New long-term partnership announced to help make Newcastle homes warmer and more energy efficient

The partnership has been formed to improve the energy efficiency of properties across the city at a time of widespread concerns about rising energy prices. It also aims to deliver on Newcastle City Council’s ambitions for tackling fuel poverty and achieving net zero through the decarbonisation of its housing stock.

Warmworks is the Managing Agent for energy efficiency contracts across the country, from the Orkney Islands to London, and has already helped more than 28,000 homes to be warmer and to better manage their energy bills.

The partnership will begin with the delivery of a £1 million initiative known as Sustainable Warmth. This will see energy inefficient Newcastle homes with low incomes be offered heating and insulation improvements. The grant-funded initiative could see householders offered measures including low carbon heating; solar panels; and wall, loft and floor insulation.

Cllr Jane Byrne, Cabinet Member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council said: “Now more than ever we need to support our residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This saves them money and helps reduce carbon emissions in the city. Working in partnership with Warmworks, this project will help communities to keep their homes warmer and greener as well as reduce their fuel bills this winter.”  

Commenting on the partnership, Warmworks’ Chief Executive, Ross Armstrong, said: “We’re delighted to be building on the energy efficiency work we’ve led in other parts of the UK to forge a close and long-term partnership with Newcastle City Council to help local homes to stay more affordably warm.

“The launch of this partnership couldn’t come at a more important time. With rising energy prices already a pressing concern for households, our collaboration will aim to drive up the energy efficiency of homes across the city, and support the Council in its important ambitions for reducing carbon emissions.  

“We’ll be working with local suppliers and installers to deliver the important low-carbon energy efficiency measures that will help homes to better manage their energy costs in the years ahead.

“What’s also important to us is the positive outcomes and impact that our work can have on the local community, and how it can develop skills and create new jobs. As part of this partnership, we’ll be actively working with our local supply chain and supporting them to prepare for the green jobs of the future as we work towards decarbonising our homes”.