‘My electricity bill has gone down already’ – thousands of customers benefit from energy efficiency works as programme concludes

More than 2,000 homes across Coventry have been upgraded as part of the programme, which has included works such as external wall insulation, installing solar panels, installing heat pumps and adding fans into homes.

The work has been part of our drive to make out homes warmer, more affordable to heat, and better for the environment. An investment of £67.6 million was invested in 2024 and was made up of £23.8m provided by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and £44m funded by ourselves.

We also worked in partnership with Coventry City Council, Westdale Midlands and Sustainable Building Services (SBS) to deliver these significant improvements to homes across the city.

One of our customers, Stephen Cracknell, had solar panels installed on his roof by SBS and said he has really seen the benefit of it. He said: “I’ve had six solar panels installed on the roof which help me enormously with my electricity bill, and I’m especially grateful of this going into the winter time.

“It’ll be so much cheaper for me and I couldn’t be happier with the work. I was quite surprised but I’ve seen the benefit already – it was instant. Each month I look at my bills and my electricity one has gone down by already comfortably by two thirds, so that means it's more money for shopping.

Another customer who had external wall insulation installed in his home by Westdale was George Hargreaves.

He said: “My bills are lower since having the work done and I’ve noticed that the house is a lot warmer. The external wall insulation has made a big difference since I’ve had it installed.”

These energy efficiency upgrades don’t just help keep homes warm, they also reduce energy consumption and lower the risk of mould growth, making a real difference to the quality of life for our customers.

Director of Asset Management at Citizen, Bridget Guilfoyle, said: “We're thrilled to hear the difference these improvements have made for our customers and that many have seen the benefits straight away.

“These customer stories are just two examples of the positive impact our work with SBS and Westdale has had across Coventry. Through this programme, we've helped create warmer, more energy-efficient homes while supporting customers with their energy costs.

"At Citizen, we want to provide homes that are warm, safe and well maintained, and we're proud to work with partners who share our ambition to deliver more for our customers.

Steve Roberts, Regional Director at Sustainable Building Services added: “We’re extremely proud to have worked alongside Citizen, Coventry City Council and the wider project team to deliver such an important programme across Coventry.

“More than 2,000 improved homes is a significant achievement for everyone involved, and it demonstrates what can be achieved when clients, contractors and the supply chain work together towards the same goal. SBS is proud to have played its part in improving people’s lives and communities by making homes across Coventry warmer, more energy efficient and more affordable to run, and we look forward to building on the success of this programme through future retrofit schemes.”

Adrian Bishop, Westdale Midlands Managing Director, added: "This has been a landmark project for Westdale Midlands, delivering meaningful improvements to homes and communities across Coventry.

“Residents are already seeing the benefits of warmer, more energy-efficient homes, while the scheme has also enabled us to create new training and employment opportunities through our External Wall Insulation Training Academy. We are proud of both the environmental impact of the project and the lasting community legacy it has helped create.’’

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “It’s really good to hear the positive feedback from local people and see the work for myself. The energy efficiency improvements are providing practical benefits for Citizen tenants, improving housing standards and helping people to save money on their energy bills.

Gareth Keith at GJK consultants, who supported both Coventry City Council and Citizen in their successful bid applications and subsequent project delivery, said: “It is fantastic to see the positive impact this large-scale retrofit programme has had on Coventry residents.

“We were pleased to provide strategic project management support throughout this complex retrofit programme, helping to deliver significant investment in energy-efficient measures that are making households feel warmer and supporting residents’ health and wellbeing.

“It has been great to collaborate with Coventry City Council, Citizen, contractors and suppliers on such an ambitious project, which will benefit many people across Coventry.”

We have also been successful in Wave Three of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and will continue to carry out energy efficiency works across Worcester and Hereford as part of this scheme.