Energy efficiency
We’re working towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions, improving energy efficiency and providing affordable warmth for homes and businesses in the city.
Energy at home
We are committed to working towards being carbon neutral by 2030. Improving the energy efficiency of homes plays a key part in this journey.
Retrofit home improvements
Domestic energy efficiency retrofit involves upgrading homes to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This may include installing insulation, upgrading heating systems and integrating renewable energy technologies, like solar panels.
Retrofitting improves comfort, lowers energy bills, and contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Homewise Retrofit Planner online tool
Simply enter some details about your property and the tool will suggest tailored energy-saving measures and improvements.
Find out more about the Homewise retrofit planner
Energy efficiency retrofit schemes
See what schemes and funds for retrofit are currently available:
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) helps homeowners and private rental tenants in homes with low energy ratings to get free or discounted insulation installed. You do not necessarily have to be on a benefit or low income to qualify.
Find out more on our GBIS page
Get a survey done of your home by an impartial, professional surveyor from our energy projects team. You'll get a report detailing the best way to improve your home to save energy, reduce bills, and lower your carbon footprint. We also advise you on any funding help you may be able to get.
Or come along to a drop-in advice session at your local library.
Find out more about Warm Home Surveys.
The Warmer Homes, Greener Homes fund helps Leicester homeowners who are struggling to afford to replace their broken or faulty heating system. The fund is aimed at helping those who are vulnerable to the cold due to having a long-term health condition or disability.
The fund also provides one-off grants of up to £500 for Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Top-ups to help fund contributions clients have been asked to make. Funding is limited and awards don’t cover 100% of the costs.
Find out more about the Warmer Homes, Greener Homes fund and eligibility criteria.
ECO is a scheme run by energy companies to help improve the energy performance of homes occupied by vulnerable, low income households. This scheme is available to homeowners and private tenants who receive benefits.
ECO Flex is an extension of the ECO scheme, but the criteria for who qualifies for help are wider than the normal scheme.
Find out more about the ECO Flex scheme.
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme and the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme aim to improve the energy efficiency of privately owned and privately rented homes with a D, E, F or G energy rating.
The Home Upgrade (HUG) scheme is only for homes which have electric appliances, LPG oil or solid fuel as their main source of heating. The scheme installs free energy efficiency measures, such as:
- External wall insulation (EWI)
- Solar PV panels
- Loft insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- Air source heat pump
- High retention storage heaters
Due to high demand, applications for the current phase of the Green Homes Grant LAD scheme have been paused.
If you have questions about your application for a previous phase of the scheme there is more information on our Green Homes schemes page.
Advice and support
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Get impartial, professional advice from our Energy Projects Team about suitable home improvements for energy efficiency. Book a video appointment or see us face-to-face at a library near you.
- Get free help from a 'Green Doctor' at Groundworks Five Counties. Green Doctors are trained energy-efficiency experts who offer a range of free energy and water efficiency measures, such as light bulbs, radiator panels and draught excluders. They can help people switch energy providers and access other forms of support – emergency heating, damp and mould advice, government subsidies or grants, and advice on energy or water debt.
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Find ways to save energy in your home - with advice from the Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
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Cost of living support - get help with fuel costs, information on keeping warm and well.
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Connected for Warmth is a grant scheme offering free energy-saving measures to homes across Britain, that can help you reduce your energy use and stay warm and well.
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Advice on external wall insulation - we can advise on a range of government grant schemes, and provide guidance on insulation designs and what planning permission is required.
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Leicester Energy Advice - advice, training, outreach sessions and education for young people.
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Energy Saving Trust website for advice on saving energy at home.
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NEA website - advice on energy bills and keeping warm and safe in your home. This website has useful accessibility tools.
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Ofgem - website explains what help you can ask for from your supplier, and other help that might be available.
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Citizens Advice - website has advice if you have been struggling to pay your energy bills and you need more support, or you are vulnerable.