Energy advice

The District Council works with partners to reduce fuel poverty, improve the energy efficiency of homes across the Dales and to help fight the effects of climate change. Being an active member of the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Local Authorities' Energy Partnership, helps to ensure that we work effectively towards our goals.

The District Council works with Marches Energy Agency, Derbyshire County Council and local GPs to identify those people who live in energy inefficient houses, who find it difficult to afford to improve their homes and who suffer from chronic health problems associated with living in cold conditions.

You can access free advice and help on staying warm & well at home through our FREE helpline 0800 667 1332 or by emailing wdd@mea.org.uk 

If you have a health condition that is made worse by the cold and you struggle to afford to heat your home, the Healthy Homes Project may be able to help or can direct you to other sources of support: 01629 536919.

Simple Energy Advice is a government run website providing impartial and independent advice to help you:
Reduce your energy bills
Make your home warmer
Plan home improvements
Make your home greener


Local Authority Delivery Schemes

The District Council has been successful in being awarded grant funding through three phases of the Governments Local Authority Delivery Scheme. The scheme provides money for the Council to improve the energy efficiency of homes of low-income households, helping reduce fuel poverty, phasing out high carbon fossil fuel heating, and delivering progress towards the UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050.

The District Council identifies eligible properties and households using a variety of methods. If your home is identified to receive grant funding then the Council or our delivery partner, Marches Energy Agency, will contact you directly.

Energy efficiency in Ashbourne homes
Properties undergoing grant funded energy efficiency improvements in Ashbourne


Living in a privately rented home

If you live in a privately rented home Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations may apply. This means that the property should have a minimum EPC Band E rating.

The District Council’s Environmental Health Team is in contact with all private landlords within the Derbyshire Dales whose rented properties fail to meet the minimum standard as well as those landlords who haven’t yet commissioned an EPC. Officers will offer landlords the guidance and support they need to achieve EPC Band E or above, and, in circumstances where this can’t be achieved, support landlords who may be eligible to lodge an exemption.

For advice on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Regulations, as a tenant or to understand your responsibilities as a landlord to meet the requirements please contact Environmental Health at envhealth@derbyshiredales.gov.uk or by calling 01629 761212.


Home retrofit


'Retrofit' is simply the process of making changes to existing buildings so that energy consumption and emission are reduced.  Done properly a successful retrofit should lead to a more comfortable, healthier home - ideally with reduced fuel bills.

Retrofit can be complicated, particularly in older properties like many of those in the Derbyshire Dales.  Getting the right advice and work done to a high quality standard is key.  

This guide provides a useful starting point for residents and the Government endorsed Trustmark website can provide links to competent skilled tradespeople to carry out work.

This recent presentation from Jonathan Atkinson of People Powered Retrofit gave an overview of where to start if you are thinking of retrofitting your home.

If you are considering making changes to your home and unsure whether you will require planning permission you are encouraged to seek pre application advice from the relevant planning authority - the District Council or Peak District National Park Authority.

There is additional guidance available for residents living in a Conservation Area or Listed Building.