If you are on a low income and live in a home without central heating, you could benefit from free funding support for a new system. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, in partnership with YES Energy Solutions, has launched a new renewable energy scheme through the Warm Homes Fund (WHF) to help up to 50 residents revamp their home heating. 

The WHF has been set up by the National Grid, to reduce fuel poverty across the UK. The borough council was one of just 43 successful bidders out of 234, and was awarded more than £199,000 to fund new applications. 

Householders who live in rural areas with no gas network and on a low income may be eligible to apply for free central heating installation. You can find out more, including eligibility income thresholds, by contacting the borough council on 01256 844844 or visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/warm-homes 
The offer is available, subject to surveys, for home owners and to private rented residents - but with the landlord’s consent as a small charge may be applicable to landlords. 

The council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and the Environment Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “There are many rural properties in the Basingstoke area that are not connected to gas. These residents rely on more expensive fuel types to keep warm, such as electricity, which is worrying for residents on lower incomes. 

“Living in a cold home can lead to a higher risk of getting a cold-related illness so it’s important that residents can afford to heat their home effectively.   

“The council is delighted to have the funding to help a proportion of householders save money and stay healthy through renewable heat technology. This scheme will not only help reduce fuel bills but will cut carbon emissions in the process.” 

Only residents that meet the WHF eligibility criteria will be able to apply for the scheme. They: 
• Must live in a home off the mains gas network 
• Have no current central heating system in place 
• Receive income-related benefits, or have a low household income. 

One of the systems on offer is powered by an air source heat pump – a renewable technology that converts the heat from the air outside to use in radiators and a hot water tank in the home.  

YES Energy Solutions will manage the scheme on behalf of the council. Funding will be allocated to eligible residents on a first come first served basis. 

Register your interest with YES Energy Solutions on 01422 417 585 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or by email projects@yesenergysolutions.co.uk