From 1 April 2023 all non-domestic properties must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least E. Find out more information on our Energy efficiency legislation page.
- Check the energy efficiency of your home
- Other energy efficiency funding schemes
- Advice on renewable energy
- Ways you can save money and energy
- Advice on keeping warm this winter
- How we are reducing fuel poverty and energy use
Malvern Hills District Council work in partnership with Act on Energy to deliver their Energy Efficiency Advice Service. For Energy Efficiency Advice please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0800 988 2881.
Check the energy efficiency of your home
Improving the energy efficiency of your home can help save money on your bills and reduce your carbon footprint, helping our planet.
There are a number of schemes available to help you with the cost of work to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home.
If you do not know the energy efficiency rating of your home, or would like ideas about how to improve your rating, then use the online checker to find out what energy efficiency or low carbon heat improvements may be suitable for your home.
Other energy efficiency funding schemes
Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
The Government requires energy companies to provide funding to help improve the energy efficiency of homes, reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
If you are on certain benefits, you may be able to get help funding, all or some, of the cost of some types of insulation or heating systems, such as a replacement boiler.
To qualify you need to be claiming one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit Guarantee (not savings credit)
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Benefit*
- Disability Benefits
– Personal Independence Payment
– Disability Living Allowance
– Attendance Allowance
– Armed Forces Independence Payment
– Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
*based on income thresholds and household composition
Advice on renewable energy
- Installing renewable energy systems in your own home can cut your energy bills and the harmful carbon emissions your household creates.
- There are many forms of renewable energy including solar panels, wind turbines, ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers.
- You could also be paid for the energy you generate for seven years as part of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.
- Find out more about installing renewable energy technology in your home.
- You can also call Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881.
Ways you can save money and energy
By taking some simple energy saving measures you can save money on your bills.
Top energy saving tips
- Use smart technology to control your heating
- Turn your thermostat down 1 degree
- Switch your appliances off stand-by
- Use a bowl to wash up
- Replace all your bulbs with LEDs
- Turn off lights when you’re not in the room
- Draught proof doors and windows
- Spend one less minute in the shower each day
- Do one less load of laundry a week
- Fill the kettle with just the right amount of water
Check out more ways to cut your bills from the Energy Saving Trust.
Switch energy provider
This is one of the easiest things you can do to save you money on your bills.
- Use an Ofgem approved price comparison website to compare energy prices.
- You can also call Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881.
Get a smart meter
A smart meter will give you near to real-time information on your energy consumption to help you manage your energy use and save money, as well as reduce your carbon footprint. It also means your billing will be more accurate as information will be sent direct to your energy provider. Smart meters can be installed for free.
Find out more about how to get a smart meter.
Join an energy switching scheme
Energy switching schemes join groups of people together. Energy companies then bid for the right to supply those individuals to supply their gas and electricity. Because it is one bulk contract, members of the scheme benefit from a lower price. Auctions take place three times a year.
- Find out more about the Big Community Energy Switch
- If you rely on heating oil then you may want to consider joining a community oil buying club.
- Find out more about joining a community oil buying club.
Advice on keeping warm this winter
If you are not very mobile, aged 65 or over, or have a health condition such as hear or long disease, it is important you keep warm. You must heat your home to at least 18 degrees Celsius.
Advice from the NHS on how to keep warm during the winter
Warm Home Discount Scheme
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The scheme is open for applications from November 2023.
You do not receive any money. Instead, you will get a one-off discount on your electricity bill between September and March.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity.
You may have to contact your energy supplier to find out if they offer this discount and to apply. Not all energy suppliers are part of the scheme.
- Find out if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount and how to apply.
- Applying for this scheme does not affect your right to a cold weather payment or winter fuel payment.
How we are reducing fuel poverty and energy use
We have an important role to play in supporting our residents to reduce their energy use and to improve the energy efficiency of homes across out district.
Our Home Energy Conservation Act Plan (HECA) sets out how we will work with partner organisations to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty. You can also read about our current achievements and our future plans.
Read the pdf 2022 HECA report (199 KB)
This links to actions in our new Destination Zero plan, which sets out how we are tackling climate change.