Energy efficiency
We’re working towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions, improving energy efficiency and providing affordable warmth for homes and businesses in the city.
Energy at home
We are committed to working towards being carbon neutral by 2030. Improving the energy efficiency of homes plays a key part in this journey.
Warmer Homes, Greener Homes
The Warmer Homes, Greener Homes fund helps Leicester homeowners who are struggling to afford to replace their broken or faulty heating system. The fund is aimed at helping those who are vulnerable to the cold due to having a long-term health condition or disability.
The fund also provides one-off grants of up to £500 for Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Top-ups to help fund contributions clients have been asked to make. Funding is limited and awards don’t cover 100% of the costs.
Find out more about the Warmer Homes, Greener Homes fund and eligibility criteria.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4 Flex)
ECO is a scheme run by energy companies to help improve the energy performance of homes occupied by vulnerable, low income households. This scheme is available to homeowners and private tenants who receive benefits.
ECO Flex is an extension of the ECO scheme, but the criteria for who qualifies for help are wider than the normal scheme.
Find out more about the ECO Flex scheme.
Boiler Upgrade
The government has announced that grants will be made available for homeowners to install low carbon heating systems until 2025. Find out more about the Boiler Upgrade scheme.
Green Homes
The Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme and the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme aim to improve the energy efficiency of privately owned and privately rented homes with an E, F or G energy rating.
Due to high demand, applications for the current Green Homes Grant delivery phase have been paused. We hope to reopen applications in Autumn 2022.
The Home Upgrade (HUG) scheme is only for homes which have electric appliances as their main source of heating. The scheme installs free energy efficiency measures, such as:
- External wall insulation (EWI)
- Solar PV panels
- Loft insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- Air source heat pump
- High retention storage heaters
If you have questions about your application for a previous phase of the Green Homes Grant scheme there is more information on our Green Homes schemes page.
Frequently asked questions
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed whenever a property is built, sold, or rented. An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs and gives the property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The EPC is valid for 10 years and details recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money.
To view your property's EPC go to: Find an energy certificate – GOV.UK.
If your property doesn’t have an EPC, then information about how to get one can be found here: Getting a new energy certificate – GOV.UK.
If you are planning to have energy efficiency improvements made to your home without grant support, then you should choose a TrustMark Registered Business. TrustMark is a Government Endorsed Quality scheme that covers work carried out in and around your home.
When you choose a TrustMark registered business you can be sure your installer has been thoroughly vetted to meet the required standards and is committed to good customer service. Visit the TrustMark website for more information: TrustMark - Homeowners HUB - Improving Consumer Protection.
Visit the GOV.UK website for an online tool to recommend home improvements to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your energy costs.
Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for advice on saving energy at home.
Smart meters record how much electricity and gas you are using and send the readings direct to your energy provider. You no longer have to give meter readings, and will no longer get estimated bills which can sometimes be more than you actually owe. You will only pay for what you use.
You can also monitor your daily or weekly usage on your in-home display which helps you keep a close eye on how much your energy is costing you.
You can request a smart meter by contacting your energy provider or looking for details on a bill.
Find out more about smart meters: Smart meters | Join the energy revolution (smartenergygb.org)
Visit the NEA website for advice on energy bills and keeping warm and safe in your home. This website has useful accessibility tools.
The Ofgem website explains what help you can ask for from your supplier, and other help that might be available.
The Citizens Advice website has advice if you have been struggling to pay your energy bills and you need more support, or you are vulnerable.
Energy at work
We are working to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions in Leicester. This involves a number of initiatives taking place throughout the city.
Businesses have a large impact on these targets, and we're dedicated to working with them to help them achieve this.
Climate change and energy costs are having a real impact on businesses and a business can benefit from increasing resilience to the rising energy costs. By focusing on energy efficiency, a business can reduce energy use, reduce energy bills, improve the overall efficiency of the businesses and help protect them from rising energy costs. These measures will improve a business’s bottom line and their green credentials, therefore improving their potential supply chain opportunities.
Green BELLE
Green BELLE is a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project being run by the Energy Projects Team, which assists SMEs in Leicester and Leicestershire to cut their carbon emissions and reduce their energy bills.
Due to high demand, the funding has now all been allocated. We have therefore now closed applications.
For more information, visit the Green BELLE website.