Energy Efficiency
Keeping Warm
The Council is a home energy conservation authority (HECA) with responsibilities for promoting the conservation of energy in all private residential accommodation across the Borough.
The Council adopted a strategy for home energy conservation in 1996 that covered both the private sector and Council owned housing. The aim of the strategy is to reduce domestic energy consumption by 30% over a 15 year period ending in 2011. In addition, the Council approved a Fuel Poverty Strategy which in aims to help vulnerable households who have to spend more than 10% of their income on home energy costs.
The Council promotes the installation of energy conservation measures, such as improved insulation to lofts, tanks and pipes, and more efficient heating. Different sources of financial 
Other grants for energy efficiency include the Energy Action Grants Agency (EAGA) who administer the government Warm Front Grant scheme. Enquiries for these grants can be made on 0800 316 2805. For further information visit the Warmfront website.
Another source of useful, independent advice on energy conservation measures in the home is the Essex Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEEAC) on 0800 512 012. The EEAC is part funded by the government through the Energy Savings Trust (EST) to provide information and advice to householders on all home energy matters.
Although the Council has had to suspend its own solar water heating grants for the foreseeable future, the EEAC currently advises upon grants available for the installation of solar water heating in private homes. This form of heating uses free radiant heat energy from the sun to heat water for domestic use using a solar panel fitted to the roof. Enquiries about such grants can be made to the EEEAC on 0800 512 2012.
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Last updated: 12th March 2012