A NEW multi-million scheme is set to deliver a range of free heating and energy saving measures to vulnerable people across Teesside.
Stockton-based Community Energy Solutions has just won a contract to deliver the installation of new boilers, heating systems and insulation to those who meet the required criteria.
And the scheme, run by the not-for-profit community interest company under its GoWarm banner, will lead to a massive £10m in life time savings on energy bills.
Under the project – which is set to begin immediately – 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.
“Once we know they are eligible the work can be done extremely quickly,” said Karen Hindhaugh, Operations Director at CES.
“And it will make a huge difference to the residents’ lives. They will have warmer, more energy efficient homes which will not only save them money but also give them a healthier environment in which to live.”
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.
Over the past seven years GoWarm has worked on a number of area-based schemes, resulting in helping families in 250,000 homes out of fuel poverty.
The Stockton GoWarm scheme was the first borough-wide area based project in the country and delivered insulation and new heating systems to hundreds of homes.
The new project will run for six months, with plans to install measures in between 100- 150 homes a month.
“Winter really isn’t that far away and having these measures installed before the temperatures drop will make a huge difference to a lot of vulnerable families,” said Karen Hindhaugh.
“We are starting work immediately so anyone who thinks they may be eligible should get in touch so we can start the process.”
Anyone who wants to find out if their home is eligible should contact CES on 01642 605130.