Energy Upgrade Loan launched for local people

From today (23 November), homeowners with Energy Performance Certificate D or below in Waltham Forest can apply for a new, 0% interest loan of up to £20,000 to help make their home more energy efficient. 

The Energy Upgrade Loan is being offered to local people by the Council, in partnership with the Energy Saving Trustand is designed to pay for work around the home and enhance the energy efficiency of households in the borough.  

By making your home more energy efficient, you could make big savings on energy bills over the winter period and reduce your carbon footprint in the longer term.  

The Energy Upgrade Loan can be used for a wide range of home improvements including the following:  
  

• Roof and loft insulation,  
• Insulation for walls, windows and doors and floors 
• Double and triple glazing 
• Air source heat pumps  
• Ground source heat pumps 
• Solar panelling  

You can apply for a loan of between £2,000 and £20,000, depending on the type of upgrades, over 10 years at 0% interest. If your application is successful, you can choose an accredited service to complete the work on your home.  

Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality said: “We have recently faced the hottest year on record, and locally, our residents are struggling with energy bills. That is why we are launching a 0% interest Energy Upgrade Loan to support residents save money, keep their homes warmer this winter and reduce carbon emissions in the borough long into the future. 

“With this loan you can borrow just the right amount to boost the energy efficiency of your home, through everything from insulation of your roof, windows, and walls, to solar panelling. 

“Boosting the energy efficiency rating of your home means great savings on your bills, not just this winter, but in the long term too so it could be a really sound financial investment, depending on your circumstances.  

“It also means cutting your carbon footprint which is vital as we look to tackle the climate emergency and work together to deliver a greener and more environmentally-friendly future for our borough.” 

“If you think you could benefit from this loan then please have a look and apply today.” 

Mr Mazid, a resident in Leytonstone, lives with his wife and they are considering the Energy Upgrade Loan to help them improve the energy efficiency of their home and lower their bills in the long-term. He said: “We're facing higher energy costs and rely on just our pension for money. We’ve taken a first step by installing loft insulation for a cosier home, but we want to do more. We’ve thought about wall insulation and solar panels, but the upfront costs are just too much at the moment. We’re excited by the new loan as it’s a chance to make our home warmer.”   

To apply and find out more, visit the Council’s website.  

The Energy Upgrade Loan is one part of a range of services provided by the Council to help keep energy bills down this winter. There is tailored support for all residents, depending on circumstances and you can find out what you could be entitled to in just two minutes with the Council’s Lower Bills Calculator.