Free energy efficiency improvements available for lower-income households

Published: 8 June 2022

Lower-income householders in Exeter are invited to apply for free energy efficiency improvements to their homes worth thousands of pounds.

From this week members of the public can check their eligibility and apply through the Cosy Devon website.

The scheme is being delivered by the Cosy Devon partnership which consists of Exeter City Council, Devon County Council (DCC) and other local authorities across the county.

It follows the partnership securing nearly £10m of government funding. The scheme will offer householders the chance to improve their homes by ensuring that they are warmer, less draughty, and less damp.

Improvements will also reduce their energy bills and lower their home’s carbon emissions.  

More than 20 per cent per cent of Devon’s carbon emissions come directly from homes.

Devon has higher levels of fuel poverty (13%) than the UK (10.6%).  Many homes in Exeter and across the county need substantial investment and the Cosy Devon partnership is committed to reducing Devon’s domestic carbon footprint and lifting communities out of fuel poverty.

The scheme is available to Exeter residents who have an annual combined household income of less than £30,000 and whose homes have an energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F or G.

Eligible homeowners who live in that property can access funding to cover 100 per cent of costs to retrofit their home, up to a cap.

Tenants of rented properties can also apply for grants up to a cap with the landlord expected to contribute at least one third towards the cost of the work.

Upgrades could include underfloor and solid floor insulation; insulation to cavity, external and internal walls, and lofts; double glazing, draught proofing, ventilation solar panels and heat pumps.

For those who qualify, their home will have to be assessed to determine which energy efficiency measures could be installed. The initiative has a quality assurance plan in place to make sure that works are done correctly and deliver the benefits and savings expected.

The options will then be discussed with the applicant before a final decision is reached.

Councillor John Hart, the Chair of Team Devon and Leader of DCC, said: “This scheme is an example of councils across Devon working in partnership to benefit the residents of Devon to help reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crises, lift low-income households out of fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions.

“Retrofitting your home will ensure that you use less energy, as a more efficient home would lower your fuel bill. The improvements to your home will also help protect you from the health risks associated with damp and cold homes and they will reduce carbon emissions.

“I encourage residents to check on the Cosy Devon website if they are eligible and apply.”

Those struggling to keep their home warm and who think they might be eligible for some help, can apply through the Cosy Devon website - cosydevon.com