Eligible homes in the county are set to benefit from funding for low-carbon energy upgrades. 
 

Northumberland County Council has been successful in securing £12.4m as part of the Government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) to install energy efficiency improvements to properties which are not connected to mains gas and are using resources such as oil, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), inefficient electric heaters or coal. 
 

Eligible households in the county, including owner-occupied and privately owned properties, can apply for energy saving upgrades which may include loft, cavity wall, internal wall, or underfloor insulation, air source heat pumps or solar panels, helping households, keep warm, become more energy efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. 
 

Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council and Cabinet Member for climate change said: “It’s fantastic to see that Northumberland has been awarded this important funding. We want to support all our residents to ensure that they have the most comfortable and affordable homes wherever possible.  
 

“The county has lots of rural pockets which rely on fuel such as coal for heat. With the move away from fossil fuel towards greener energy it is imperative that we make sure no one is left behind and that everyone’s home is energy efficient and has the opportunity make the transition to a greener future.” 
 

The scheme is part of the Governments Sustainable Warmth strategy which is part of its legal commitment to reach net zero by 2050 and forms part of the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan to make Northumberland carbon neutral by 2030. 
 

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance said: “This investment will help thousands of households to heat their homes for less, keep them warm for longer and could save hundreds on their annual energy bill. 
 

“The green energy sector is growing, and this funding will support green jobs and provide the training needed to deliver these vital upgrades to homes.” 
 

Households can check their eligibility and apply at https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Climate-Change/Renewable-energy.aspx 
 

Eligible homes will receive an assessment to determine which measures are most appropriate.