Town & Country Renewables are here to assist you in accessing resources and support to help ease the burden of rising costs. By quickly exploring energy-saving strategies and available government programs, we can guide you through these difficult times, helping to protect the financial well-being of families and strengthen the resilience of businesses nationwide.
Town & Country Renewables Can Help You Manage Energy Costs
The government is offering energy-saving grants of up to £45,000*, which can be used to fund the installation of solar panels, insulation, new boilers, radiator replacements, and other energy-efficient upgrades.
Check your eligibility today - it could make all the difference between struggling to get by and staying warm throughout the winter.
Do You Qualify For Any Renewable Energy Funding or Grants?
If you receive any of the following benefits, it’s highly likely that you will qualify for one of our funding options.
- Child Tax Credits (CTC) – *some restrictions apply
- Child Benefit - *Some restrictions apply
- Income based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
Grants available:
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The scheme offers financial assistance towards the cost of replacing your boiler with a new heat pump or a biomass boiler. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government-supported initiative aimed at helping homeowners and landlords in England and Wales replace outdated, inefficient boilers with modern, energy-efficient heating systems. This program offers financial aid to offset the cost of upgrading to a new heat pump or biomass boiler. You could receive up to £5,000 towards the installation of an air source heat pump or biomass boiler, or up to £6,000 for a ground source heat pump.
The Advantages of These BUS Upgrades:
Save on Energy Bills: With today's soaring energy prices, upgrading your heating system can save you hundreds of pounds annually by reducing your energy consumption.
Lower Your Carbon Footprint: Enhancing your home's energy efficiency not only makes your living space more comfortable but also helps you conserve energy and reduce your environmental impact.
Boost Your Property's Value: Energy-efficient homes are highly sought after in the competitive housing market. Future-proofing your home with these upgrades can make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Who is Eligible for BUS Funding?
To be eligible for the BUS funding, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be a homeowner or a private landlord in England or Wales; the scheme is not available to social landlords.
Your current gas or oil boiler must be at least five years old, and a qualified heating engineer must assess it as inefficient.
Home Energy Assessment
To determine what funding you may qualify for, we first need to conduct an energy assessment of your home. Fill out our booking form today so we can take the first step toward making your home more energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and saving you money. We’ll be in touch soon to schedule a convenient time.
Business Energy Assessment
Before we can identify the funding options available to you and your business, we need to perform an energy assessment of your premises. Complete this form today so we can help your business become more energy-efficient and start reducing your costs. We’ll contact you shortly to arrange a suitable time.
Energy Saving Funding Options
There are numerous funding options available for domestic renewable energy. In the UK, the government is committing £12 billion to Help to Heat schemes to ensure homes are warmer and more affordable to heat.
No matter which path you take, Town & Country Renewables is here to assist you in obtaining the renewable energy system you desire, managing the entire process from start to finish. Follow the steps on this page to see what your next move should be.
Eco Flex Funding
What is the Eco Flex Scheme?
The Eco Flex Scheme is a part of the broader Government initiative known as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. It grants Local Authorities the flexibility to allocate funding for energy efficiency improvements, even if you don't meet all the eligibility criteria of the main ECO scheme. This means you don't necessarily need to be receiving benefits to qualify. If you're facing financial difficulties but aren't on benefits or tax credits, you might still be eligible for funding through the Eco Flex Scheme.
Through this scheme, you could receive funding for various home energy efficiency upgrades, including new boilers, insulation, and renewable energy systems like solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Who is Eligible for Eco Flex Funding?
Eligibility for Eco Flex funding is determined by your Local Authority and can vary depending on your area. Generally, if your household has a low income or you're struggling with fuel poverty, you may qualify. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions, pregnant women, and older adults may also be eligible.
Our experts stay updated on the specific qualifying criteria for each Local Authority and are available to discuss your situation to see if you qualify.
Benefits of Eco Flex
- Significant reduction in annual heating bills.
- A more environmentally friendly home.
