ONE OF THE first people to benefit from a new boiler scheme available across the North East believes it has saved his life.
Not-for-profit, Stockton-based company Community Energy Solutions has launched a region wide project, which offers qualifying elderly and vulnerable people the opportunity to have a new boiler and heating system installed.
Benefitting from the scheme was 70-year-old Andrew Pattison of Hampton Road, Stockton who discovered that he not only needed a new boiler, but that his heating system was leaking deadly carbon monoxide.
Mr Pattison, a retired ambulance driver who has a heart condition and suffers from COPD, has now had his 30 year old boiler replaced and is enjoying a warm home for the first time in years.
“Now that the weather is getting colder and I would have been putting the fire on I believe there was a very real chance it could have killed me,” he said.
“Thankfully it was sorted out for me really quickly once I was told I was eligible for the scheme. I honestly believe it has saved my life.
“In the past I’ve had to go out to the shops during the bad weather to keep warm, now I can just stay at home.
“I’m really grateful and I’d urge anyone who is dreading facing a cold winter to get in touch to see if they can be helped.”
CES is operating the scheme under its GoWarm brand and there are a range of options available to people who meet the criteria.
The scheme also brings with it the added benefit of helping reduce energy bills, with a projected £10m in life time savings. Anyone in private or private rented property who is in receipt of specific benefits may be eligible.
Houses with no heating at all can get full heating systems, while those with boilers which have broken down and cannot be economically repaired or are not functioning efficiently may be in line for a replacement.
The scheme will also offer a number of other energy efficiency measures, including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and room in roof insulation.
Residents will initially undergo an assessment to see if they qualify for the scheme and if successful a survey will be carried out on the property, which will also result in them receiving an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) – which is now a legal requirement for any home being sold or rented.
Karen Hindhaugh, Operations Director for CES, said there are many people across the region who could benefit from the scheme and could have their new systems fitted before the cold weather sets in.
“This is a scheme that can benefit so many people and we would urge anyone who would like to check if they are eligible to get in touch,” said Karen.
“For those who are successful, the measures will make a huge difference to their lives and improve their home environment enormously, along with making them savings.”
The scheme has been funded by leading integrated power and gas company, E.ON, which has worked closely with CES on a number of schemes.
Anyone who wants to find out if their home is eligible should contact CES on 01642 605130.