E.ON is working with Leicester City Council and City Energy to help people across the region improve the heating of their homes by installing free first-time gas central heating systems in almost 150 eligible residents’ homes.
Qualifying homes can also receive financial support for new gas network connections, through the Cadent funded Affordable Warm Solutions programme.
Eligible1 households not connected to mains gas and currently relying on inefficient ways of heating their homes, for example electric storage or panel heaters, could be eligible for the measures, which are part of the Leicester City Warmer Homes Scheme.
Eligible residents taking up the offer could save around £6302 per year on fuel bills and benefit from a warmer, more comfortable home.
The project follows a successful funding bid by Leicester City Council to the £150 million Warm Homes Fund, established by National Grid, and community interest company Affordable Warmth Solutions, who administer the fund on behalf of National Grid.
In addition to the first-time gas central heating, eligible residents may also be able to receive free insulation measures for their homes, including loft and cavity wall insulation, further improving the warmth and comfort of homes across the city.
Residents do not have to be an E.ON customer to benefit but do need to meet certain eligibility criteria.
Nigel Dewbery, Director of E.ON’s Obligation Delivery and Installation Services business, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Leicester City Council to improve heating and energy efficiency in homes across the city.
“Around 2.5 million3 UK households are in fuel poverty and unable to heat their home to the temperature needed to stay warm and healthy. Schemes like this one have been designed to tackle the issue by providing new gas connections and first-time central heating systems to those who are eligible.
“This will not only ensure residents are saving money on their heating bills but further demonstrates our commitment as an energy company to help improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing.”
Cllr Adam Clarke, Leicester’s Deputy City Mayor for Environment, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting our residents across the city with this great initiative.
“By working with E.ON and City Energy we can improve the energy efficiency and cut the carbon footprint of dozens of homes across the city. It also means we can help residents save money on their energy bills while staying warm and healthy in their homes.”
Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of Affordable Warmth Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be providing funding to Leicester City Council through the Warm Homes Fund programme and look forward to providing new gas connections to eligible homes.
“We are also delighted to be working with the partnership to provide solutions to the challenges associated with homes living in fuel poverty.”
Neil Llewelyn from City Energy, said: “Over the last ten years, City Energy has been working with councils across the country to help customers improve the heating in their homes. We are delighted to be working with Leicester City Council and E.ON to bring our experience and expertise to the residents of the city. Our mission is to make homes warmer, more efficient and reduce fuel poverty across the UK."
Eligible residents can find out more on the council's Warm Home Fund pages. Alternatively, call E.ON on 0333 202 4481 to find out more information about how to apply.