The ‘Cosy Homes in Lancashire’ (CHiL) scheme is a countywide energy efficiency and affordable warmth initiative. CHiL was developed by 15 local authorities in Lancashire following a comprehensive energy efficiency study commissioned by Blackpool Public Health in 2013. The scheme has the backing of all the chief executives and the directors of public health and covers all council-backed energy-saving initiatives in the county. It offers an accessible and straightforward means of accessing grants from energy companies and other sources to fund new heating measures, insulation, and renewable technologies in domestic properties.
CHiL aims to be Lancashire's 'One-Stop Shop for Warmth' offering help and assistance to every household in the county. The local authority acts as the contact and referral service supporting people in finding funding towards energy efficiency measures and supporting them through the process.
Three types of grants are offered through the project:
- First-Time Central Heating can be installed free of charge for owners, private tenants, and landlords. The funding covers the cost of installing an A-rated boiler and radiators including connection to the gas network. The scheme is aimed at residents on a low income of ≤£30,000 with savings of ≤ £16,000 that have a long-term health condition.
- The Green Homes Grant Scheme is delivered for free to improve the energy efficiency of eligible households. The aim is to help residents improve the warmth and comfort of their homes and reduce energy bills, carbon emissions, and the levels of fuel poverty. The scheme aims to raise the energy efficiency of low-energy performance homes, including off-gas grid homes and is available to low-income households. Insulation measures are solid or cavity wall, loft, underfloor, and room in roof insulation. Renewable technologies included are air source heat pumps, solar PV, and solar thermal. The grant does not include fossil fuel heating. Only single glazed windows are eligible under this scheme.
- Switch Supplier and Save Money is a way for consumers to compare through a website different offers and potential savings. CHiL has partnered with Energy Angels to provide this service.
The project also offers advice regarding:
- Solar Panels
- Insulating Room in Roof Loft/Cavity/external wall
- LPG heating
- Replacing gas boilers
- Registry on the electricity north-west priority services register
- The energy efficiency of properties and through park homes by installing gas central heating.
CHiL is an excellent example of establishing working relationships between 15 local authorities and the Lancashire County Council to subsidise energy-efficiency measures for the most vulnerable households. This is a rare example of a local authority entering into a contract directly with energy companies to deliver energy-efficiency measures.
A budget of 10 million pounds has helped more than 10,500 residents save money through energy-saving advice and measures. In 2016/17 CHiL helped 570 households to have first-time central heating systems installed. Current funding allows a further 1,200 properties to have central heating installed before 2022.
The project started in 2013 and is ongoing.
It benefits people of low income, people in receipt of benefits, people with long-term health conditions or a disability.
-
-
Countries impacted:
United Kingdom -
Geographical scale:
Regional and Local -
Energy poverty phase:
Implementation -
Intervention type:
Financial mechanismsConsumer Advice, protection and empowermentRegulationPolicy Support -
Professionals involved:
Member of a local/national authorityEngineerTechnician -
-
Type of funding:
Private and national funds by the Green Homes Grant, Energy Company Obligation (ECO) -
SDGs addressed:
Explore more
Fuel Debt - Care & Support
Take Charge
