Energy efficiency measures have been installed in one million homes as a result of Government schemes, according to the latest figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
By the end of November 2014, the combination of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Green Deal schemes had delivered measures to 1,021,000 homes – four months ahead of the March 2015 target DECC had set itself.
The large majority of installed measures (97%) were delivered through ECO.
Ed Davey, secretary of state for Energy and Climate Change, said:
“Helping to make one million homes in Britain warmer through energy efficiency is great news – and to hit our target early is even better.
“One million extra homes already have permanently lower energy bills – whether that’s thanks to better insulation or more effective boilers. The challenge now is to continue this drive – and our next instalment of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is coming soon.”
Energy and Climate Change minister Amber Rudd said:
“More than one million homes across the country – including over 28,000 homes in rural areas – are enjoying a warmer, cheaper and greener winter thanks to our policies.
“I want to see energy companies continue to deliver their obligations so more people can reap the benefits and stay warm this winter and every winter.”
However, following the Government’s announcement in December 2013 of proposed cuts to ECO, and an extension to its current targets, the number of measures installed under the scheme have showed month-on-month decline. November 2014 was no exception, with measures down 10% from the previous month.
The implementation of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) was intended to offset the changes made to ECO, but is only available for short periods when funds are released. The most recent phase of GDHIF saw œ24m in funding for solid wall insulation – the sector considered most at risk from ECO cuts – swallowed in just over a day, with more funds to be made available in February 2014.
Up to a further œ6 million is still up for grabs – homeowners can apply for up to œ1,600 if they install two measures from a list of home improvements under the Fund.
