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Portsmouth City Council takes third place at the Energy Efficiency Awards

8 November 2024

Our partners, Portsmouth City Council, have been recognised for their ongoing leadership on behalf of their residents, securing third place at this year’s National Energy Efficiency Awards, for the support they offer residents in upgrading their homes and saving energy.

The National Multi-Measure Project of the Year award recognises the Council's Warmer Homes programme, which has supported thousands of low-income households over the past few years, by offering a wide range of fully funded energy efficiency upgrades.

The Warmer Homes programme, delivered in partnership with AgilityEco, a part of M Group Services' Energy Division, and supported by a consortium of 23 local authorities, has secured millions in grant funding from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. These funds have been used to deliver fully funded energy-saving upgrades, including air source heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation to vulnerable households predominantly in the South of England.

The programme's current phase focuses on HUG 2 (Home Upgrade Grant: Phase 2) funding, specifically for homes not heated by mains gas. According to recent government data as of the end of September 2024, Warmer Homes had already supported over 679 properties, accounting for 21% of national HUG2 delivery.

We’re thrilled to have come third place nationally for this scheme. It’s one of the many schemes that the Council are involved in, and we’re proud to be a part of the collaboration and community helping residents across Portsmouth. This scheme not only saves families money, but it makes homes more energy efficient. We hope everyone who is eligible makes the most of these schemes, and contacts the Council’s Switched On Portsmouth team if they need support with energy bills.

Councillor Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City

The programme also addresses the needs of those living in conservation areas or listed buildings, where planning permissions can hinder energy efficiency improvements. Warmer Homes covers the cost of planning applications and works directly with planning consultants and local authorities to ensure residents can access these important upgrades without additional stress.

Collaboration with community organisations, including Citizens Advice, the Environment Centre (tEC), BHESCo, and Green Isle of Wight, has been crucial to the programme’s success. These trusted partners help promote the scheme and build confidence among residents, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

We’re proud to continue our support as delivery partners for Portsmouth City Council’s Warmer Homes scheme. This National Energy Efficiency Award recognition highlights the scheme’s profound impact in reducing fuel poverty and creating a sustainable future for vulnerable households along England’s south coast.

Sharon Johnson, Managing Director at AgilityEco

The programme has had a positive economic impact by creating jobs and upskilling local installers. Many installation teams have expanded their service offerings, and several have joined sustainability initiatives like the Supply Chain Sustainability School.

The Council remains committed to reducing fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency through the Warmer Homes scheme and other initiatives.

Learn more about the Warmer Homes programme.

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. (2024, October 31). Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) release, October 2024. Gov.UK.