- Improved comfort, with warmer rooms in winter and cooler rooms in summer.
- Elimination of issues like humidity, mould, and drafts.
- Increased property value.
Remember, the funding is determined by your Local Authority for households with lower incomes, and you don't need to be on benefits to qualify.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme
What is the ECO 4 Funding Scheme?
The ECO 4 funding scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency in homes across the UK. This scheme provides funding to homeowners and private tenants to help upgrade heating systems, insulation, and other energy-saving measures, such as solar panels.
Depending on their circumstances, eligible households may receive full or partial funding for these improvements. The ECO scheme is available to those receiving certain benefits, those with low incomes, or those living in particularly energy-inefficient properties. By participating in the ECO scheme, homeowners can make their homes more comfortable and sustainable while contributing to environmental protection.
The UK Government Website states the following regarding ECO 4 :
The government’s response to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) consultation sets out the policy of the scheme from April 2022 until March 2026. The scheme, worth £4 billion, delivers energy efficiency and heating measures to homes in Great Britain:
- 10% of ECO3 delivery may be carried over into ECO4, subject to certain measure exclusions
- to support supply chain delivery, between 1 April 2022 and 30 June 2022, measures may be installed to ECO3 rules, subject to certain measure exclusions
- early delivery of ECO4 measures during any gap between ECO regulations will be allowed
carry-under will not be implemented
The ECO4 scheme’s other main policies include:
- supporting households on the lowest incomes. Households in receipt of means tested benefits will be eligible. Up to 50% of the obligation target can be met under the reformed ECO4 Flex, which is designed to target households on low incomes, but not in receipt of benefits. ECO4 Flex will be voluntary for local authorities, the Scottish and Welsh governments, and obligated suppliers. The eligible pool will be at least 3.5 million homes
- only energy efficiency band D-G homes eligible for ECO4. For social housing and private rented accommodation, ECO4 will support the least efficient homes in bands E-G only
- an EFG minimum target, increased to 150,000 private tenure homes, pushing greater delivery to homes needing the most improvements and attracting higher scores
- a solid wall minimum target of 90,000 solid wall measures over the 4-year scheme
- a broken boiler and electric storage heating (ESH) replacement cap for efficient heating to 5,000 per year. Inefficient heating systems upgraded with efficient heating will not be subject to a cap. Repairs will be capped at 5,000 homes per year, subject to certain conditions
- 2 uplifts for innovation, so that improvements can be rewarded and differentiated between relative and substantial improvements against standard counterparts available in the market. Demonstration actions will be removed
- score uplifts of 35% in off-gas rural areas in Scotland and Wales to incentivise delivery in areas that may be harder to reach
The final policy decisions reflect the responses to the consultation and contribute to the government’s wider strategic aims including eradicating fuel poverty, achieving net zero commitments, and aligning with our heat and buildings strategy.
Next steps
- Government will lay affirmative regulations in Parliament
- BEIS will issue new guidance on innovation and the ‘new fuel poverty targeting methods’ approach as set out under ECO4 Flex, route 4
- BEIS will no longer publish a separate ECO Flex guidance. The conditions of referrals under ECO4 will need to meet the requirements in legislation and Ofgem will publish separate guidance for local authorities, the devolved administrations and suppliers
If you would like to discuss this further then please contact us at Town & Country Renewables.
What is HUG Funding?
HUG (Home Upgrade Grant) is a government scheme designed to help eligible homeowners and landlords in England improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The scheme provides funding to cover the cost of upgrades such as insulation, double glazing, and new energy-efficient heating systems.
By participating in the HUG scheme and enhancing your home's energy efficiency, you can:
- Significantly Reduce Energy Bills: With rising energy costs, even small reductions in energy usage can lead to substantial savings.
- Increase Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are in high demand. Upgrading your home can make it more attractive on the housing market.
- Contribute to Environmental Protection: Lowering your home’s energy consumption helps reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, playing a part in protecting the environment.
