Why it matters 

Every time we turn on the television, run the hot water tap, or use the central heating, energy is used.  

Most of the energy we use in Nottingham comes from the National Grid. While the grid is decarbonising by switching to renewable sources, like solar panels and wind farms, the majority of this energy is still generated by burning fossil fuels (gas or coal). 

We need to increase the number of renewable energy sources we have in Nottingham, but making changes to how you use energy can help reduce your bills and carbon footprint. 

What we’re doing 

Nottingham has been active in helping to decarbonise electricity. It is estimated around a fifth of all local energy demand is provided from local low-carbon energy sources.  Over 6,200 solar panel installations have already been installed across the city, covering both domestic and commercial properties.  

The City Council will continue to develop its ability to generate energy from renewable sources and are exploring energy from waste, wind, sewage, water, land, and movement as possible future sources. 

We are also developing battery energy storage projects. Batteries are used to store energy generated from renewable sources so that it can be used at the right time. These can also be used to help balance the grid by exporting stored energy when demand is high. 

What can you do? 

Improved energy efficiency will make your home easier and cheaper to heat and keep warm. With energy bills at an all-time high, knowing how to save energy will help you cut costs as well as carbon emissions.

Find ways to save energy in your home

Small actions can add up. Even making small changes to your energy use habits can lead to big savings. Ideas to get you started are:

• Switching to a green or renewable energy tariff is a simple way to reduce your reliance on grid electric produced by fossil fuels 
• Use a pan lid when cooking 
• Check your house for appliances on standby and turn of and unplug electricals that aren’t in use 
• When buying new electrical items, save on long term costs by choosing an appliance with a high energy efficiency rating

Recommendations for home improvements that could make your property cheaper to heat and keep warm are available on this .Gov web page

Find ways to save energy in your home - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme

Energy suppliers are required to help households reduce the costs of their home heating by fitting energy-saving measures. You may get help with the cost of insulation work, replacing or repairing a boiler, or other upgrades to your heating.

Different energy suppliers have different amounts of support and offer different types of improvements.

Applying for ECO4

• Contact an energy supplier directly, you can find contact details of suppliers who are taking part in the scheme on the Ofgem website.
• Apply for ECO4 via our ECO LA Flex scheme, contact housing.network@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Eligibility

National eligibility details can be found at www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation

Nottingham City Council is overseeing LA Flex criteria to enable more households in Nottingham to qualify for ECO4. For more information on this criteria please see our ECO4 flexible eligibility statement of intent

Information on local installers - Local Installers for ECO Measures

Great British Insulation Scheme

You may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home’s energy bills through the Great British Insulation scheme.

You might get support if your home:

• Has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G - check your EPC here
• Is in Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland or Wales - check your Council Tax band here

You can be a homeowner, landlord or tenant (either renting privately or from a housing association). If you’re a tenant, speak to your landlord before you apply. You’ll need their permission before any insulation can be installed.

To access the scheme apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme
If you’re eligible for support, your energy supplier will contact you.

Guidance for Landlords

Properties in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) are required to meet minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) before they can be rented to tenants. Find out more about the required standards and financial help available to landlords to meet these standards. Improved energy efficiency can make your properties easier and cheaper to heat, lift your tenants out of fuel poverty and may even increase the value of your properties.

Energy Efficiency Grants - Guidance for Landlords

Are you a community group?

The Community Energy Fund (CEF) is a £10m grant scheme for urban and rural communities to develop energy services to benefit their local area.

The funding will help to kickstart clean energy projects including small-scale wind farms and rooftop solar partnerships, as well as battery storage, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points. It can also be used to fund fuel poverty alleviation schemes such as energy efficiency, retrofit, and advice projects.

Find out more on the Midlands Net Zero Hub website