Social Value
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
Energy-saving home improvements for low-income households who are off the gas grid.
What is the Home Upgrade Grant?
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) is a government initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency by installing low-carbon heating systems in homes with low incomes or poor energy efficiency across England.
Am I eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant?
You may be eligible for HUG funding if:
- You are a low-income household
- You are off the gas grid
- You have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G
- You live in a qualifying local authority area
Funding is available for both homeowners and private tenants who meet the criteria.
Need to check your Energy Performance Certificate?
Find your EPC rating via the government website: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
What are the aims of the Home Upgrade Grant?
The first phase of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG1) was launched in 2021. It is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, aligned with the government’s goal to reduce overall UK energy demand by 15% by 2030.
Over five years, £2.5 billion has been pledged to the Home Upgrade Grant.
The second phase, known as HUG2, commenced in 2023 and is scheduled to run until March 2025. This phase aims to support over 25,000 low-income homes that are off the gas grid in England. For qualifying households, the Home Upgrade Grant focuses first on improving your home’s energy efficiency before evaluating heating systems and suggesting funded upgrades.
What sustainable home improvements are available under the Home Upgrade Grant?
Insulation
A well-insulated home is the key to greater comfort and better energy efficiency.
From loft insulation , cavity wall insulation , external wall insulation , internal wall insulation or Room in Roof; upgrading your home’s insulation means extra warmth, lower energy bills, and a kinder contribution to the planet.
Solar panels
Solar PV panels absorb radiated energy from the sun and create a flow of electricity to power your home. Thanks to the availability of HUG funding more households than ever have the opportunity to produce their own electricity. This not only decreases dependency on the grid, but also eases the strain of soaring energy tariffs.
Air source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps are an increasingly popular, energy-efficient solution for providing sustainable heat and hot water to your home. Besides their many perks, heat pumps provide a gentle form of heating that keeps your home at a consistently cosy temperature.
High heat retention storage heaters
If a heat pump isn’t suitable for your home, High Heat Retention (HHR) storage heaters are an excellent alternative for energy-efficient heating. They work by storing heat during off-peak hours and gradually release it to maintain a cosy temperature in your home throughout the day..
How does the Home Upgrade Grant work?
Local authorities in England are responsible for delivering HUG funding to the qualifying homes in their area.
If you have eligibility, your local council will arrange a home survey to see how your home could benefit from better energy efficiency and lower energy bills.
How do I apply for the Home Upgrade Grant?
- Check your eligibility and apply for funding via the government site: https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-upgrade-grant
- If you are eligible, your local council should contact you within 10 working days of your application submission.
- They will arrange a home visit to conduct an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment.
- Following your home visit, you will be advised on the energy-efficient measures covered under the HUG scheme that could improve your home.
- If you are happy with the proposed upgrades, your local council will approve your HUG funding and arrange for the installation of the agreed energy-saving measures.
