Energy efficiency measures in homes to help tenants during cost-of-living crisis

York City Council has installed energy efficiency measures in over 70 homes to help reduce energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

Both council and private homes have had energy efficiency measures installed, with 440 council tenants in York being the latest to receive the upgrades.

This financial year 73 council homes have already been improved with 45 council homes in Bishopthorpe, Tang Hall and Heworth receiving energy generating solar panels after levels of loft insulation were topped up and roof improvements carried out.

Solar panels generate free electricity for tenants and the insulation ensures their homes stay warmer for longer.

500 council homes in York are already benefiting from photovoltaic panels and the free electricity they generate.  

The council’s plans for introducing further energy efficiency measures are set out in a new Retrofit Action Plan (RAP) which is open to consultation. 

Future plans to retrofit energy efficiency measures will include solar panels, low carbon heating systems and improved insulation.

Subject to an application of £1m of government funding to be matched by £1m from the councils retrofit budget, work to a further 367 homes is being proposed for the next two years.  

This work would aim to improve EPC ratings to at least C standard and a further £600k is being proposed to carry out draught proofing and other simple insulation work in the homes of around 250 of our most vulnerable council tenants this winter.  

Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and safer Neighbourhoods said: ‘We are committed to accelerating retrofit works to improve the quality of our housing while reducing emissions and energy bills in York: they’re good for residents and good for the planet.’

RAP aims to reduce emissions and energy bills across all tenures and will be considered by executives later this year.

Businesses, organisations and residents, whether homeowners or tenants from the social or private sector, are being invited to comment on the plan via a survey which can be accessed via York City Councils website. 

Research has now revealed the areas of the UK with the least energy efficient homes, with areas in the North West and North Wales having the worst rated homes for energy efficiency. 

Photo by Karl Moran