More homes to benefit from Connexus energy efficiency investment

Connexus is investing £5.7 million in improving the energy efficiency of customers’ homes during 2026/27, as part of a wider £10 million, three-year programme.

The investment focuses on bringing homes up to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of SAP C – a national standard for measuring energy efficiency. Homes that meet this standard are typically warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to run. £3.2m of the year’s investment will be provided through Government funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered in partnership with the Midlands Net Zero Hub.

As a rural housing association, Connexus manages a large number of older homes spread across Shropshire and Herefordshire. These properties can be more challenging and costly to improve as a result of the premium rural businesses face in supply chain costs such as materials and labour but also present significant opportunities to make a positive impact day-to-day for customers.

Over the past year, 87 homes were upgraded to SAP C through a range of improvements including air source heat pumps, solar panels and enhanced loft insulation.

In 2026/27, Connexus will adopt a more targeted approach, focusing on making improvements across a greater number of homes rather than undertaking large-scale upgrades in a smaller number of properties. This will include prioritising homes that are just below SAP C, allowing more customers to benefit from the programme.

Planned improvements include the installation of solar panels, upgraded loft insulation, heating improvements and cavity wall insulation, depending on the needs of each home

The work will continue to be delivered in partnership with the Broad Oak Group.

Damian Cassidy, Head of Asset Management at Connexus, said: “This investment is about making our homes warmer, more efficient and more affordable to run for our customers. By focusing on targeted improvements across more homes, we can extend the benefits of this work to a greater number of people, while continuing our long-term commitment to improving the quality and sustainability of our homes.”

Andrew Thompson-Perry, Warm Homes Manager at Broad Oak Group, said: “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Connexus to deliver future projects that improve homes, reduce carbon emissions and make a lasting difference to local communities.

“The £3.2 million of funding secured is a fantastic reflection of the programme's success and the positive impact it is having for residents across Herefordshire and Shropshire.”