Community Energy Efficiency Project

Project Brief

Download a copy of the  Community Energy Efficiency project brief. (PDF) [373KB]  

UKSPF Intervention

E13 - Community measures to reduce the cost of living, through measures to improve energy efficiency, and combat fuel poverty and climate change.

Objectives

Preston City Council has recognised that there is a need to provide support for community measures to reduce the cost of living and improve household energy efficiency.

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting many residents in Preston. 

A major factor contributing to this crisis has been the sharp increase in energy prices during 2022 which has exacerbated the existing crisis of fuel poverty in the city. 

Data published in 2022 indicated that the overall fuel poverty rate in Preston was 14.9%, but there were two wards in which over 30% of households were already living in fuel poverty before the most recent energy price shocks.

Through this intervention we will fund projects which can help households in Preston through this crisis by increasing the take up of energy efficiency measures which will also have the effect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  It is anticipated that projects will provide residents with the information and resources necessary to improve energy efficiency and reduce household bills.

Please note that in terms of project outputs for the number of households that have received support to take up energy efficiency measures:

• A 'household' as defined in the 2011 Census is: 'one person living alone; or a group of people (not necessarily related) living at the same address who share cooking facilities and share a living room or sitting room or dining area', includes houses, bungalows, flats, and maisonettes.
• Energy efficiency means any measures which could improve a household Energy Performance Certificate rating. It is not required to shift the letter rating, only to make progress towards this.

Financial Profile

Outputs

• Number of households receiving support - 700
• Number of households supported to take energy efficiency measures - 700
• Number of people reached - 1,680

Outcomes  - Applicant to submit this figure on application form

• Estimated Carbon Dioxide equivalent reductions as a result of support

* The output figures shown are the minimum which Preston City Council expects the available funding to deliver. Applicants applying for the full amount would be expected to meet these targets as a minimum. Where an applicant is applying for a share of the funding, we expect outputs and outcomes to be delivered in proportion to the share applied for.

Project Timeline

• Date of launch for commissioning - Friday 26 May 2023
• Deadline for receipt of applications - Friday 28 July 2023 - 17:30
• Notification of whether applications have been successful - Mid August 2023 (provisional)
• Issuing of grant agreements, commencement of projects - End August 2023 (provisional)
• Project end - 31 March 2025