Big change to multi million pound fund - 100% funding now available
Posted by Allan Guy on Tue, Jan 17, 2012
We like to keep you informed of changes to funding streams. As part of this we stay in touch with energy companies, Government and other funders.
Recently a contact at an energy company has informed us of a significant change to the multi million pound funding available through the Community Energy Savings Programme (CESP). 
Generally this funding is provided on a match funding basis. Our contact has indicated that some of their retrofit work, such as new heating systems, solid wall insulation and loft insulation “tends to be fully funded (subject to OFGEM approval)”. This is a significant change in approach. We wanted to keep you informed of this.
CESP promotes a whole house approach with energy efficiency measures suited to the property. The funding targets households across Great Britain to help eliminate fuel poverty. Over 4,500 locations are selected for CESP. For a full list of which locations are selected please see see here. It is expected to deliver up to £350m in energy efficiency measures and deliver fuel bill savings of £300/annum.
Energy companies have until the end of 2012 to spend CESP funding. This is a win-win-win situation for the energy companies and housing providers and their tenants. Tenants will save on energy costs, lower maintenance bills and higher asset values. Housing providers will be able to undertake improvements at little or no cost.
For the CESP deadline to be met, retrofit work really needs to start this summer. If you are a housing provider and you want to take this up, you need to act now.
A number of housing providers have recently taken up the funding, there is still much left. It will be regrettable if funding is unused at the end of the year.
Key note: CESP funding is usually match funded, it is rare to get 100% funding. Take advantage of the opportunity and get your homes to low carbon.
If you manage property and you are a housing provider, we can help. Please contact us on 0208 973 0429 or info@sustainablehomes.co.uk to learn more.
