Flagship Retrofit Project to Reduce Fuel Poverty

Homes is Somerset is piloting a flagship retrofit project which aims to ensure a current residential dwelling meets carbon neutral standards, helping to reduce fuel poverty.

Dunwear House in Bridgwater is to benefit from photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, replacement doors and windows, and other upgrades. Work is underway and will be completed by the end of March, 2026.

Co-funded with Government grants, the project will save customers money on their energy bills, and will enhance the property’s eco-credentials .

HiS will be working with MD Group, Rand Associates, Bell Group and Envirocall, with the project supported by the South West Net Zero Hub.

James Nagle Retrofit Coordinator at Homes in Somerset, said: “This flagship project at Dunwear House reflects our long-term commitment to maintaining and improving our homes in a responsible and considered way. By investing in high quality , proven measures such as replacement windows and doors, alongside renewable technologies like solar panels, we are improving comfort for residents while reducing energy consumption and running costs. This pilot scheme will help us understand how similar improvements can be delivered across our wider housing stock in the future.”

David Lewis, Programme Manager, at the South West Net Zero Hub, said: “It’s great to see work underway in Somerset to tackle fuel poverty by making homes warmer and more comfortable to live in. 

“This programme of work was part funded by a South West Net Zero Hub led bid to the Governments Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund – which secured 67 million for energy efficient upgrades across the wider South West.”