Posts with tag: utilities

Hertsmere Borough Council launches FREE Central Heating Scheme 

Published On: January 29, 2020 at 11:03 am

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Hertsmere Borough Council launches FREE Central Heating Scheme

Residents in the Hertfordshire council district of Hertsmere could find themselves eligible for free central heating installation as part of the National Grid’s innovative Warm Homes Fund programme. 

Qualifying residents may be in receipt of certain state benefits (e.g. pension guarantee credit, income support, tax credits, etc.) or having a low household income (typically below £20,000 after rent or mortgage costs have been paid).

The programme is available to homeowners and renters that do not currently have radiators installed in their homes and extends beyond Hertsmere Borough Council to North Hertfordshire District Council; and East Hertfordshire District Council. 

Residents that currently rely on inefficient and costly room heaters, storage heaters or fires will be able to apply to connect their homes to a more cost-effective fuel and reap the benefits of an A-rated, energy-efficient heating system.

The scheme is also working alongside Cadent to install gas mains connections to qualifying residents. 

Emily Dillon, housing strategy manager, said: “We are delighted to offer Hertsmere residents the chance to keep warm for less. Improving their homes’ heating facilities is not only good for their finances but good for the environment too.

“The scheme will also improve the energy efficiency of properties in Hertsmere by installing modern mains gas central heating.

“Studies show gas central heating is three to four times less expensive than electric heating so this offer will help eligible residents lower their fuel bills.”

Hertsmere Borough Council, North Hertfordshire District Council and East Hertfordshire District Council have worked with Hertfordshire County Council and energy experts, YES Energy Solutions, to secure over £230,000 from the Warm Homes Fund.

Hertsmere Borough Council is providing matched funding to support installations in the area, whilst additional funding is being channelled through the Government’s Energy Company Obligation programme.
Householders interested in the opportunity are encouraged to contact YES Energy Solutions on 01422 880100 to see if they are eligible for support. Or get in touch via email at projects@yesenergysolutions.co.uk and go to www.yesenergysolutions.co.uk for more information on the scheme.

Former MP Becomes Chair of Company that Fights Fuel Poverty

Published On: June 29, 2017 at 8:14 am

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A former government minister and MP has become the chair of a company that fights fuel poverty in England.

Former MP Becomes Chair of Company that Fights Fuel Poverty

Former MP Becomes Chair of Company that Fights Fuel Poverty

Mike Foster, the former Labour MP for Worcester and Chief Executive of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), has now been appointed as Non-Executive Chair of Affordable Warmth Solution (AWS), a community interest company that was set up by National Grid in 2008 to help tackle fuel poverty in the UK.

AWS works in some of the most deprived communities in England, offering new gas connections free of discounted gas central heating systems, and advice on energy efficiency and tariffs.

AWS also delivers the Fuel Poor Network Extension programme, set out by the energy regulator Ofgem, for Cadent Gas, which covers the West Midlands, East of England, north London and the North West.

Foster took over the un-paid role of chair at the company’s annual meeting on 27th June.

Commenting on his appointment, Foster says: “Tackling fuel poverty in the UK has become a real passion for me, now I work in this sector. That’s why I was thrilled and delighted to be asked to take on this new role. AWS has a tremendous record in delivering schemes that tackle fuel poverty. I hope we can deliver many more programmes in the years to come, as together, we our partners, we try and eliminate fuel poverty.

“Fuel poverty is a fact of life for over four million UK households. People live in cold, expensive to heat homes, which manifests itself in poor health as well as impacting upon the quality of life for all living there. We are one of the richest countries in the world, yet 40,000 people die early each year as a result of the cold.”

He continues: “Fitting first time central heating systems, connected to the gas grid, is a proven way of tackling fuel poverty. Gas tariffs are considerably cheaper than electric, and gas central heating is a popular and flexible way to heat a home. More than eight in ten of us benefit from gas central heating.

“At a time when energy prices are high on the political agenda, I am confident that fuel poverty concerns will become a greater focus for policymakers, and I know that AWS can make a real contribution to the debate of how to tackle fuel poverty.”