Member Article

Boiler scheme heating up for vulnerable people

~~ELDERLY PEOPLE across the North East are being asked to take advantage of a range of free heating and energy saving measures before the beginning of winter.

Stockton-based Community Energy Solutions is currently running a multi-million pound scheme which is allowing them to install new boilers, heating systems and insulation to vulnerable families and individuals who meet the criteria.

But the company is concerned that many people – particularly the elderly - will not check their boilers are in good working order until the temperature drops and will be faced with cold homes at the worst time of year.

Since the scheme was launched in August, CES Group has had hundreds of people in contact, wanting to take advantage of the scheme which is operating under its GoWarm banner.

The company is now advising all elderly and vulnerable people in the region to see if their boilers and heating systems are in good working order and if not, to get in touch to see if they are eligible for the measures.

“This is the best time to check that your boiler is working properly and if not, to get in touch with us to see if we can provide a replacement at no cost,” said Karen Hindhaugh, Operations Director of CES Group.

“Many people will not think about turning their heating systems on until temperatures drop but it is far better to be prepared and to have any replacements installed before that time.”

The scheme also brings with it the added benefit of helping reduce energy bills, with a projected £10m in life time savings.

Work has already begun on eligible homes and 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.

“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.

“Those who are successful will find 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.

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 until January 2016, with plans to install measures in between 100- 150 homes a month.

Anyone who wants to find out if their home is eligible should contact CES on 01642 605130.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .