Portsmouth households running on oil getting free energy upgrades thanks to government scheme
Solar panels, heat pumps, and loft insulation have all been brought into Portsmouth homes.
More than 70 Portsmouth households have received free energy-efficiency improvements through a city council scheme.
A total of 170 upgrades have been installed under the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme, including solar panels with battery storage, hybrid air-source heat pumps, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
The programme has been delivered by Portsmouth City Council's energy service, which also led a partnership of 32 local authorities across Hampshire, West Sussex, Berkshire and surrounding areas through the Warmer Homes Consortium. The project is being delivered in partnership with energy efficiency specialist AgilityEco.
The scheme has focused on supporting low-income households, residents living in older or less energy-efficient properties, and those affected by rising energy costs.
Council leaders say the improvements are helping households reduce their energy bills while creating warmer, healthier homes and lowering carbon emissions.
Councillor Kimberly Barrett, Portsmouth City Council's cabinet member for climate change and greening, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many Portsmouth residents benefiting from this scheme. Not only are households saving money on their energy bills, but they’re also using greener, more sustainable energy.
“This scheme remains open to applications until 2028. If you do not qualify for this scheme, there is still plenty of support available through the Switched On Portsmouth team. Whether residents need advice, help with energy issues or guidance on accessing further schemes, I would encourage anyone to get in touch and see what support is available to them."
The grant scheme remains open to applications until 2028, with eligible households able to access fully funded upgrades including insulation, heating improvements and renewable energy technologies.
Applications are open to households using any type of fuel, but priority is being given to homes heated by oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), where residents have faced some of the steepest increases in energy costs in recent years.
Residents who do not qualify for the scheme are still being encouraged to seek advice through the council's Switched On Portsmouth service, which offers support on energy issues, reducing bills and accessing other funding opportunities.