Residents in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, can now access free energy-saving home improvements to help lower their monthly bills. The Warm Homes Local Grant is offering fully funded upgrades, such as solar photovoltaic panels and improved insulation, to eligible households across the district as part of a government-backed drive to make homes warmer and more efficient.
Three Rivers District Council, working with Watford Borough Council and the National Energy Foundation (operating the Better Housing Better Health service), is delivering the project to help people living in older or poorly insulated properties. The scheme offers eligible households fully funded energy-efficiency improvements worth up to £30,000 per home — commonly up to £15,000 for energy performance measures (insulation, glazing, etc.) and up to £15,000 for low-carbon heating (such as air-source heat pumps), depending on the property and needs — at no cost to qualifying residents.
The grant is available to owner-occupiers and privately renting tenants whose property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G, and who meet one of three qualification routes: living in an eligible postcode, receiving a means-tested benefit, or having a total household gross income below £36,000 (thresholds can vary by household). The scheme particularly targets homes that are not connected to the gas network (‘off-gas’) or that lose heat quickly because of poor insulation or low EPC ratings.
To start the process, residents can contact the Better Housing Better Health service on 0800 107 0044 (weekdays, 9am–5pm) or make an online referral. The service will check eligibility and, if appropriate, arrange a technical survey to identify which energy-saving measures are suitable for the property.
The funding is provided by the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the programme runs for the 2025–2028 delivery period, with installation work to be completed by 31 March 2028. For extra local advice on longer-term energy strategies, residents can also contact the Hertfordshire Growth Hub for guidance and support.
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