Halton residents and businesses to benefit from £7.78million funding for home energy efficiency

Jul 28 2011 by Jane Clare, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

RESIDENTS and businesses in some of Halton’s most deprived areas are to benefit from cheaper energy bills.

Following a £7.78m grant from the Northwest European Regional Development Fund(ERDF), opportunities have been created for businesses to supply low carbon technology installation in social housing projects across the borough.

Proposed improvements include the installation of external and internal wall insulation, air source heat pumps, solar water heating systems, LED lighting, passive and mechanical ventilation and gas savers.

By creating demand for new green technologies, ERDF aims to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions in the region, while stimulating a growing market for local businesses.

Communities minister Baroness Hanham said: “European Regional Development Funding supported by central and local government money is having a big impact in Halton, regenerating communities, supporting local enterprise and creating new jobs.

“The project is particularly valuable because it ensures the area can take advantage of the growing low carbon technologies sector while helping to reduce households energy bills. It will make a significant difference to the lives of those who need it most.

“As the Government continues to cut the deficit, private sector growth is vital, particularly in the small and medium enterprise sectors.

“Businesses working on this project will play an important part in enriching their local area.”

In total, four projects worth £20million have been approved across the North West for energy efficiency programmes in Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.

For more information visit www.erdfnw.co.uk