Warmer Homes Erewash

Once again Erewash Borough Council and Marches Energy Agency have joined forces to install home efficiency improvements at no cost to residents to all owner-occupied properties in all areas of borough.

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:

  • Loft Insulation
  • Cavity Wall Insulation
  • External Wall Insulation
  • Internal Wall Insulation
  • Solar Photovoltaic panels (Solar PV)
  • Low Carbon Heating for example, Air Source Heat Pump

Am I Eligible?

You are likely to qualify if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • 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 www.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:

    • A permanent member of your household receives a means tested benefit
    • Your combined household income is below £36,000 before tax

Are you off-gas and income above £36,000?

If you do not have main gas heating in your property, you may still qualify if live in one of the eligible postcode areas set by the Government, regardless of income levels. To qualify under the postcode eligibility route, you will still need to be an owner-occupier and have a valid EPC below D.

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

Please note: Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. All works are subject to household eligibility, funding availability, & technical surveys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is ‘Warmer Homes Erewash’ funded?

Funding for the grants over the next two years is being allocated by central government and the shadow East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Warmer Home Erewash scheme draws from several funding streams. This means there may slightly different criteria or process depending on the scheme. The exact fund that would be used to complete your works will depend on what fuel you use to heat your home:

  • Shared Prosperity Fund & Devolution Fund – For residents who have a mains gas connection
  • Home Upgrade Grant (Phase 2) – For residents not connected to mains gas network

However, this is not something you need generally need to worry about as a householder – MEA will place you on the correct funding stream when they process your application.

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.