Connected for Warmth programme recognised with national award

The Connected for Warmth programme has been named Boiler & Heating Project of the Year at this year’s National Energy Efficiency Awards in recognition for its work helping households living in fuel poverty.  

Connected for Warmth provides fully-funded central heating systems for households on low incomes that currently heat their homes with outdated and inefficient room heaters and solid fuel fires. This can be life-changing for people living in cold and damp homes as it allows them to properly heat them for the first time.

During 2021, 782 households received a fully funded new central heating system and, where necessary, a free connection to the gas grid. In total this will generate annual bill savings of £791,000.

To achieve such amazing results has required a strong partnership of organisations. Connected for Warmth is managed by AgilityEco on behalf of whg and is funded by the Warm Homes Fund. This is a national fund of £150 million established by National Grid and administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions (AWS).

The Warm Homes Fund supports a number of projects across Britain that install central heating systems and provide other support to help low income and vulnerable households reduce energy bills and keep warm and healthy.

Where a new gas connection is required the Warm Homes Funding is augmented with financial support from Cadent and in addition, a grant from the Cadent Foundation as part of their support for  vulnerable homes across the Cadent Gas Distribution network area.

Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director at Affordable Warmth Solutions (AWS) said:

“I am delighted that Connected for Warmth has won this award. It is a life-changing experience for homes suffering from the misery associated with living in cold, damp homes.  The scheme, that helps hundreds of people every year reduce their energy bills and keep warm and healthy, has far reaching benefits to individuals, communities and the health service.”

Sharon Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of AgilityEco, said:

“With the energy price cap rise from 1st April, programmes that install energy saving measures into homes are increasingly important, and the only way to reduce energy bills in the long term. Connected for Warmth delivers fantastic social outcomes for those living in cold conditions, and the recognition the programme has received really highlights all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes. We will continue to support households in need to keep homes warm and help eliminate fuel poverty.”

If you live across the Cadent Gas Distribution Network (GDN) areas (the North West, West Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England and North London) and do not currently have a gas central heating system, find out if you are eligible for help by visiting www.connectedforwarmth.org.uk or calling free on 0800 029 4547.

Notes to Editors

Find out more information about the National Energy Efficiency Awards.

Read a case study of a Connected for Warmth customer. 

For further information please contact us.