How home energy schemes have been helping residents in the district

Wakefield Council is reminding residents about home energy schemes available to them.

By using these schemes, homeowners can save money on energy bills. While reducing their environmental impact.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps with changing old gas or oil boilers with low carbon heating. These include air source or ground source heat pumps. These are more energy efficient and can help reduce emissions, and residents' bills.

The Fuel Poverty Fund has helped nine vulnerable households in the last quarter. The scheme helps owner-occupiers replace broken gas boilers. And install gas central heating systems. Particularly where there is a risk to health due to cold and inadequate heating.

One disabled gentleman received a new boiler and radiators after his old one broke. And was no longer accessible in his wheelchair.  Reflecting on the process, he said, “Each stage was very professional and efficient. And staff were more than happy to explain the process at each stage. Everyone was knowledgeable and friendly”.

Another disabled resident received a new central heating system through the scheme. He said, “I had no heating before this scheme apart from an oil filled radiator. Because the old heaters that were there from before me moving into this house had broken down. And when they were working, they were very expensive.  Being disabled didn’t help. But having gas central heating now has made a difference health wise. I don’t feel as depressed as I did and the house is a lot warmer.  I’m no longer living in one room with an oil filled radiator.

"Energy bills, I’m not bothered. Come the warmer weather I’ll pay extra into my account for the colder months to balance it out. So, there’s no problem there.  I’m grateful to be warm!”

A resident with health conditions, including COPD, received support after her boiler failed. She said of the help she got: “I received excellent service from all involved.”

The popular Home Energy Retrofit Offer (HERO) Scheme helps households move away from fossil fuels such as gas, coal and oil. Instead, moving to solar, battery storage and heat pumps. Also high heat retention storage heaters and insulation.

In the last quarter, the Warm Homes Local Grant has helped 16 residents across the district. 

One elderly gentleman received new storage heaters. Meaning he no longer had to rely on portable heaters to heat his home. His daughter said that “the service and all those involved were great, and the new heating will change dad’s life.”

Another resident was able have a new high heat retention storage heater fitted. This was alongside Solar PV and a battery storage system. He said, “I can't tell you what a massive difference the new heaters have made. From the start of the process three years ago we had problems. But overcame them. This was down to your hard work and willingness to finish what we started.” 

Home energy schemes change update often. In some cases, residents may qualify for free work. Each scheme has different eligibility criteria. And for many, there is no need to be claiming benefits. 

To find out more information about the schemes and eligibility visit: Help with home energy improvements - Wakefield Council