New 'Warm Homes Scheme' could save residents up to £320 on annual energy bills

Residents in five wards in the Dover district could save up to £320 on their annual energy bills as part of a pilot project to help save energy and reduce carbon emissions.

The Dover District Council Warm Homes Scheme is part of the Government's Energy Company Obligation (ECO) that draws funding from the major energy suppliers to help fund energy saving improvements in people's homes. The scheme is being launched in five wards - Aylesham, Buckland, Maxton, Elms Vale & Priory, St Radigund's, and Tower Hamlets - and will eventually be rolled out across the district.

The scheme will offer free home energy assessments and could see residents benefiting from free energy saving improvements, including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, draught proofing and solid wall insulation. Previous schemes had excluded properties with hard to treat cavity walls, so potentially many more residents could now benefit from the new scheme, such as those with narrow cavities, solid walls, tall and timber-framed properties.

From 14 August 2013, representatives from the approved supplier, Enterprise Utility Services, will be visiting homes in the five wards to explain how the scheme could save residents money. Alternatively, residents can book a visit by calling 0800 521 660. All Enterprise representatives will carry ID badges.

The scheme is available to both tenants and owners, and is fully backed by Dover District Council, Kent County Council and the Kent & Medway Green Deal Partnership.

Cllr Susan Chandler, DDC Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "Energy bills have soared in recent years so there's never been a better time to ensure your home is properly insulated. As well as saving you money, you're also doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon emissions. This is a genuinely good deal for residents with no cost to them for either the home assessment or any energy saving improvements that are recommended."