Local energy schemes receive £46m cash injection

The Government has today awarded £46m to 132 projects across the UK, aimed at reducing fuel poverty, boosting energy efficiency and encouraging collective switching and purchasing.


Local councils and third sector organisations applied to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) for funding under three competitions.

The Government received responses from with councils requesting funding for individual projects or as part of regional applications.

Under the scheme, vulnerable householders will receive £31m, a further £10m will be provided for the Green Deal and £5m will be used to set up collective switching schemes.

Energy Secretary Edward Davey said the Government-funded projects would help people save energy and money.

“This £46m will help local councils across England upgrade inefficient heating kit as well as creating demand for and installing insulation under the Green Deal in homes across their local areas.

“Funding will also be used to drive forward collective purchasing and switching initiatives at a local level, helping consumers get a better deal on their energy bills.

“I am delighted so many organisations want to run new co-operative schemes to help people, especially the fuel poor, to get the best deals in the market,” he said.

The £10m was intended to kick start energy efficiency projects to tie in with the launch of the Green Deal, the Coalition’s plan aimed at helping households in Britain improve their home and save on energy bills.
The money will be used specifically for Green Deal household energy efficiency assessments to see where energy savings can be made in the home.

DECC received 74 bids for the £10m fund and money has been awarded to 40 successful projects, covering over 150 local councils across England.

Conor McGlone

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