A home energy blitz started this week when surveyors are calling at homes throughout the borough to see if householders are eligible for free insulation and other low-cost energy efficiency measures.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is working with government funded organisation the Greater London Energy Efficiency Network Ltd (GLEEN) to help residents improve the energy efficiency in their homes, helping them keep warm, save money and help the environment.

The scheme offers: grants for loft and cavity wall insulation; grants towards a replacement central heating boiler or complete central heating system; council grants for a range of further energy efficiency measures and guidance on benefits entitlement.

The Council has a special new insulation scheme that entitles all residents aged over 70, regardless of income, to free cavity wall and loft insulation.

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There is also a scheme that entitles residents aged over 60 or with children under 16 and who are on a low income to get free cavity wall and loft insulation.

Even if residents are not eligible for free insulation, they can get loft and cavity wall insulation at a significantly discounted price.

Cllr Julian Ellacott, Executive Member for Environment, said: "As part of the Council's aim to protect the environment, we work in partnership with other agencies to provide schemes to help residents make their homes more energy efficient, helping them to keep warm in the cold weather, save energy and reduce their energy bills. We also provide advice on how to save energy in the home.

"Energy efficiency grants are available to help residents pay for a range of work including loft and cavity wall insulation; draught-proofing; lagging of pipes and water tanks; heating measures and even new gas boilers.

"One third of all energy we use goes towards keeping our houses warm, so by implementing some easy energy saving measures, we can considerably reduce the amount of energy we use, which is especially important with rising energy costs.

"The average poorly insulated house wastes around £200 per year on fuel. By insulating the roof and cavity walls residents can reduce heat loss by 50% (35% through walls, and 15% through the roof) and it is the easiest way to save energy and money."

(CD/JM)