Manchester City Council signs £9m retrofit deal to improve the energy efficiency in 500 homes

Next Energy has secured a contract to carry out home upgrades as part of the government's Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2). This initiative focuses on improving energy efficiency in homes that are off the gas grid and rented or owned by low-income families.

Key Details:

• Objective: The HUG2 scheme aims to address fuel poverty by enhancing energy efficiency in off-gas grid homes. Next Energy's role will be crucial in providing necessary upgrades.

• Funding: Up to £630 million will be allocated to UK councils through HUG2 to support retrofit projects from April 2023 to March 2025.

• Eligibility: Residents must either own or rent their home, earn less than £31,000 annually, and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.

Retrofit Measures:

The upgrades will include:

• Insulation

• Air-source heat pumps

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

Impact and Support:

Lee McNally, Director of Next Energy, emphasized the scheme's benefits, noting that it offers families the opportunity to insulate their homes properly and potentially save over £500 annually on energy bills.

Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development at Manchester City Council, highlighted that the scheme will reduce energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and support Manchester’s broader decarbonisation goals. He encouraged all non-gas boiler users to check their eligibility.

Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council, added that the initiative would help alleviate the impact of rising energy costs while supporting Manchester’s ambitious goal to achieve net zero by 2038, which is 12 years ahead of the UK government’s 2050 target.