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Home Upgrade Grants

Free home energy efficiency improvements

The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme offers help to improve the energy efficiency of homes which have no connection to mains gas for central heating.

Eligible homeowners and private renters in Birmingham, Sandwell, Rugby and Dudley can benefit from a range of free energy efficiency measures, including:

  • Solar panels
  • External/internal wall insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Hot water cylinder insulation and thermostat.

Depending on the type of home, other measures could be considered, including underfloor insulation, double glazing and night storage heaters.

Please note: Homes heated by gas will not be eligible. To apply for the grant, you must heat your home with electricity, oil or wood.

 

Case study - Kenneth Smith

Are you eligible?

To qualify for a HUG, householders must:

  • Have a household income of £36,000 or less, including any benefits you receive (with the exception of a Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance)

OR

AND

  • Live in a property where gas isn't the main form of heating
  • Pay council tax to Birmingham City, Sandwell, Dudley or Rugby Borough Council (residents exempt from paying council tax will be asked to provide other evidence to establish the property has an eligible postcode)
  • Live in a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G (you can find your property's EPC on the Government website).

No EPC? No problem. If you meet all other criteria, we can assess your property free of charge.

Private tenants must have the permission of the landlord to benefit from the scheme.

Information for applying

West Midlands Combined Authority has partnered with Act On Energy and Marches Energy Agency to distribute HUGs across the region.

These two independent charities have supported households across the Midlands with energy advice for 25 years.

For more information or to apply for a HUG, call:

  • Act On Energy on freephone 0800 988 2881 if you live in Birmingham and Rugby
  • Marches Energy Agency on freephone 0800 677 1307 if you live in Sandwell or Dudley
  • or complete the online form above

Home Upgrade Grants - FAQs