Oxford residents are being encouraged to apply for the Home Upgrade Grant before the deadline at the end of October. 

People can get a free energy efficiency upgrade if they apply before October 31. 

The grant offers free energy efficiency measures including: cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, loft insulation (including top-ups), underfloor insulation, solar panels, solar hot water system and air source heat pump. 

Oxford residents are eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant if they: 

  • Are living in a home not heated by mains gas (including homes that are heated oil by coal, LPG, or electric heating), or if a home is connected to the grid for cooking, but use off-gas grid heating, it is also eligible 
  • Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G 
  • Have a household income of no more than £36,000, or £20,000 after mortgage/rent 
  • Or if they live in the most economically deprived areas (IMD 1-3).

The funding is open for residents who own their home, rent, or are a private landlord with tenants. 

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Residents can apply online or by calling 0800 107 8883. 

The Home Upgrade Grant is being delivered by Agility Eco, on behalf of Oxford City Council.
Houses are the largest contributor to carbon emissions in Oxford, making up 29 per cent of total emissions. Privately rented and owned homes account for 79 per cent of residential housing emissions. 

In Oxford, it is estimated that most homes that are not heated by gas use electric heating as their main source of heat. 

Other grant funding options are available for residents to make improvements to their home for energy efficiency, also known as retrofitting. 

Last year, the council launched a web guide for residents to find out more about the process and funding options that are available to get started on their retrofit journey. 

Residents can find out more about the Home Upgrade Grant, Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Energy Company Obligation fund, which range from funding for people on low incomes and living in hard to heat homes, as well as general grants for homeowners. 

Anna Railton, deputy leader and cabinet member for zero carbon Oxford, said: "With the arrival of the autumnal weather, more people will be starting to think about how they can heat their homes this winter. If your home is not heated by gas, then you can benefit from a more energy efficient home thanks to the Home Upgrade Grant. Apply as soon as possible to feel the benefit this winter.”