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GDNs use new scheme to target 20,000 homes without mains gas
Ofgem has signalled that nearly 20,000 households are in line to be connected to the mains gas network due to new partnerships between gas distribution networks (GDNs) and agencies that provide grants for central heating systems or help to make homes more energy efficient.
All four of Britain's gas distribution networks have now set up partnership agreements, approved by the energy regulator. These will allow them to extend the network to fuel poor customers that currently rely on electricity, coal or fuel oil to heat their homes.
The GDNs will work with agencies including the EAGA Partnership, which delivers the government's main fuel poverty initiative, the Warm Front programme, Community Energy Solutions Group, National Grid Affordable Warmth Solutions and Warm Wales.
Steve Smith, Ofgem's senior partner for local grids, said: "We need to explore new ways of helping fuel poor communities, especially as energy bills will rise in the long-term. Connecting more fuel poor customers to the gas mains gives them access to a cheaper energy source which also produces less carbon emissions than commonly used options such as bottled gas or heating oil".
In the current 2008-2013 price control GDNs already have financial incentives to connect up homes located within the areas of Britain defined by government as the most deprived.
Ofgem has widened the criteria to allow GDNs to connect any household that is in fuel poverty (i.e. spending more than 10% of disposable income on heating costs). They can also connect all homes eligible for measures under Warm Front (England), and the Scottish and Welsh equivalents; plus any home within the priority group for the government's Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT).
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