Heat is on to make your home warmer while saving cash

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council is working with E.ON to provide people across the region with free, first-time gas central heating installation, and is urging eligible residents to apply now.

Households not connected to mains gas and currently relying on inefficient ways of heating their homes, for example old electric storage or panel heaters, could be eligible for the measures, which are part of the Leicestershire Warm Homes Fund Project.

Residents on certain income levels or those in receipt of certain benefits, including child benefit, or those who are now receiving Universal Credit due to the pandemic, may also be able to apply for the support.

Qualifying homes could also receive a free gas network connection through the Affordable Warmth Solutions programme.

Residents taking up the offer could save an average of around £630 per year on fuel bills and benefit from a warmer, more comfortable home.

The project follows a successful funding bid by the 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 county.

As part of the scheme, residents may also be able to benefit from free energy efficiency advice, tariff advice and support on how to better manage their income, from Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.

Residents do not have to be an E.ON customer to benefit but do need to meet certain eligibility criteria.

Cllr Lee Breckon, county council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We’re committed as a council to tackling fuel poverty, and this scheme enables residents to take advantage of available gas infrastructure and insulation grants to support the warm and affordable heating of homes.”

Nigel Dewbery, Director of Residential Solutions at E.ON UK, said: “By working with Leicestershire County Council to offer the free first-time central heating systems and new gas connections to eligible residents across the county, we hope to ensure that everyone, no matter what their circumstances, can stay warm and healthy at home and demonstrate our commitment as an energy company to help improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing.”

Eligible residents should visit https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ warm-homes-fund or call E.ON on 0333 202 4481 to find out more about how to apply.