A new system to help homebuyers get green grants worth hundreds of pounds to lower their fuel bills and make their homes greener has been announced, linked to the introduction of Homes Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates.

Most people are unaware that there are typical grants of £100 to £300 grants for cut-price loft and cavity wall insulation. The programme is expanding next year so even more homebuyers will be able to benefit from hundreds of pounds off insulation.

Measures recommended in the EPC could save the average consumer £300 a year off their fuel bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

With EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) being introduced – giving home-buyers a home energy rating, the system will make it easier for consumers to get grants to make the improvements recommended in the certificates.

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For the first time, the six major energy companies have agreed that when buyers move into their home and sign up to an energy contract they will get immediate access and information about ‘green’ grants or offers to consumers. This follows talks with the Government and will help them make their home more environmentally friendly and cut fuel bills.

In addition, the scheme will include a new portal on the Energy Saving Trust’s website where consumers only need to tap in their postcode to find details of offers available. Once fully rolled out it is estimated that the energy certificates would save nearly a million tonnes of carbon per year by 2020.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said: “Energy certificates have the potential to cut family fuel bills by hundreds of pounds. But it can still be a real hassle getting the work done. Most people don’t know these grants are available or don’t know how to apply for them.

“This means it should be much easier for homebuyers to get help to cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions too. It could save hundreds of pounds on insulation and hundreds off pounds on their energy bills too.”

(JM/SP)