Energy Projects Plus are working with AgilityEco to offer fully funded first-time central heating to Merseyside residents.

Connected for Warmth is a new service designed to help eligible private and private rented sector households make big savings on their fuel bills.

The scheme will provide a free first-time gas connection and energy-efficient heating system to eligible fuel poor homes.

Connected for Warmth will be delivered across the entire Cadent gas distribution network, which includes the North West, Midlands, East of England and North London.

It is funded by the Warm Homes Fund, a £150 million national fund provided by National Grid and administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions. Cadent are also contributing towards the cost of the heating systems. The scheme will be administered in Merseyside by Energy Projects Plus.

To be eligible, residents need to be in receipt of qualifying benefits, or qualify under their local authority’s Eco Flex criteria.

Applicants will be asked to complete a quick survey to determine their eligibility for the scheme. If successful they will receive a free gas connection, and new gas central heating system utilising the latest energy efficient boilers.

While homeowners and tenants will pay nothing toward the scheme, private landlords will need to make a small contribution to have a system installed, should their property be eligible.

Jeremy Nesbitt, Managing Director of AWS said: “This new scheme will provide a fresh avenue out of fuel poverty for those struggling with the cost of heating their homes.”

He added: “As the temperature drops and we enter what’s projected to be a very cold winter the need for this kind of scheme has never been stronger. Connected for Warmth will be a valuable tool in the fight to ensure no one has to face the heart-breaking choice between heating and eating.”

Eligible applicants will be offered a free LEAP home energy visit from Energy Projects Plus.

LEAP is available to those in fuel poverty, low income, or vulnerable to living in a cold home. During the visit, a qualified advisor provides advice on reducing energy bills including tariff switch, referral for benefits and fuel debt advice, plus installation of energy saving measures such as LED bulbs.

In addition, fully funded boiler replacements are available to home owners with a broken gas boiler.

To find out more call Energy Projects Plus on 0800 043 0151 to speak with an advisor and arrange your LEAP home energy visit.