Tenants switch to a warmer future

01 February 2010

They've had the chance for a warmer future thanks to a heating renewal programme being offered by The Wrekin Housing Trust.

Having used electric storage heaters as the main source of heat, the Trust consulted with tenants and offered them an upgrade to a gas central heating system. Out of 25 tenants, 23 took up the offer with the rest opting out of it for the time being.
The upgrade was only made possible thanks to funding of £47,000 from National Grid and more specifically, its initiative to tackle fuel poverty in homes, Affordable Warmth Solutions. National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions constructed a new mains gas network and individual connections to the flats and t, the Trust then set out to find a suitable contractor to install the heating systems, which they found in Phoenix from Stoke on Trent.
Fleur Whittingham, Gas Category Manager at the Trust said: "We were initially approached by National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions who asked if they could work with us to upgrade properties in the Trust's portfolio. As our main aim was to upgrade as many homes as possible, we jumped at this fantastic opportunity. Both National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions and the heating contractor, Phoenix, have been a real pleasure to work with and staff and tenants of the Trust have commented just how professional and efficient the whole process has been."
Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions said: "We are delighted to be working with The Wrekin Housing Trust. National Grid has been at the forefront of fuel poverty schemes over many years and we remain committed to working with landlords and communities in providing support and expertise in delivering new gas connections to households in deprived areas or individuals living in vulnerable circumstances."
For many tenants the switch to gas central heating will not only mean a warmer house but also a financial saving. According to the Energy Savings Trust it is thought up to £360 can be saved when switching from electrical to gas central heating.

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Note to Editors
For further details please contact Jay Aulum on 01952 217036.

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