Overview

When single mum Sarah, from Bristol, heard about the Warm Homes Local Grant through a colleague at her workplace, she never imagined how much it could transform her home, and her energy bills. Sarah’s home was cold because it was losing heat through an attic room and with no radiator in her open plan kitchen and living room her old inefficient heating system couldn’t cope. The rising energy costs meant she would only put on her heating an hour at a time, and it never warmed her home sufficiently.

Thanks to funding from the government and the expert installation by Gregor Heating & Renewables, Sarah now has solar panels, a new air source heat pump, and modern radiators making her home warmer, greener, and far more affordable to run.

About the Warm Homes Local Grant

The Warm Homes Local Grant is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving home energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. It is administered locally by Severn Wye Energy Agency on behalf of the Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire Councils. Severn Wye is a fuel poverty charity that’s been supporting communities for over 25 years

With £5.25 million in funding secured for Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, the Warm Homes Local Grant provides fully funded energy-saving upgrades to eligible homes. That includes insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps, and low-carbon heating improvements.

Eligibility

  • EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
  • Household income under £36,000
  • Must live in the local authority area
  • Tenants and landlords can both apply

Helen Curley, Project Manager at Severn Wye, explains:

“We know that rising energy costs hit vulnerable households hardest. This scheme helps make homes warmer and cheaper to heat while reducing carbon emissions. It’s about giving people long-term energy security.”

The Project

Sarah’s home was one of the first in the area to benefit from the new grant scheme. After an initial home energy survey, Severn Wye recommended solar panels, an air source heat pump, and new radiators to optimise efficiency.

“I started the process in April,” says Sarah. “I found out about the scheme through my work. After filling in the paperwork, the retrofit design was approved, and work began on 8th September. The Gregor Renewables team were brilliant – friendly, tidy, and efficient.”

The installation took just one week:

  • 5 days for the heat pump and wiring
  • 2 days for the solar panel installation

Although there was some disruption during the work, Sarah says it was “absolutely worth it.”

“I’m already noticing the difference. My home feels warmer, and I’m expecting big savings on my energy bills. Knowing that I’m generating my own electricity feels amazing.”

The Outcome

Sarah’s home is now powered by renewable energy and uses a low-carbon heating system, reducing both her energy bills and her carbon footprint. Her EPC rating has improved significantly, and her home is now future-proofed for years to come.

For Gregor Renewables, this project marks an exciting milestone:

“We were delighted to be asked to install the solar panels and air source heat pump for the first household under this new scheme,” says a spokesperson from Gregor Renewables. “Working alongside Severn Wye to deliver real impact in local communities is exactly what we’re about.”

Helen at Severn Wye says:

“Gregor is a trusted installer for the Warm Homes Local Grant. They consistently provide clear and informative surveys and design reports, with efficient follow-ups for clients and excellent attention to detail. Their installations are neat and tidy, and their communication, both by phone and email, is helpful and responsive. Overall, working with Gregor has been a pleasure.”

How to Apply

If you live in Gloucestershire or South Gloucestershire, have a household income below £36,000, and your home has a low EPC rating, you could qualify for funding to make your home warmer and more energy efficient.

The Warm Homes Local Grant runs until March 2028, and there’s no catch, it’s fully funded by the UK government to help reduce energy use, tackle fuel poverty, and cut carbon emissions.

“Anyone who meets the criteria can apply,” says Helen from Severn Wye. “It’s simple, it’s free, and it can change lives.”

To apply or find out more, request Gregor Renewables as your installer when you apply through the Warm Homes Local Grant – call 0800 500 3076 or visit severnwye.org.uk/upgrade