate rating ranging from D to G.
The scheme seems to tackle two of the main drivers of fuel poverty: Poor energy efficiency and high energy prices, making heating systems more sustainable, and fit.
Dudd added: “The energy saving measures available through Bright Green Homes include external and cavity wall insulation, double glazing and energy efficient doors as well as air source heat pump installation, and solar panels.”
The first phase of the project saw over 200 homes benefit, and the council is ‘encouraging’ as many people as possible to make the most of the funding available.
“Tackling household emissions will have a big part to play in our continuing journey to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030, and schemes like this can have a tremendous impact on reducing carbon emissions and household energy bills,” mentioned Dudd.
You can find out more about the project and register on the Energy Service Bristol website here.
This piece of independent journalism is supported by NatWest and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership
Main photo: Chris Bahn
Read next:
- Sustainability read of the month: ‘Hope in Hell’ makes justice to its title
- ‘How can we reach net zero when our public transport system is in shambles?’
- ‘How can we escape the vicious cycle of buy, wear, repeat?’
- Tackling the big questions climate change poses
Listen to the latest Bristol24.7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