Who is Eligible for HUG Funding?
To qualify for HUG funding, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a homeowner or a private landlord in England.
- Your property must be eligible for upgrades under the scheme, typically requiring an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating between D and G and being off the gas grid network.
- You must meet the income criteria, which generally applies to households with low incomes.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a new government initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency in the least energy-efficient homes across Great Britain. Administered by Ofgem, this scheme is designed to address fuel poverty and help reduce energy bills by making homes more energy-efficient through insulation.
The scheme will provide support for homeowners to insulate their properties, leading to increased energy efficiency and cost savings on energy bills. It is set to launch this summer and will run until March 2026.
Types of Insulation Covered:
- Loft Insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation
- Room in Roof Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation (UFI)
- Heating Controls
Am I Eligible for the Great British Insulation Scheme?
You may qualify for the scheme if you live in a home that falls within council tax bands A-E in Scotland or A-D in England, or if your property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower. Eligibility typically covers one insulation measure, and a contribution towards the cost of installation may be required.
Green Mortgages
Green mortgages are a type of home loan specifically designed to support energy-efficient home improvements. Unlike standard mortgages, green mortgages offer incentives such as lower interest rates and increased borrowing capacity for homeowners committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Key Points About Green Mortgages
Whether you're planning to retrofit your current home or looking to purchase a new property with a high Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, a green mortgage can make these energy-efficient investments more affordable. Although upgrading to an energy-efficient home can be costly, green mortgages provide a financial pathway to make it more achievable.
Town & Country Renewables can provide all the information you need to understand green mortgages and eco-friendly home improvements. We offer the insights necessary to secure the ideal home and mortgage package, because living green starts at home.
The Need for Change in the Face of Climate Change
As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, green mortgages have emerged as a strategic tool to encourage eco-friendly homeownership. This guide covers what green mortgages are, their benefits, and how you can obtain one to enhance your home’s sustainability.
Benefits of Green Mortgages
Green mortgages come with several advantages, including financial incentives for energy-saving home improvements and potential reductions in utility bills. These benefits make green mortgages an attractive option for homeowners interested in investing in sustainability.
How to Obtain a Green Mortgage
- Consult Mortgage Advisers: Specialist mortgage advisers can help you navigate the various green mortgage options available. They work with different lenders to tailor mortgage options that meet your specific needs and sustainability goals.
- Approach High Street Banks and Building Societies: Many traditional lenders now offer green mortgages in response to the growing demand for sustainable living. Visit local branches to learn about their green mortgage products and how they can help you achieve a more energy-efficient home.
- Explore Specialist Lenders: Dedicated green lenders often provide competitive terms and have a deep understanding of sustainable housing needs. These lenders are a great resource for homeowners looking to make significant energy-efficient upgrades.
Taking Action on Your Sustainable Homeownership Goals
Securing a green mortgage is a proactive step toward sustainable living. By choosing a green mortgage, you not only contribute to environmental conservation but also enjoy the financial and personal benefits of owning an energy-efficient home.
Green mortgages are becoming increasingly accessible through various lenders, including high street banks, building societies, and specialist providers. To begin your journey toward a greener home, consult with a mortgage adviser who can guide you through the options and help you select a mortgage that aligns with your sustainability objectives.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme available to residents of Scotland and England, designed to compensate small-scale renewable energy generators for the electricity they export to the grid. Launched on January 1, 2020, SEG replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, which stopped accepting new applicants in March 2019.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) introduced SEG to ensure that small-scale renewable energy producers are paid for their contributions to the grid.
Eligible Renewable Technologies:
- Solar PV panels
- Wind turbines
- Hydro power
- Anaerobic digestion
- Micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP)
What if I Already Have a Feed In Tariff (FIT)?
If you are already receiving payments under the FIT scheme, your arrangement remains unchanged by the introduction of SEG. However, you cannot receive both FIT export payments and SEG payments simultaneously. You can opt out of FIT export payments in favour of SEG while continuing to receive FIT generation payments.
