Energy retrofit cuts customer’s winter gas spend in half

We're pleased to share that our latest £2.3 million investment to make more of our homes warmer and more energy efficient is now complete.

Since September last year, we’ve upgraded 138 homes in the Abbeyhills and Roundthorn area, making a real difference to our customers' comfort and energy bills.

This work forms part of our wider £31.4 million programme to ensure every FCHO home achieves at least a C Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating by 2030.

Customer Sylvia Jones, who lives on Roundthorn Road, said the retrofit work had “made a huge difference”.

“I’ve gone from spending £40 to £50 a week on gas in winter to around £20. The house heats up so much quicker now and stays warm for ages. The triple glazing has also made the house much quieter,” she explained.

The 59-year-old, who has lived in her home for 25 years, added: “The workmanship was brilliant - they've done a cracking job - and I’d tell anyone who’s unsure to get the work done.”

As well as triple glazed windows, other improvements to the properties include new loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, insulated doors, ventilation improvements, low energy lighting and improved heating controls.

Sustainability Manager Olivia Greenhalgh said: “This substantial investment is already making a big difference to our customers. To have warmer homes that cost much less to heat is really important.

“It also demonstrates FCHO is serious about improving EPC ratings for all our properties by 2030.

“Improvement work is also happening in estates across Shaw and Chadderton and further planned works from April in Saddleworth, Holts Village and Alt in the coming year.”