We have secured £8million to help fund energy efficiency improvements for customers

We have provisionally secured almost £8million in grant funding to support vital energy improvements in our customers’ homes, as part of the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund – or WHSHF – Wave 3.  

The funding has been made available to us by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – or DESNZ – with our bid forming part of the Midlands Net Zero Hub’s Strategic Partnership; this partnership plays a central role in helping housing providers deliver greener, more energy efficient homes across the region.  

We will use the funding to improve the energy performance of hundreds of homes, helping to lower household energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, a key step in meeting our ambitious target to achieve a minimum rating of EPC C across all our homes by 2030.  

Lianne Taylor, our Director of Sustainability said: “We’re proud to be part of this strategic partnership which will deliver real benefits to our customers and communities.  Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a top priority, not only to help tackle fuel poverty but also to create positive environmental impact.  The funding will also help bring us closer to meeting our goal of achieving Net Zero across our operations and homes.”  

The funding will also be used to retrofit existing homes, which is different from renovation or refurbishment.  By taking a whole house, fabric first approach, we are able to make a positive difference to our customers’ lives and homes, along with increasing energy efficiency.  

Customer Terry, whose homes was retrofitted under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund – or SHDF – Wave 2 funding said: “The new heat pump is so cost effective and more efficient all year round, which is great. 

“When me and my partner enter our front door it’s a great feeling, the heat is wonderful and we now don’t have to worry about heating our home and waiting ages for the house to warm up.”  

The grant funding remains subject to the signing of Grant Funding Agreements – or GFAs – with DESNZ, after which the project can move into the delivery phase.   

Photo caption : Solar panels installed on new sustainable Platform homes.