Hull City Council signs deal to save energy in city homes
More than 2,000 homes in Hull will benefit from cheaper energy bills, thanks to a package of energy saving measures to be delivered by Hull City Council and its new citywide energy partner, Willmott Dixon Energy Services (WDES).
The contract between the company and the Council will be signed on Monday 25 January, bringing delivery of the major programme of energy improvements a step closer to delivery.
Councillor John Black, Portfolio Holder for Council Infrastructure with responsibility for housing, said:
“The continued cuts by the Government and specific reductions to housing revenue has had serious implications on schemes like this. We have had to make some difficult decisions of future projects.
“The good news is that we are continuing with this hugely important investment. The energy improvements to over 2,000 homes in Hull recognises our commitment in Hull’s 10-year City Plan, to become a leading UK Energy City, reducing the city’s carbon emissions.
“Homes will receive a number of improvements – transforming the look of the local areas, helping residents to make the most of their energy and cutting fuel bills. This is good news for our residents, making their homes much warmer and improving living conditions.
“We look forward to working with Willmott Dixon Energy Services. The signing of the contract is a key milestone and means that works will get underway early next year.”
Developer delighted to be working with Hull City Council
Robert Lambe, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon Energy Services (WDES), said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Hull City Council. Over the next five years we will deliver improvements which will reduce energy bills for thousands of homes and help improve the health and well-being of those who live in them.
“A considerable amount of time has been spent planning these works and we are now looking forward putting these plans into action.”
Refurbishment works will include improvements to 329 homes in the Preston Road area and 1,668 properties in Orchard Park, including external solid wall insulation similar to that delivered in other areas of the city. Energy efficiency and frontage improvement works will also be delivered to 136 properties in Granville Street and Walliker Street as part of the contract.
Hull City Council is one of only a small number of local authorities to ‘partner’ and work collaboratively with an energy efficiency partner for a period of five years in a bid to help all residents to access energy efficiency measures in a simplified way, with the assurance of a reputable provider.
The work will be funded in part with ECO (Energy Company Obligation) funding from Npower and Hull Warmzone will bring their expertise in affordable warmth to the partnership.
Following the contract signing, it is anticipated that work to homes in Preston Road will get underway in February 2016 and Orchard Park in March 2016. Further information events will take place over the coming weeks for residents, tenants and landlords to find out more about the scheme.
For more information on the project, visit www.hullcc.gov.uk
