Improve your home’s energy efficiency

Helping Amber Valley Residents stay warm, save money, and reduce energy use

Amber Valley Borough Council is committed to helping residents improve energy efficiency in their homes. Making your home more energy efficient can reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

We work in partnership with Marches Energy Agency, a non-profit organisation that offers free, independent advice on how to reduce energy use and improve home comfort. Whether you’re unsure where to start, or already know what you need, support is available.

Partner support

Get free, independent energy advice

We work in partnership with Marches Energy Agency (MEA), a non-profit organisation offering expert, impartial advice on home energy improvements. We recommend contacting MEA, for guidance tailored to your home and circumstances.

Marches Energy Agency (MEA) - The Pump House, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, SY1 2DP
Phone: 01743 246007
Website: www.mea.org.uk
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Their advisors can help you:

• Understand what improvements are suitable for your home
• Check your eligibility for funding or grants
• Get started with making changes

Their advice is free, confidential, and independent.

Help with costs – funding and support

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for financial support through:

• Government grants (e.g. ECO4, Great British Insulation Scheme)
• Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Local council or charity-run assistance schemes

Advisors at Marches Energy Agency can help you explore these options and apply where eligible.

What are Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs)?

Energy Efficiency Measures are improvements made to your home to help it use less energy and retain heat more effectively. These changes can include insulation, heating upgrades, renewable energy systems, and more.

Building fabric improvements

• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
• Floor insulation
• Draught-proofing (windows, doors, floors)

Heating system upgrades

• Modern condensing boiler upgrades
• Heating controls (room thermostats, TRVs, programmers)
• Air source or ground source heat pumps
• High heat retention electric storage heaters

Renewable energy systems

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels – for electricity generation
• Solar thermal panels – for hot water
• Biomass boilers and stoves

Lighting and appliances

• LED lighting throughout the home
• Energy-efficient appliances (e.g. A-rated fridges, washing machines)

Windows and doors

• Double or triple glazing
• Energy-rated external doors

Benefits of improving energy efficiency

Why make your home more energy efficient?

Improving your home's energy efficiency can bring a range of benefits beyond just financial savings. These include:

• Lower energy bills
• Improved warmth and comfort
• Better health and wellbeing; a warmer, more efficient home can reduce the risk of damp, mould, and cold-related illnesses
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Greater control over your heating
• Increased home value
• Access to grants and financial support

Financial help and grants

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for financial support through the following national and local schemes:

• Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG)
  Available to eligible Amber Valley residents in privately rented or owned homes, as well as private landlords, this scheme funds energy-saving measures including insulation and heating upgrades.
• ECO4 – Energy Company Obligation
  A government scheme to support low-income and vulnerable households with home energy improvements.
• Great British Insulation Scheme
  Offers help with insulation costs for lower-income households and homes in council tax bands A–D in England.
• Warm Home Discount Scheme
  A £150 discount off your electricity bill during the winter for eligible low-income households.
• Local council or charity support
  Additional help may be available through local initiatives or charities. Marches Energy Agency advisors can help you identify and apply for the right scheme.

If you're unsure which schemes you're eligible for, Marches Energy Agency can guide you through the options and application processes.

How to get started

If you're ready to explore how to make your home warmer, cheaper to run, and more energy efficient, getting started is easy:

Apply online

You can begin by filling out our quick eligibility form online: https://forms.office.com/e/u2A3rTm3Pg

Or, speak to someone by phone

If you prefer to speak with someone on the phone, you can get free, expert support from our partner, Marches Energy Agency, by following the steps below:

1. Speak to Marches Energy Agency

They offer free, independent advice tailored to your home, your circumstances, and your goals. Their team can:

• Talk you through potential improvements
• Help you understand available grants or funding
• Guide you through the application or installation process

Partner: Marches Energy Agency (MEA)
Scheme Name: Warmer Derby and Derbyshire
Telephone: 0800 677 1332
Email: wdd@mea.org.uk
Website: www.mea.org.uk
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

2. Prepare for your call or visit

To help them support you quickly, try to have the following information ready:

• Your home’s current heating type (e.g. gas boiler, electric heaters)
• Any insulation already installed (loft, walls, etc.)
• Your energy supplier (if known)
• Whether you receive any benefits (as this may affect grant eligibility)

3. Follow up on advice

Once you’ve spoken with MEA, you’ll receive tailored advice and possibly referrals to local installers, funding schemes, or support services.

There’s no obligation — just practical, friendly help to improve your home.

Alternatively, if you can check your eligibility and register your interest in this scheme via the Gov.uk website by clicking on the following link:

Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant to improve a home - GOV.UK

Whilst we are not currently signed up to receive interest via the gov.uk service once we are able to sign up we will be able to review and process your application (please ensure that you click the submit button at the bottom of the Gov.uk webpage otherwise your application will not be sent to us and therefore will not be able to be processed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to own my home to get help? ˅ Is this service really free? ˅ I don’t know what improvements I need. Can someone assess my home? ˅ Will this affect my benefits or taxes? ˅

 

Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk