Air source heat pumps and solar panels are among the technologies that will be added to 400 homes to make them more energy efficient
(Image credit: Getty Images)
A new project in Cornwall will see 400 poorly-insulated homes retrofitted with energy-saving technology to reduce homeowners’ energy bills.
OVO Energy Solutions will team up with Cornwall Council to deliver around 1,000 whole house retrofit measures on the project. These will include the installation of new insulation, air source heat pumps, solar PV, draught proofing, high retention storage heaters and double glazing.
Retrofitting a home can be done in a number of ways, varying from single-room improvements to whole house retrofits, and as well as lowering energy costs it can help to make homes warmer and more comfortable to live in.
Helping to improve the energy efficiency of our homes is being widely seen as a necessary step to help homeowners navigate rising energy bills, which are expected to increase again in October. Ofgem confirmed in May that the Energy Price Cap could rise to £2,800, meaning millions of households might have to pay an extra £800 per year.
Raman Bhatia, CEO of OVO, said: “By working with leading local authorities and housing associations, we’ve unlocked a huge opportunity to create greener, more energy-efficient homes for those people who live in draughty homes and will benefit from lower energy bills.
“Now, more than ever, the projects are critical to supporting households during the cost of living crisis while also bringing down the carbon footprint of the home."
(Image credit: OVO Energy)
How The Technology Will be Chosen
The whole house retrofits will focus on the fabric of the house first, OVO says, before the “right technology” is then installed to have the biggest impact.
Get the Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
Through these installations, the 400 homes in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly will be upgraded to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band of C or D. OVO says that in order to meet the government’s net zero targets, all UK homes must be retrofitted to an EPC band C standard by 2035.
Councillor Olly Monk, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “This programme will help residents on low incomes have warmer homes, reduced energy bills and access to lower cost energy that is powered by renewable sources. It will also cut homes’ carbon emissions, helping in tackling climate change and contributing towards our goal for Cornwall becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”
Homeowners looking to introduce low-carbon technologies can currently benefit from heat pump grants including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, whereby you can save up to £6,000 on the cost of a heat pump.
And for more information on lowering your energy bills, try our energy-saving tips to make your home more energy-efficient.
Jack has worked in journalism for 11 years and is the News Editor for Homebuilding & Renovating, a role he has had since 2019. He strives to break the most relevant and beneficial stories for self builders, extenders and renovators, including the latest news on the construction materials shortage and hydrogen heating. In 2021 he appeared on BBC's The World at One to discuss the government's planning reforms.
He enjoys testing new tools and gadgets, and having bought his first home in 2013, he has renovated every room and recently finished a garden renovation.
