First Solihull homes transformed under energy efficiency scheme

Neighbours in Shirley are saving money on their fuel bills and cutting their emissions after becoming the first in Solihull to benefit from a scheme offering free energy efficiency upgrades to their home.  

Solihull Council has helped two homeowners in Collister Close boost their properties with upgrades including innovative air source heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, and radiators.  

The measures – funded through the Government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) – will help lower their fuel bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and make their homes more comfortable. The energy performance certificate (EPC) of both homes has also greatly improved, increasing from E to C. 

Following completion of the first properties under HUG2, the Council is now targeting improvements for dozens of homes in Dorridge, with work on the scheme already well underway. 

And even more residents will now be able to access free upgrades to their homes after the Council was successful in securing a further £1.2 million of funding from the Government. 

Shirley resident Kate, whose house on Collister Close was the first completed under the scheme, applied for HUG2 through the Council’s partner Act on Energy earlier this year and received a home survey the same month to identify what improvements her home could receive.  

Following approval of the measures, the Council instructed contractor Dodd Group to carry out the work, with installation completed within the space of a week.  

Kate said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and would recommend it to anyone. We were really impressed with the advice given and the work from the contractors in making sure everything was carried out to a high standard. 

“We don’t have gas to this property so just having electricity made our energy bills quite expensive, but the measures installed are expected to help us save £1,000-a-year on our energy bills which is absolutely amazing – especially as it hasn’t cost us a penny. 

“We are really interested in sustainable energy and having these environmentally-friendly sources supply our electricity and heating adds value to our house and improves our carbon footprint.” 

HUG2 is targeted at homeowner occupiers who have off-gas properties, have a combined annual income of under £36,000, and an energy performance certificate (EPC) between D and G. You may also be automatically eligible if your postcode falls in one of the automatically eligible areas as defined by the Government. 

Those who qualify for the scheme will be offered a home survey to identify what improvements are suitable for their home and could benefit from a range of solutions including insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps, and more.  

Air source heat pumps are an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution to heat and cool homes and provide hot water. They extract heat from outdoor temperatures as low as -15°C, meaning they work all-year round. 

Solihull Council’s cabinet member for Climate Change and Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, said: “Recent figures estimate more than 18 million homes in the UK have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below, accounting for more than half of the housing stock. 

“Driving EPC standards by improving the energy efficiency of our homes not only helps residents save money on their fuel bills and live in more comfortable homes, but also tackles the climate emergency by reducing carbon emissions – something we are steadfast in our commitment to as a Council.” 

Cllr Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council, said: “It’s great to hear from Shirley residents on how HUG2 is making a difference to them and, thanks to the new funding secured, we are looking forward to helping more people take advantage of the free home upgrades available.” 

Energy advice charity Act on Energy is supporting Solihull Council on the HUG2 programme and is the main point of contact for enquiries and applications.   

Residents who meet all the eligibility criteria can contact Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881 or advice@actonenergy.org.uk for the next steps. 

All grants are subject to eligibility criteria, funding availability and a technical survey.  

Further information can be found on Your Future Solihull, the Council’s climate change and sustainability campaign, by clicking here. 

You can watch a case study about the work carried out at Kate’s house on YouTube by clicking here. 

Pictured (L-R): Kate, Act on Energy chief executive Rachel Jones, Solihull Council’s cabinet member for Climate Change and Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Dodd Group site supervisor Max Jordan, Solihull Council deputy leader Cllr Karen Grinsell