Liverpool homes are to be made more energy efficient with fuel bills being cut in a new initiative.
Under the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) energy suppliers are legally obliged to deliver energy efficiency measures to domestic energy users. Although the Government is consulting on changes to the present scheme it will still provide energy –efficiency measures to low-income households
The city council has carried out an exercise to appoint companies approved to carry out this energy efficiency work in the city’s homes. A framework of companies who will have the opportunity to bid for work to install energy saving measures in various sized schemes throughout the city is now being finalised so work can start as soon as possible.
The preferred bidders who have been chosen, subject to final contract, are British Gas, EoN, ScottishPower and Keepmoat
Councillor Tim Moore, the cabinet member for transport and climate change, said: “Using the available ECO funding is a way in which we can improve the energy efficiency of homes in the city and also tackle fuel poverty. I am very disappointed that the government appears to be scaling back this initiative but we are still going ahead with our programme as it will cut the fuel bills of those most in need
“It will lead to houses having improvements such as solid wall insulation, loft insulation, glazing and improved boilers. Better still, residents may qualify for a direct grant rather than a loan which some other schemes may promote. We will use this obligation placed on energy companies to improve homes for residents, and help us become a greener low carbon city
“By having a framework in which companies compete for work we can ensure we get the best possible deal for the city and its residents especially the most vulnerable.
“We will also be promoting local employment, contractors and suppliers and we will be insisting on the highest level of work with standards for customer care backed by trading standards.”
.The work will be managed by the Healthy Homes Team who will work closely with the Housing Service and Fuel Poverty staff.
Councillor Ann O’Byrne, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is a way we can ensure the houses most in need of energy efficiency improvements will be targeted.
“It also means that more of our residents will be living in warmer , safer and more comfortable homes in line with work we are doing throughout the city.
“Fuel poverty is a real issue in the city and improving insulation and making other improvements will see energy bills cut. ”
The framework will also be able to be used by social housing providers and other councils in the Liverpool City Region with the support of the Viridis partnership. The Viridis partnership is a City Region alliance of councils and housing associations working together to deliver cost effective housing energy efficiency measures across the city region.
A Viridis Sustainable Housing summit is in preparation for late spring which will bring together in one place the best of local practice and set the ambition for future proposals.
