Warm welcome for new gas supply and instant hot water

Northern Gas Networks, in partnership with Leeds-based community interest company Community Energy Solutions (CES), has just finished extending its gas pipeline to 220 housing association and private properties on the city’s North Bransholme estate, which were previously without a mains gas supply.

The completion of the works, carried out on behalf of social landlord Riverside, mean that many residents are now benefiting from a range of improvements to their living standards, with cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation also ensuring their homes are warmer than ever before.

As well as the tenants who have benefited from the scheme, private home owners have also been included.

Retired carer Pauline Smith, 64, has been given a free gas connection and access to grants of up to 65 per cent to help with the cost of installing gas central heating and other energy efficiency measures.

She said: “Over the years the house has had electric warm air heating and storage heaters, neither of which have worked particularly well. My dad had wanted to get a gas system but it was always too costly to install. The gas central heating system I’ve had installed via CES is already making a real difference, not just to me but to the three grown up children and four grandchildren who visit, they’ve all noticed how much warmer and more comfortable the house is.”

The scheme is expected to be completed by the end of August.