Energy Saving Tips

Did you know that some people can get energy efficiency improvements in their homes for free or at a discount?

Here are the grants available to South Gloucestershire residents in 2006/07:

South Glos Warm & Well

South Gloucestershire Council runs a scheme for homeowners and privately renting tenants that can help you to a warmer, healthier home.

Warm & Well offers a range of discounts and grants as well as general advice.

It's for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, draughtproofing and energy-saving light bulbs.

What Can Warm & Well do for you?

They will:

• send you a home energy questionnaire
• when you complete and return the questionnaire they will send you an advice report, telling you what can be done to make your particular home easier to warm
• if you agree and are on benefit or a pensioner with limited resources, they will refer you for a grant for free energy saving measures. (Savings and income limits apply)
• if you are able to pay for the work yourself, they will help you get it done at a discounted price by a registered contractor
• give you further advice, if you need it, by phone or by visiting you at home. Residents aged 70 or over automatically qualify for assistance, regardless of income.

Next Step
Ring South Gloucestershire Council's home energy co-ordinators on 01454 865453 for more help.

Warm Front Grant Scheme

This is a nationally available grant of up to £2700 to provide loft, cavity wall and heating system improvements, as well as draught proofing and hot water tank insulation.

If you own your own home or rent it from a private landlord and you:

• are disabled; or
• have a child under 16; or
• are pregnant and have a maternity certificate MAT B1; or
• are 60 and over; or
• receive an income-related or disability-related benefit

- then you could qualify for the grant. You'll also get free advice about energy efficiency.

Next Step
To find out more about a Warm Front grant, ring the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre free on 0800 512 012.