Almost 20,000 households could be connected to the mains gas network due to new partnerships between gas distribution networks (GDNs) and agencies that provide grants for central heating systems or help to make homes more energy efficient.
All four of Britain’s gas distribution networks have set up partnership agreements, approved by energy regulator Ofgem, allowing them to extend the network to fuel poor customers that currently rely on electricity, coal or fuel oil to heat their homes. They will work with agencies including the EAGA Partnership, which delivers the Government’s Warm Front programme*, Community Energy Solutions Group, National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions and Warm Wales.
Steve Smith, Senior Partner for Local Grids and RPI-X@20, Ofgem, said: "We need to explore new ways of helping fuel poor communities, especially as energy bills will rise in the long-term. Connecting more fuel poor customers to the gas mains gives them access to a cheaper energy source which also produces less carbon emissions than commonly used options such as bottled gas or heating oil.
"However getting a connection is only the start as people will need help and financial support for central heating and energy efficiency. This is where these new partnership arrangements will make a big difference."
Some British energy customers are not connected to the gas mains because they are living in rural areas beyond the mains network. Some pockets of urban areas, including some of the country’s most deprived, are also without a gas connection. The poorest communities can be overlooked when it comes to extending the gas network because householders cannot afford the cost of a connection or to pay for gas central heating.
Now GDNs will work with their partners to identify the homes that are eligible for financial support toward the cost of the connection, central heating and other measures to make the home more energy efficient. The GDNs will work with their partners to deliver the gas connections, central heating and other measures in a co-ordinated fashion to the poorest households and communities.
* Warm Front is the Government programme of grants for new central heating systems and insulation.