How Much Will I Receive for Exporting Electricity?
The SEG scheme does not set fixed or minimum tariffs. The only requirement is that the tariff must always be greater than zero. Energy suppliers have the flexibility to offer either fixed or variable tariffs:
- Fixed Tariffs: Pay a set rate per kWh of electricity exported over the duration of the contract.
- Variable Tariffs: Fluctuate based on market demand but will never drop below zero.
To find the best SEG tariffs available, you should contact energy suppliers directly. Ofgem publishes a list of SEG licensees annually.
Combining SEG with Other Grants and Financial Support
You can receive SEG payments alongside other forms of financial support for renewable energy, with the exception of FIT export payments. In Scotland, for example, SEG payments can be combined with the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan. However, you cannot receive SEG payments from more than one supplier.
What if I Have Energy Storage?
If your renewable energy system includes energy storage, you can still apply for SEG. However, your energy supplier may have specific rules, particularly if your battery stores electricity from the grid (brown electricity) for later export. Suppliers may choose whether or not to pay for this type of exported electricity. Some may only pay for green electricity generated by your renewable system and may require proof that you can separate green electricity from imported brown electricity.
Alternative Financing Options
Beyond SEG, energy suppliers may offer alternative financial arrangements, such as deals that pay for exported electricity. These deals are often tailored to individual households and may come with specific conditions, such as time limitations or requirements to purchase electricity from the same supplier. It's important to review all terms carefully to make an informed decision.
The Solar Energy UK website provides information on current deals available for exported electricity.
If you're in Scotland and have not yet installed renewable technology like solar PV, you may qualify for grants or interest-free loans from the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan program to assist with initial costs. Remember, to be eligible, you must wait to start work on your system until you receive a written funding offer.
SEG Licensees
List of Licensees who advised Ofgem that they are SEG Licensees for the fifth SEG year: 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Mandatory SEG Licensees
- British Gas Trading Ltd
- E (Gas and Electricity) Ltd
- E.ON Next Energy Ltd
- EDF Energy Customers Ltd
- Electricity Plus Supply Ltd (trading as Utility Warehouse)
- Octopus Energy Ltd (trading as Octopus)
- Octopus Energy Operations Ltd (trading as Octopus)
- Octopus Energy Operations 2 Ltd (trading as Octopus and Shell)
- OVO Electricity Ltd
- Scottish Power Energy Retail Ltd
- SO Energy Trading Ltd
- Utilita Energy Ltd
Voluntary SEG Licensees
- Rebel Energy Supply Ltd
- Pozitive Energy Ltd
Funding projects yourself
So, you have funds that you have available now for Renewables Energy projects and you want a clear picture of how to maximise your return from any potential investment, but it is all a bit overpowering! At Town & Country we can build you a comprehensive bespoke plan including schematics and calculations to get you started. Just let us know when you are ready to talk!
What is PPA Funding?
PPA funding refers to a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), a financial model that allows businesses to install solar energy systems without the need for upfront capital investment.
Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA)
The Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) is a funding option that enables businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions to access solar energy with no upfront costs. Through the SPPA, these organizations can immediately reduce energy costs and carbon emissions by leasing their roof space and purchasing solar electricity at a discounted rate. The solar provider handles all responsibilities related to the system, including long-term operation and maintenance. After the typical lease term of 25 years, the system ownership transfers to the lessee, allowing them to enjoy free solar electricity for the remaining life of the system.
Eligible Renewable Technology:
- Solar
Benefits of PPA Funding:
- Green Credentials: Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and help achieve net-zero targets.
- Financial Security: Gain long-term price and budget certainty for up to 15 years, shielding your business from market volatility.
- Cost Savings: Benefit from lower energy costs compared to wholesale market prices.
