Selected homes in two areas of Watford are benefiting from grants operated by a council to install energy saving measures.

Watford Borough Council says grants from £100 to over £10,000 will be available for selected homes in Leavesden Road and the Kingswood Estate area to help make residents’ homes warmer and more efficient.

It comes after the council secured £2 million as part of a partnered project from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Funding goes towards installing energy saving measures such as external wall, underfloor and roof insulation, as well as smart heating controls.

The target area consists of 2,850 properties supporting the government Green Homes Grant with additional council assistance.

The council says the project has been well received by residents in the area, with homes now starting to receive the work.

Diana Tembo is one resident who has received external wall insulation.

She said: “It's already noticeably warmer and the heating hasn’t come on at all since during the colder nights. The work has smartened up the house replicating the brick finish to match the look of the surrounding houses. 

“It's lovely and cosy and once it's warmed up it stays warm for a long time. It will be great for those cold winter months.”

Watford Observer: Mayor Peter Taylor (right) and Diana Tembo Mayor Peter Taylor (right) and Diana Tembo

Watford Observer:

Speaking about the project, Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “This is wonderful news. It is clear what a real difference insulation makes to residents everyday lives, so we are delighted that we will be able to offer grants and loans to the people in our community who need it most.

“We hope this will improve the lives of our residents and provide a greener energy solution for our town.”

The project aims to raise EPC levels to at least a C rating for those households which have incomes of below £30,000, where improvement upgrade work will be free.

The council says the project will have a “significant benefit to residents in terms of cost savings”. 

The average utility cost over a three-year period for a home with an EPC rating of C is around £2,000 - this compares with an E rated home which would cost £3,500 increasing further to £4,875 for an F rated property.

To enquire about applying for funding or for advice on lowering energy bills or switching provider/tariffs, contact the council’s partners Better Housing Better Health. Contact the free helpline on 0800 038 6030 (Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00) or email at greenhomesgrant@nef.org.uk.