Project to tackle fuel poverty extended for a year

More than 200 households not connected to the gas network have had air-source heat pumps installed since 2008 in a partnership between East Riding Council and Leeds-based community interest company Community Energy Solutions.

The council said at least a further 25 homes will benefit after agreeing to fund the project until March next year.

The initiative applies to households in largely rural areas and replaces outdated heating systems with a pump which draws air from the outside to heat radiators.

Coun Symon Fraser, the council’s portfolio holder for environment, housing and planning, said: “We have already worked closely with CES to benefit a number of our tenants across the region and it’s fantastic to be able to continue this partnership and help more people in East Riding who are currently without a mains gas supply.”

Figures from 2009 show nearly one in five (19.3 per cent) of households in the East Riding are in fuel poverty, which is when households need to spend more than 10 per cent of their income on energy costs.

This is almost double the 2006 rate of 11.6 per cent of households. The number of “excess winter deaths” in the borough is estimated at an average of 145 a year.

Although they may not all be linked to fuel poverty, a council report says “it is commonly accepted that there is a link between the two”.

Tom Shepherd, project manager for Community Energy Solutions, said: “CES is dedicated to combating fuel poverty across Yorkshire and the North East and we are delighted to be continuing our work with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to help make this a reality.”

Residents without access to the mains gas supply can apply by calling Jane Mears on (01482) 396278.