Home Energy Saving Measures - Cosy Devon

What is Cosy Devon?

West Devon Borough Council realises the importance of having energy efficient homes which save you money,  helps to keep you warm, well and safe, and also helps you to reduce carbon dioxide emissions which contribute to climate change.

Cosy Devon (formerly Devon Warm Zones) is a partnership which includes West Devon Borough Council, and other local authorities and organisations, working with Energy Action Devon, to deliver energy efficiency measures. The scheme aims to make homes warmer and more energy efficient by improving insulation; it can also offer 2 free energy efficient light bulbs when insulation is installed, and a fire safety check.

How to save energy and money

One of the most cost effective ways in which you can reduce your energy consumption and help tackle climate change is to install loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.

At the same time, the Cosy Devon scheme will offer sound advice on energy efficiency and benefits entitlement to help to reduce the amount of money spent on energy, and to maximise household income.

Who Qualifies for assistance?

The Cosy Devon scheme is open to all residents of West Devon.  In addition to the Cosy Devon offer, the Council, and its partners, provide a range of support through grants and loans to make properties safe and warm.  All grants are subject to funding being available.

All homeowners and private tenants in West Devon are eligible for free or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation. 

You can visit the West Devon page of the Cosy Devon website to see the offers available (depending on your circumstances).

How to apply?

The Devon Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre has information on what schemes are currently available to owner occupiers, tenants, and landlords and can give guidance on eligibility and how to apply.

Please always quote "West Devon Borough Council Cosy Devon Offer" when contacting The Devon Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre.

They can be contacted on their Freephone number 0800 512 012 or at::

South West Energy Saving Trust advice centre
c/o Energy Action Devon
4th Floor, Royal Building
St Andrews Cross
Plymouth, PL1 1DN

Fax : 01752 235181
Email : info@energyactiondevon.org.uk

or visit their website at www.energyactiondevon.org.uk

December 2010 - New Grant Opportunity -
Grants available from Wales & West Utilities for Gas Connections, Heating & Insulation

The Wales & West Utilities - who cover Wales and the SW England - gas connection grant maximum has been increased in value from £1,815 to £1,914.  Wales & West Utilities is the main gas pipeline operator in the West of England.  The maximum value of this grant is £1,914 + VAT.   In addition, Npower and Integrated Energy Services are offering grants towards converting coal, oil and electric heating to new, energy efficiency mains gas heating and towards home insulation.  The grant is particularly useful for private householders who are unable to qualify for Warm Front and for social landlords upgrading heating from electric storage or coal to mains gas.

You could benefit from a grant if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• The community or area where you live is within the 20% most deprived areas in Wales or England as measured by the Government's Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).
• You need to spend more than 10% of your income on household fuel.
• You are in receipt of certain Government benefits.
• You are over 70 years of age.

Click here for more info or telephone 01639 825 960.

Full information on this scheme can also be obtained from the Energy Saving Trust advice centre, contact details as above.  They will also be able to advise on any other measures that may be available locally, that would go 'hand-in-hand' with a new gas connection - for example, funding towards a new boiler, and insulation measures, etc.