Affordable warmth and energy switching

We are committed to helping our residents achieve affordable warmth in their homes.

Below you will find a range of services that can save you money and help you to stay warm.

Affordable Warmth Assistance Grant

The Council has processed a high volume of cases, as a result of which the grant funding has now been fully allocated. Therefore at the present time the Council is unable to accept any more requests for grant assistance. We understand that this is disappointing but the grant funding is limited and it has been in very high demand this winter. If the Council receives additional grant funding, the scheme will reopen. In the meantime you may wish to contact the Cosy Homes in Lancashire scheme www.chil.uk.com as they may be able to assist.

We offer targeted assistance for eligible households to keep domestic boilers working safely and as efficiently as possible during the winter months.

From October 2023 through to the end of March 2024, we will be encouraging residents to apply for a free boiler service.

We will be working in partnership with Preston Care and Repair and all boiler services will be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Please note that this offer is available to Chorley residents who:

• own their own home 
• are in receipt of means tested benefits or be on a total household income of less than £31,000 per year

Other eligibility criteria also apply.

For more information or if you would like to apply for help with boilers, draught, radiators, gas fires, ventilation or glazing, please contact the Home Improvement Agency team at wellbeing.team@chorley.gov.uk who will complete a short application form with you. Please note, we may ask for documents as proof that you meet certain eligibility criteria.  

The Energy Company Obligation

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is an obligation placed on energy suppliers which aims to  help households to cut their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by installing energy saving measures.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Amendment Order allows Councils to help households living in fuel poverty, or living on a low income and vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home, by partnering with energy suppliers and other funders to secure funding to carry out work using the new 'flexible eligibility' mechanism. 

To enable residents to benefit from this new funding stream the Council must produce its flexible eligibility criteria in a 'Statement of Intent' and publish it on its website and also notify the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Chorley Council is participating with a number of other Councils across Lancashire to publish a joint Statement Of Intent. This will then be available for use by the energy companies to allocate their funding.  Where residents qualify for this flexible eligibility criteria the funder will then need to submit a declaration to the Council before any work can be funded via this route.

The measures provided under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) will vary from funder to funder.

View the Council's  Statement of Intent (PDF) [244KB] ,

You can also view the statement in accessible format

Home Energy Support Scheme in the Chorley Borough

In our continuous effort to enhance the well-being of our community, we are thrilled to introduce our new Home Energy Support Scheme in Chorley. Our mission is to empower households with free personalised energy advice and support, enabling them to enjoy a comfortable home environment while possibly saving on energy costs.

Our dedicated advisor will be sending letters to homes within Chorley explaining the free service we are providing. The advisor will request a brief moment of your time to complete a questionnaire. This face-to-face interaction is essential in understanding your specific needs and preferences.

If you have not received a letter, you can still contact us for support by following the steps below.

Step 1: How to request a home visit

We have 3 easy ways to request a home visit -

• Complete the form: Home Energy Efficiency Scheme Form to either opt in or opt out of our program.
• Call the team on 01257 515421
• Email the team wellbeing.team@chorley.gov.uk

Provide your details, and choose your preference (opt-in or opt-out). Our advisor will follow up with you via phone call on designated admin days to book your home visit appointment.

Step 2: Tailored Support

Based on your responses to the questionnaire, we will determine the kind of support suitable for your home. Our offerings include:

• Assistance in improving energy banding
• Guidance in finding better price plans for your utility bills
• Tips on energy-saving around the home
• Draught-proofing your living spaces
• Support with boiler or service replacements

Plus many more ways to support your needs

Note: Please be aware that the initial questionnaire is designed to be completed in-person with our advisor to ensure an accurate and customised consultation.

Energy switching 

We offer an energy switching support service in partnership with Citizens Advice (opens new window), where an energy expert will review your energy bills and tariff information and help you to switch to a more competitive tariff and/or energy provider. 

To use this service please contact us on 01257 515421 and ask to speak to the Home Improvement Agency. 

Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment

You may be eligible for warm home discounts or a winter fuel payment:

View more information on warm home discounts on the GOV.UK website.

View more information on winter fuel payment on the GOV.UK website.