Hundreds of homes have been connected to the gas grid for the very first time, as a Cadent-funded project to help fuel poor homes continued safely through lockdown.
Keeping a safe distance from customers and the public, contractors working for our partner Affordable Warmth Solutions (AWS) successfully installed external gas mains infrastructure and new gas services that are set to make a huge difference to residents in almost 650 properties.
Projects large and small, representing investment of around £1.3m, were completed in lockdown – in Preston, Liverpool, Bloxwich, Kidderminster, Oldbury, Ullesthorpe and Doncaster.
As restrictions ease, and only when it is safe for engineers to again start entering properties, AWS will provide financial support for these homes to be installed with modern, fuel efficient and more cost-effective heating systems. All of this comes at nil cost to the residents.
We’d already started many of these projects, so we had to adapt quickly to the emerging situation and introduce extra COVID-19 safety measures for our teams, our contractors and the public,” said Jeremy Nesbitt, managing director, AWS.
Connecting people to the gas grid and providing them with new heating systems is one of the most cost-effective ways of dealing with fuel poverty and makes a huge difference to quality of life and health.
Through the Fuel Poor Network Extension Scheme, Cadent pays for the installation of the new gas mains and service pipes associated with these projects, while funding sources such as the Warm Homes Fund helps pay for the new central heating.
In England, a household is considered to be fuel poor if
According to gov.uk, there are three important elements when determining whether a household is fuel poor: household income, household energy requirements or fuel prices.
More information of free or discounted gas connections
How we’ve kept gas flowing, supported the UK Government Covid-19 emergency response, looked after our customers, looked after ourselves, and focussed on our future energy needs – this is #OurLockdownStory. Follow our social media channels and this page of our website www.cadentgas.com/ourlockdownstory for more in this special series showcasing the amazing achievements of Cadent’s #keyworkers
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
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