Home Upgrade Grant (Phase 2)
Erewash Borough Council, Marches Energy Agency and E.ON have joined forces to install home energy efficiency improvements to properties not connected to the gas network at no cost to the residents. This is to make homes more comfortable to live in, reduce energy bills, and support the national effort to reach Net Zero by 2050.
Work will be completed by Trustmark registered installers, working on behalf of E.ON, and overseen by the Council.
Which home energy efficiency improvements could I be offered?
Works offered will depend on funding availability AND the outcome of technical surveys, but could include:
- External Wall Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Low Carbon Heating such as Air Source Heat Pump
- Solar Photovoltaic panels (Solar PV)
Am I Eligible?
You are likely to qualify if you meet all of the following criteria:
- Your home is not connected to the mains gas network
- You are an owner-occupier
- Your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G.
You can check your EPC online using epcregister.com. If your home does not have an EPC, this can be organised on your behalf for free. And one of the following statements is true:
- Route 1: You live in one of the eligible postcode areas set by the Government (links to excel spreadsheet).
- Route 2: A permanent member of your household receives a means tested benefit
- Route 3: Your combined household income is below £31,000 before tax
How do I apply?
Any questions or to apply contact MEA’s local team (Warmer Derby & Derbyshire):
- 0800 677 1332 (Option 2) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Online application form
Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. All works are subject to household eligibility, funding availability, and technical surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't meet the eligibility criteria, what are the next steps?
If you don't meet the eligibility criteria, MEA’s Warmer Derby and Derbyshire advice service is able to check to see if there are alternative funding schemes appropriate for you. You can contact them on 0800 677 1332 (Option 1) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The service also offers free impartial advice on energy efficiency, billing, fuel debt and more. Alternatively, you can check with your energy supplier or search for localised grants via gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
How long do energy efficiency improvements usually take?
This is difficult to estimate! Some improvements may take longer to organise than others. For example, some may require planning permission and/or are weather-dependent. If needed, you will not need to pay or apply for planning yourself.
You may have multiple surveys depending on the measure. Once your home has been surveyed and the Council has confirmed your grant, we have to do some technical work to make sure that any works meet funding requirements.
This happens in the background and does not require you to do anything to complete this. However, this can take several weeks to process, and must be done before the work can start. From your initial application to installation, it could take at least several months or more.
Why am I required to fit ventilation upgrades to my home before receiving an insulation measure?
Government standards, known as PAS 2035, mean that households who qualify for free insulation must either have their existing ventilation upgraded or new additional ventilation installed in their homes.
When the survey is carried out your home's suitability for insulation, and the ventilation needed, will be assessed together. Should your property require any ventilation measures, they will be fitted at the same time as your insulation at no cost to you.
Upgrades could include extractor fans, trickle vents on windows or gaps beneath internal doors. These allow air to move throughout your home keeping your home safe and healthy.
Why has my application been declined?
To receive funding, we must follow strict guidelines set out by the Government. Whilst we all do our best, sometimes eligibility is not clear until after the technical surveys.
Below are the common reasons for unsuccessful applications
- EPC rating too high: Properties rated A, B, C do not qualify because the scheme aims to upgrade the most inefficient properties first.
- Property unsuitable: Not all homes are suitable for certain energy efficiency measures. A survey will be completed to determine what improvements your property needs from what is available under this scheme.
- High costs: There is only limited amount of government grant for each home. If the quotes come back too high, your application will be cancelled.
- Access difficulties: Your application may be cancelled if installers are unable to access relevant parts of your property safely. This could be due to narrow passageways or not enough room to erect scaffolding. For health and safety reasons, loft spaces with small loft hatches are often declined for measures such as loft insulation.
- Planning constraints: Some measures are not allowed to be installed due planning restrictions. For example, we may encounter complications if your property is listed or in a conservation area.