Lowering energy bills for Oxfordshire residents

Many households in off‑gas communities still rely on oil heating. Oil prices have increased in recent weeks and can change suddenly due to global factors outside our control, making it difficult for residents to budget and plan ahead.

As a result, many households could benefit from cleaner, cheaper and more efficient heating - and your help promoting this support could make a real difference locally.

The Warm Homes Local Grant is available to eligible Oxfordshire residents and can provide free home upgrades, including:

• Air source heat pumps (ASHPs)
• Solar panels and battery storage

These improvements can significantly improve energy bills and comfort, particularly for older homes that are not connected to the gas grid.

Why promote air source heat pumps?

Air source heat pumps are a modern, low‑carbon alternative to oil, LPG or coal boilers. They:

• Extract heat from the outside air - even in temperatures as low as –25°C
• Are highly efficient, delivering 2.5 to 4 times more heat than the electricity they use
• Offer more stable and predictable running costs, helping protect households from volatile oil prices — especially when combined with solar panels and battery storage (also funded under the grant)
• Help cut carbon emissions by using electricity that can come from renewable sources such as solar or wind.

Support for private landlords

You may also wish to highlight that:

• By 2030, all privately rented homes must meet a minimum EPC rating of C
• Under the Warm Homes Local Grant, a landlord’s first eligible property can receive a fully funded upgrade
• Additional properties require a 50% landlord contribution, which is still a significant saving compared with full installation costs.

How you can help

We would be grateful if you could help signpost this opportunity by sharing information:

• On your website or social media channels
• Through parish newsletters or noticeboards
• Directly with residents and private landlords in your area

Thank you for supporting residents to access warmer, more affordable and lower‑carbon homes. If you’d like ready‑made wording or assets to share locally, please let us know by emailing Sarah at Sarah.Ayyub@oxfordshire.gov.uk.