How the Solar PV Power Purchase Agreement Works
Our Solar PV Power Purchase Agreement enables commercial customers to reap the benefits of solar energy without any capital expenditure. We fund, install, and maintain the solar PV system on the customer’s roof, and they pay only for the electricity consumed at a reduced rate. By leasing the airspace above their roof and entering into a PPA, businesses can reduce their electricity bills from day one and continue saving for the duration of the lease, which typically lasts 25 years. At the end of the lease, they have the option to purchase the system and continue enjoying free solar electricity for the remaining lifespan of the system.
Renewable Energy Finance
Our Renewable Energy Finance program, in collaboration with leading UK financial institutions, offers businesses fully maintained solar PV systems at no upfront cost. Through a Power Purchase Agreement, we install and operate the solar PV system on their roof, while they purchase the solar electricity they use at a discounted rate. This arrangement allows businesses to benefit from solar energy without diverting capital from their core activities. We ensure the solar system delivers the expected performance and savings for at least 25 years. After the lease term, businesses can choose to buy the system and enjoy free solar electricity for the remaining life of the system.
Benefits of a Power Purchase Agreement
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) offers several key benefits for businesses:
- Sustainability: Helps businesses meet green targets and improve their environmental impact.
- Financial Stability: Provides long-term price and budget certainty, mitigating the risks of market fluctuations for up to 15 years.
- Cost Efficiency: Offers significant savings compared to wholesale energy prices, leading to long-term financial benefits.
How Does a PPA Work?
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a contract between an electricity generator and a customer who agrees to purchase the generated energy. Under this agreement, the developer finances, owns, and operates the energy facility, while the customer pays a predetermined rate per megawatt-hour for the energy and related products, such as capacity and renewable energy credits. This allows the customer to access renewable energy without the responsibilities of ownership and maintenance.
SME Loan Scheme Overview
The Scottish Government provides funding to support businesses in implementing energy efficiency projects. Through the SME Loan Scheme, businesses can access loans of up to £100,000 to enhance their energy and carbon-saving measures. Additionally, there is an opportunity to receive a cashback grant of up to £30,000.
Eligibility for the Cashback Grant
If your business qualifies as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and you are installing eligible equipment, you could receive a cashback grant of up to £30,000. Specifically:
- Energy Efficiency Measures: You can claim 75% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £20,000.
- Renewable Heat Measures: You can claim 75% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £10,000 for installing technologies like heat pumps, biomass boilers, and solar thermal systems.
What Can the SME Loan Be Used For?
The SME Loan can be used to finance a variety of energy-efficient upgrades, including:
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements.
- Installation of renewable heat technologies, such as air source heat pumps.
- Enhancing insulation, draught-proofing, and installing double or secondary glazing.
- Upgrading to LED lighting systems.
- Installing renewable energy solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, and wood-burning stoves.
Who Qualifies for the Loan?
The loan is available to Scottish businesses that meet the EU's definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as not-for-profit organizations and charities. To apply, your business must provide a qualifying report, such as the free energy efficiency or renewable assessments offered by Business Energy Scotland.
How to Apply for an SME Loan
If you have already received an energy efficiency or renewable assessment that outlines your project, or if you need one, you’re ready to start your application for the SME Loan.
What is CARES Funding?
The CARES program, managed by Local Energy Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, is designed to help communities participate in the transition to net-zero emissions through local energy projects. CARES provides financial support to assist in the development and implementation of these initiatives.
What Does CARES Fund?
CARES supports a wide range of projects, including the installation of renewable technologies in community buildings and shared ownership projects. Town & Country Renewables simplifies the process for you, whether you need assistance with a technical feasibility study or other project needs.
Who is Eligible?
A broad range of community organizations and charities can qualify for CARES support. Eligible applicants must be non-profit, community-based organizations, including those with charitable status, that are established and operate within a specific geographic area or faith groups.
Next Steps for CARES Funding
If you have a well-defined project idea and believe you're ready to apply for CARES funding and support, get in touch with us. We can assist you throughout the entire process, from planning to completion.