Some Leicester residents will be eligible for free central heating equipment through a new scheme run by the city council and E.ON.
The energy company is working with the council to install free first-time gas central heating systems in almost 150 eligible residents' homes in Leicester.
Eligible households are those not connected to mains gas, and that rely on inefficient ways of heating their homes, such as electric storage or panel heaters.
According to E.ON, eligible residents taking up the offer could save around £630 per year on fuel bills - based on a three bed semi-detached home with electric storage heaters.
The installation of the central heating systems is part of the Leicester City Warmer Homes Scheme.
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Nigel Dewbery, director of E.ON’s obligation delivery and installation services business, said: "We're really pleased to be working with Leicester City Council to improve heating and energy efficiency in homes across the city.
"Around 2.5 million UK households are in fuel poverty and unable to heat their home to the temperature needed to stay warm and healthy.
"Schemes like this one have been designed to tackle the issue by providing new gas connections and first-time central heating systems to those who are eligible.
"This will not only ensure residents are saving money on their heating bills but further demonstrates our commitment as an energy company to help improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing."
The project follows a successful funding bid by Leicester City Council to the £150 million Warm Homes Fund, established by National Grid, and community interest company Affordable Warmth Solutions, who administer the fund on behalf of National Grid.
Cllr Adam Clarke, Leicester’s deputy city mayor for environment, said: "We're really pleased to be supporting our residents across the city with this great initiative.
"By working with E.ON and City Energy we can improve the energy efficiency and cut the carbon footprint of dozens of homes across the city.
"It also means we can help residents save money on their energy bills while staying warm and healthy in their homes."
Qualifying homes can also receive financial support for new gas network connections, through the Cadent funded Affordable Warm Solutions programme.
Jeremy Nesbitt, managing director of Affordable Warmth Solutions, said: "We're delighted to be providing funding to Leicester City Council through the Warm Homes Fund programme and look forward to providing new gas connections to eligible homes.
"We are also delighted to be working with the partnership to provide solutions to the challenges associated with homes living in fuel poverty."
In addition to the first-time gas central heating, eligible residents may also be able to receive free insulation measures for their homes, including loft and cavity wall insulation.
Neil Llewelyn from City Energy, said: "Over the last ten years, City Energy has been working with councils across the country to help customers improve the heating in their homes.
"We are delighted to be working with Leicester City Council and E.ON to bring our experience and expertise to the residents of the city.
"Our mission is to make homes warmer, more efficient and reduce fuel poverty across the UK”.
Residents do not have to be an E.ON customer to benefit but do need to meet certain eligibility criteria, which can be found here.
