Energy companies offer £300 worth of free insulation

Have you ever had someone offer you £300 — actual, hard cash — and turned it down out of laziness? Of course not. In the current climate we’d all grab it faster than Usain Bolt going the 100 metres.

However, millions of us are missing out on a gift of equivalent value, and perhaps even more, by ignoring the energy giants’ offer to provide free insulation in our homes.

Yes, it sounds boring, and yes, while summer isn’t exactly here, it is currently warm enough to switch the heating off so you might not be worrying about next winter’s bills.

But the government has made energy companies provide free loft and wall insulation to all of us shivering Britons — and the deals run out imminently, so get your act together now.

Especially good offers are available to those over 70, in receipt of benefits or earning £16,190 or less.

People living in rented homes, flats and maisonettes, housing association or council properties are unlikely to be eligible, and those in big homes may need to pay some money towards the bill-saving insulation.

So where can you get it from?

EDF is offering free loft insulation and cavity wall insulation to everyone, not just its own customers. Apply before October 2012 for a home survey. Anyone receiving state benefits such as Child Tax Credit, and with an income of less than £16,190, will receive £200 in cash just for singing up.

British Gas is offering customers free insulation, as well as those receiving state benefits, and with an income of less than £16,190, but applications must arrive before 31 July. Anyone who refers a person on benefits to receive the insulation can also pocket £50 for them and the referee.

Similar deals are available from the rival providers, so ask your utility supplier for more information.

It’s worth it as energy bills really do go through the roof: about a quarter of heating escapes through the top of the house, so proper insulation can cut average bills by more than £200 a year.