£8 million to help support some homes to become energy efficient 

DEFA acted ‘quickly’ to offer free items four months after plans unveiled  

Eight million pounds will be spent helping some households on the Isle of Man reduce their energy usage and lower their heating bills.

Free loft insulation, draft excluders, lightbulbs and smart heating controls will be among the items available to people who are on benefits or who earn under a certain income.

Tynwald unanimously backed a revised Energy Efficiency Scheme 2022 this week.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture originally announced plans to provide free energy saving materials in August.

A month later, at the September sitting of the court, the department said it would be giving them out with ‘minimal barriers’.

Now, four months after first being announced, the department claims it’s acted ‘quickly and decisively’ to provide support.

Up to £750 of goods will be available to people who own or rent their own homes – privately or via social housing – if:

• They are in receipt of certain social security or income related benefits
• They have an income of no more than £50,000 per annum per household

An additional £500 will be available to those on certain benefits – including state pension, incapacity and carers and disability allowance – to help people fit the energy saving measures.

DEFA says making home more energy efficient means heat will be retained in properties for longer – therefore reducing the amount of energy people need to use.

Minister Clare Barber added: “By providing access to free materials, that will help homes retain heat, government is helping those who can least afford it to make quick and immediate changes that have the potential to significantly reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions.

“The public are encouraged to assess their houses to determine what materials would be suitable and then look at applying for the scheme.”

The energy efficiency items will be available from a number of depots around the Island and via an online voucher scheme.

The department says it will undertake random spot checks to limit abuse of the scheme.

Applications will open on Monday, 19 December. You can find out more HERE.

Twelve million pounds has already been allocated in social security benefits – including family support and energy support payments - this year to assist with rising prices.

You can listen to Minister Barber's speech from Tynwald in full here: