Taking advantage of free insulation This information has been collated in a collaboration between Low Carbon Oxford, British Gas, Southern Electric and USEA

Contents 1.Why do we need insulation? 2.What’s on offer? 3.What are the catches? 4.Why are energy companies giving it away for free? 5.Am I eligible? 6.What do I have to do? 7.Why should I do it now? 8.Extra offers 9.Where can I find more information?

Why do we need insulation? 80% of energy used in homes is used for heating Source: direct.gov.uk Properly insulated homes can save money on fuel bills, protect the warmth of the home and cut carbon emissions. Cavity wall and loft insulation is the most cost effective way to reduce your energy bills – typical savings (according to the Energy Saving Trust) are: Loft Insulation - up to £ per year (around 720kg CO2 per year) Cavity Wall Insulation - up to £ per year (around 550kg CO2 per year)

What’s on offer? 1.Free Cavity Wall Insulation 2.Free Loft Insulation to anyone with less than 60mm existing in their loft at present. Customers with over 60mm existing loft insulation can get a top up at an additional cost. The recommend depth for insulation is 270mm.

What are the catches? 1.Loft space needs to be clear. 2.There may be extra charges if homes are larger than expected and if any extra specialist equipment is needed i.e. scaffolding. This is specific to each home, hence the need for a free, no-obligation survey visit.

Why are energy companies giving it away for free? The Government has imposed strict obligations which energy companies are trying to deliver within a short time scale. The scheme is called CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) and focuses on energy suppliers insulating domestic households. Energy companies are offering insulation for free to help boost demand and meet these targets. From the end of 2012 the targets will be over and the free offers will no longer run. If something seems too good to be true, it often is. But free insulation is the exception to the rule. Get your home insulated for free this summer before the funds run out and you can enjoy the benefits of lower energy bills and a warmer home for years to come.

Am I eligible? There are, as always, terms and conditions. Please contact any or all of the providers below, or any others you know of, to discuss specifics and arrange a free, no-obligation viewing. The Thames Water, Cocoon, EDF and Southern Electric offers are open to everyone in Oxfordshire. Cavity walls To help identify: Brick patterns (all long bricks) House built between 1932 and 1982 Loft insulation Your loft must be accessible

What do I have to do? Contact a provider and arrange a free, no-obligation survey to assess your suitability for the scheme. Cocoon Run by the United Sustainable Energy Agency (USEA), a not for profit company. Visit Call EDF Visit Call Southern Electric Call Thames Water in partnership with British Gas Visit Call Limited availability - Apply before 31st July 2012!

Why should I do it now? The Government targets (CERT) will end at the end of the year, this will be the last chance for households to get free loft and cavity wall insulation, and to get all the benefits of the energy savings. Typically it could cost anywhere from £100 to £350 to install either Loft of Cavity Wall insulation after this time, so another big reasons to act fast on the free deal. Some of the offers will end before the end of 2012, and for insulation can be very seasonal leading to long wait times at certain points in the year, so it is best to take up the offers as soon as possible.

Extra offers If you or someone you know falls within the Special Priority Group then extra offers are available: To qualify, a person must be on one of the benefits below: State Pension Credit. Child Tax Credit with an income below £16,190. Or on one of the following: Income based Jobs Seekers Allowance. Income Support. Income Related Employment Support Allowance Credit. Plus one of the following: Parental responsibility for a child aged under five who permanently lives at the address. Child Tax Credit which includes a disability or severe disability element. A disabled child premium. A disability premium, enhanced disability premium or severe disability premium. A pensioner premium, higher pensioner premium, or enhanced pensioner premium. British Gas: £50 for the customer and £50 for the referrer EDF: Up to £200 cashback Southern Electric: A High Street voucher worth £75

Where can I find more information? Information about the Government CERT scheme: Cocoon EDF Southern Electric Thames Water