Shropshire Council and its Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency Team are delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist for the Local Authority of the Year 2025 at the National Energy Efficiency Awards.
Keep Shropshire Warm logo
The 2025 awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 21 November 2025 at the prestigious Hilton Birmingham Metropole, located at the NEC, Birmingham. The Council previously scooped the award in 2023.
This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, partners, and residents in working together to address fuel poverty and cold homes across Shropshire.
Our largest initiative, the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) scheme, supported 308 homes with over £4.7 million invested locally. The project team installed 214 low carbon heating measures and installed 294 fabric measures such as improved loft insulation or upgraded double glazing.
These efforts helped to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, often ending the reliance on expensive off-gas heating fuels for some of our most vulnerable residents. Our partnership with Marches Energy Agency and our network of expert installer partners have enabled us to support more households than ever.
In total, our efforts on the HUG2 scheme are projected to save 912 tonnes of CO₂ annually, improved the efficiency rating of these homes by 18 EPC points and reduced energy bills by £275 on average.
In addition to the HUG2 scheme the Council’s Keep Shropshire Warm Service continues to support thousands of residents each year, providing impartial energy advice and support to those in need. Hundreds of additional homes across the County have received energy efficiency upgrades through the ECO4 scheme, which the Council helps to facilitate.
Looking Ahead: Our Future Plans
As we celebrate this recognition, our focus remains firmly on the future. We are committed to:
- Expanding the reach of fuel poverty and energy advice schemes to support even more households in need, including through the Warm Homes Local Grant scheme.
- Strengthening our partnerships with local agencies and contractors to continue to deliver high-quality interventions
- Continuing to innovate with new technologies and approaches that further reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.
- Enhancing our advice and support services, ensuring that every resident—especially those most vulnerable to fuel poverty—can access the help they need.
Portfolio holder for housing and leisure, Cllr James Owen said:
“I am delighted that Shropshire Council is to be recognised once again for our work to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency Team, and our partners. We are making a real difference—helping residents to live in warmer, healthier homes while reducing our carbon footprint. Building on our success in 2023, we remain committed to delivering sustainable, long-term solutions for Shropshire.”
Principal affordable warmth & energy efficiency officer, Oliver Rothwell, added:
“We are humbled to be shortlisted for this award again. Our achievements are only possible thanks to the dedication of our team, the support of our partners, and the willingness of Shropshire residents to get involved. Every home improved is a step forward. Looking ahead, we remain committed to reaching more households, innovative in our approach, and ensuring that everyone in Shropshire can enjoy a warm, healthy home.
For more information visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/awee
Residents across Shropshire can access free & impartial energy advice and support through the Keep Shropshire Warm service via freephone 0800 112 3743 or ksw@mea.org.uk
