The first phase of the Energy Upgrade Loan proved to be a resounding success, with Waltham Forest residents benefiting from an average annual saving of £455 on their energy bills
Waltham Forest Council has announced the launch of the second phase of its innovative Energy Upgrade Loan, aimed at helping residents improve their homes’ energy efficiency and reduce long-term energy bills. The loan was officially launched on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, and offers residents a unique opportunity to make significant energy-saving improvements without the burden of upfront costs.
The Energy Upgrade Loan is available to homeowners in Waltham Forest whose properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. Applicants can borrow between £2,000 and £20,000, with the loan repayable over a period of ten years at 0% interest. Successful applicants will have the flexibility to choose an accredited service provider to carry out the necessary upgrades.
The first phase of the Energy Upgrade Loan proved to be a resounding success, with Waltham Forest residents benefiting from an average annual saving of £455 on their energy bills. Additionally, participants saw their EPC ratings improve by at least one band, demonstrating the tangible benefits of the loan scheme.
Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality, expressed his enthusiasm for the new phase of the loan, saying, “We know that rising energy bills are challenging for many residents, and tackling the climate crisis alongside achieving net-zero in our borough is one of our key missions as a council. This is why we are launching the second phase of our 0% interest Energy Upgrade Loan, as we support residents to save money, keep their homes warmer, and reduce carbon emissions in the borough long into the future.”
The loan covers a wide range of home improvements, including roof and loft insulation, wall, window, and floor insulation, double and triple glazing, air and ground source heat pumps, solar panelling, and energy storage solutions such as batteries. These upgrades are designed to enhance the overall energy efficiency of homes, leading to significant long-term savings on energy bills.
Loakes continued, “With this loan, you can borrow just the right amount to boost the energy efficiency of your home, through everything from insulation of your roof to windows, walls, and solar paneling. A higher energy efficiency rating means great savings on your bills in the long term, so it could be a really sound financial investment, depending on your circumstances.”
Household emissions account for the largest part of Waltham Forest’s carbon footprint, making the collective improvement of energy efficiency a vital component in the council’s efforts to deliver a greener and more environmentally friendly future for the borough. The previous phase of the loan secured £250,000 worth of interest-free loans for residents, highlighting its popularity and effectiveness.
Loakes concluded, “The previous phase of this pioneering loan offer was a real success and secured £250,000 worth of interest-free loans for residents. If you think you could benefit, then please have a look and apply today.”
The Energy Upgrade Loan is being offered in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals and communities reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions. This collaboration ensures that the loan is not only financially beneficial but also environmentally responsible.
Residents interested in applying for the Energy Upgrade Loan are encouraged to visit the Waltham Forest Council website for more information and to complete the application process. The council is committed to supporting residents in making their homes more energy-efficient, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective future for the borough.
For further details on the Energy Upgrade Loan and how to apply, residents can contact the Waltham Forest Council directly or visit their website. The council is eager to assist residents in taking advantage of this opportunity to improve their homes and reduce their carbon footprint.
