SILHILLIANS could save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills this winter as the council offers residents free central heating installations.
The council has secured another year of funding from the National Grid’s £150million Warm Homes Fund.
It is part of a national programme to install affordable gas central heating in fuel poor households which don’t use mains gas as their primary source of heat.
The council claims the average household saves £350 a year on heating bills if they make the switch.
About 10 per cent of households in Solihull suffer from fuel poverty – where the cost of their fuel bill places them below the poverty line in terms of income.
The council says some of this fund will be allocated to Solihull Community Housing (SCH) tenants – who will be contacted direct by SCH – and some to home owners in the borough.
SCH is the council’s housing association intended to provide affordable accommodation for low income families.
The council says anyone who is struggling to meet the cost of their energy bills is eligible to apply.
Solihull council also claims it has saved residents collectively over £600,000 through its engagement with the Switch ‘n’ Save scheme.
It has managed the scheme since October 2015 and says it has saved individual households an average of £268 per year.
The initiative encourages people to register, enabling the council to compare energy prices and find superior deals.
The council describes it as ‘collective bargaining’ as the more people who join the greater the savings for residents in the local authority – although there is no commitment to switch once signed up.
Pip Wareing, who lives in Solihull town centre, said: “I switched with Solihull Switch ‘n’ Save last autumn.
“Even though I live in a flat and my bills are fairly low anyway, I still saved money. The whole process was seamless and hassle free.
“Once I’d agreed to switch I wasn’t even aware it had happened it was so smooth. I would really urge people to give this a try and see how much money the scheme can save them.”
Cabinet member for adult social care and health, Coun Karen Grinsell, said: “Our Switch ‘n’ Save scheme has helped thousands of people to save money on their energy bills.
Many people find keeping on top of energy tariffs and suppliers confusing but this scheme means we do the hard work for you and there is absolutely nothing to lose by registering your details.
“I know many people will think our offer to install gas central heating for free sounds too good to be true but it really is available.
“I would really urge people in the borough currently using electric radiators to find out if they are eligible.”
To register with Solihull Switch ‘n’ Save visit www.solihull.gov.uk/switching or call 0121 704 6000 before Tuesday October 9. People will hear after October 22 if they can get a better deal.
To register interest in free gas central heating and find out if you are eligible, email [email protected] or call the Freephone number 0800 988 2881.
