Affordable warmth is the ability of a household to heat the home adequately. A lack of affordable warmth is known as fuel poverty. Wealden District Council aim to make “affordable warmth” available to all residents. The Home Energy Efficiency Officer is responsible for delivering affordable warmth to communities across the district with a focus on those who own or privately rent.
The Green Deal is the government’s flagship legislation aimed largely at those in private sector housing who do not receive means tested benefits. What is good about the Green Deal is finance can be used to install renewable and low carbon energy technologies. For people who heat their home off the gas grid they can take advantage of the scheme to install heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal systems as a way of reducing their fuel bills. They can also financially benefit from the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) was introduced in 2013 to help protect households who may be vulnerable to fuel poverty. Those that own or privately rent and receive qualifying means tested benefits can apply for a pot of money called ECO affordable warmth. The big six energy companies are required by law to deliver energy saving measures to the affordable warmth group. If households are in need of assistance they can phone the council for advice. We will even book in home visits to not only provide advice on home energy efficiency but also to advise on issues such as damp in buildings.
