An energy upgrade programme for nearly 200 homes in Oldham is nearing completion, with work now around 95 per cent complete. The scheme, managed by housing provider First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), has seen improvements carried out on 118 properties in Chadderton and 78 in Shaw. Final works are due to be finished later this month, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's efforts to improve housing stock across the borough.

Contractor Connolly has carried out a range of improvements, including upgraded loft and wall insulation, triple glazed windows, insulated doors, and new ventilation systems. These measures are designed to enhance energy efficiency, reduce heat loss, and ultimately lower energy bills for residents. By improving the thermal performance of these homes, the upgrades help maintain comfortable temperatures while reducing the need for heating.

The project forms part of a wider plan by FCHO to ensure all its managed homes achieve at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C by 2030. This target aligns with national goals to improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce carbon emissions. An EPC rating of C is considered a good standard for energy efficiency, and achieving this across the housing stock is a key priority for the housing provider.

Olivia Greenhalgh, sustainability manager at First Choice Homes Oldham, expressed satisfaction with the progress. “We are really pleased to be finishing this phase of our retrofit programme but the work does not stop there,” she said.

“FCHO is investing more than £18 million in this financial year on improving even more homes so they are energy efficient and comfortable for our customers. This means retrofit work is coming to our properties in Saddleworth, Holts Village, and Alt in the coming year, and more information will be released on this soon.”

Greenhalgh highlighted that the upgrades are already making a tangible difference for residents. She noted one resident reported a drop in winter gas bills from between £40 and £50 per week to around £20 after the work was completed. This significant saving underscores the potential benefits of the programme for households across Oldham, particularly in the context of rising energy costs.

With the current phase nearly complete, FCHO continues its commitment to enhancing energy efficiency across the borough. The upcoming phases in Saddleworth, Holts Village, and Alt will bring similar benefits to more residents, helping to reduce energy costs and improve comfort in homes. The investment of £18 million this financial year demonstrates the scale of the programme and the organisation's dedication to improving living standards.

Local residents are encouraged to stay tuned for more information on the next phases of the retrofit programme, which promises further improvements to housing in these areas. The success of the current phase in Chadderton and Shaw provides a model for future work, aiming to replicate the positive outcomes for more households in Oldham.