Over 650 households across the city will soon be saving hundreds of pounds on their energy bills and reducing their carbon emissions thanks to the free installation of solar panels and insulation.
Work has started in the Bestwood area as part of the Local Authority Delivery scheme using funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Homes that are expensive to power and difficult to keep warm are being targeted for installing energy efficiency improvements and renewable technologies. The roll-out of the scheme comes at a time when energy prices are soaring and concerns about finding greener ways to power homes are increasing. Making these improvements will save each household an estimated £290 per year and will avoid approximately 332 tonnes of carbon emissions across the scheme annually.
The installation of solar panels and insulation on homes across the city is part of Nottingham’s wider Greener HousiNG campaign which will see the council use funds from a range of Government funding streams to improve the energy efficiency of properties of low-income households. Not only do these schemes improve quality of life and reduce bills for citizens, but they also support Nottingham’s ambition to be the first carbon neutral city by 2028.
Nottingham City Council has secured an additional £6m for the next phase of the scheme, which is open for applications now through Nottingham Energy Partnership. These grants will be used to improve the energy efficiency of a further 700 homes across the city.
Cllr Sally Longford, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Energy and Waste Services, said: “There are many citizens in Nottingham who will be seeing further pressures on their household budgets due to soaring energy bills. The installation of solar panels and insulation on homes through the Local Authority Delivery scheme is timely and will help residents reduce their bills.
“Making homes in the city more energy efficient and installing renewable technologies is another step in our journey to making Nottingham carbon neutral by 2028. A key part of our strategy is using this opportunity to improve the lives of our citizens by reducing bills, improving health outcomes, and ensuring the city is resilient to the impacts of the climate crisis.”
Wayne Bexton, Director for Carbon Reduction, Energy and Sustainability, said: “In Nottingham, we’re committed to helping residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Since 2012, we’ve installed more than 13,000 measures to properties across the city, including solar panels, insulation and heat pumps. We’ve got even more projects in the pipeline, and we’re just getting started on supporting people to reduce their bills and carbon footprints. We know the challenges that residents are facing with the cost of living pressures that are currently occurring, and we’re committed to helping wherever possible.”