The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales

The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) is funded by the Welsh Government, and was set up in order to provide heating and insulation grants of up to £3600, for householders in Wales, to make homes warmer and more energy efficient. You must meet specific criteria to qualify for a grant, and these are set out under the section headed, ‘Am I eligible?’

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What is the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme?

The HEES grants cover work relating to central heating and home insulation, which is carried out by Government approved contractors. The grants usually cover all recommended work, but if there is likely to be additional costs incurred, you will be advised before the work is carried out.

There are two types of grant available, the HEES, for up to £2000 worth of work, and the HEES Plus, for up to £3600 worth of work.

The HEES grant will finance the following types of work:

  • Repairs to an existing heating system for home owners and private tenants
  • Electric central heating
  • Gas wall heaters
  • Conversion of open fires to smokeless fuel
  • Cavity wall insulation and loft insulation
  • Draught proofing

N.B. Limits apply to the number of heaters and fires.
A householder, who receives a grant for any of the above, can also have a hot water tank jacket and smoke alarms fitted, and receive energy saving light bulbs and advice on energy efficiency.

The HEES Plus grant will finance the following types of work:

  • Gas central heating
  • Conversion of an existing solid fuel system to gas or electric heating
  • Repairs to an existing heating system for home owners and private tenants
  • A gas supply
  • Off peak electric central heating and hot water
  • Oil central heating
  • Cavity wall insulation and loft insulation
  • Draught proofing

N.B. Limits apply to the number of heaters and radiators.

A householder receiving a grant for any of the above, can also have a hot water tank jacket and smoke alarms fitted, and will receive energy saving light bulbs and advice on energy efficiency. Those age 60 or over will also receive security measures.

Am I eligible?

Different eligibility criteria apply dependant on whether you are applying for a HEES grant or a HEES Plus grant. The criteria are as follows:

HEES Grant
Householders who are expectant mothers with a MAT B1 certificate, or who have a child under 16, and receive one or more of the following: -

  • Income Support
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Benefit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Employment and support allowance

HEES Plus Grant
There are three categories of householders eligible for the HEES Plus Grant.

Those aged 60 plus or single parents with a child under 16, who receive one or more of the following:

  • Income Support
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Benefit
  • State Pension Credit
  • Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance

Those who are chronically ill or disabled and receive one or more of the following:

  • Income Support with Disability Premium
  • Housing Benefit with Disability Premium
  • Council Tax Benefit with Disability Premium
  • Working Tax Credit withDisability Premium
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Attendance Allowance
  • War Disablement Pension with Constant Attendance Allowance or Mobility Supplement
  • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit with Constant Attendance Allowance

Those claiming Child Benefit who have a child under 16 in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.

How do I apply?

You can apply for a grant by filling in an online application form at: http://www.heeswales.co.uk/apply.htm, or by phoning an advisor on freephone: 0800 316 2815.