Around 900 homes in Portsmouth area to benefit from £6.2m energy efficiencies funding

The city council has successfully bid for the government money to expand on work already being carried out by the Switched On Portsmouth team.

Cash will fully fund solar panel systems on some of the least energy efficient homes across the city and town, as well as offering solid wall insulation and air source heat pumps.

As reported, the council was awarded a grant of £3.1m for the same service in January to cover around 300 homes.

Councillor Dave Ashmore, the council's environment and climate change cabinet member, said: 'I am over the moon to be able to announce the award of this funding. Investing in renewable energy generation has been a high priority for the council for a number of years.

'This offering of free solar systems for qualifying households gives a huge push towards reducing the city's carbon emissions, whilst making sure the most vulnerable are not left behind.'

Qualifying households will be able to receive energy saving measures for free up to a value of £10,000.

And suitable privately rented homes will be eligible for 66 per cent of the total cost, to a total of £5,000 solar photovoltaic systems, which can result in savings of up to £400 a year and 400kg of carbon emissions.

It comes following the launch of the Switched On scheme in November 2019, which is managed by the council's partners, Agility Eco.

Agility Eco chief executive, Gearoid Lane, added: 'We’re delighted to have the opportunity to build on our partnership with Portsmouth City Council to help low income households stay warm and well.

'Working together over the years we have supported hundreds of households by installing efficient new heating systems, insulating properties to a high standard and providing energy and money-saving advice.

'This project will ensure Portsmouth continues to lead the way on reducing carbon emissions and eliminating fuel poverty.'

The cash was awarded by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

To apply for funding visit switchedonportsmouth.co.uk/green-homes-grant-form/

Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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