A NEW multi-million pound scheme has been set up to deliver a range of free energy saving measures to vulnerable people across Teesside.

Stockton-based Community Energy Solutions has won a contract to deliver the installation of new boilers, heating systems and insulation to those who meet the required criteria.

GoWarm, who are running the non-for-profit community initiative, claim it will lead to a £10 million saving on energy bills.

The new project will run for six months, with plans to install measures in between 100- 150 homes a month. Anyone in private or private rented properly who is in receipt of specific benefits may be eligible.

Houses with no heating at all can get full heating systems, while those with boilers which have broken down and cannot be economically repaired or are not functioning efficiently may be in line for a replacement.

The scheme will also offer a number of other energy efficiency measures, including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and room in roof insulation.

Residents will initially undergo an assessment to see if they qualify for the scheme and if successful a survey will be carried out on the property, which will also result in them receiving an Energy Performance Certificate, which is now a legal requirement for any home being sold or rented.

Karen Hindhaugh, operations director at Community Energy Solutions (CES), said: “The project will make a huge difference to the residents’ lives.

“They will have warmer; more energy efficient homes which will not only save them money but also give them a healthier environment in which to live.”

Over the past seven years GoWarm has worked on a number of area-based schemes, resulting in helping families in 250,000 homes out of fuel poverty.

The Stockton scheme was the first borough-wide area based project in the country and delivered insulation and new heating systems to hundreds of homes.

The scheme has been funded by leading integrated power and gas company, E.ON, who have worked closely with CES on a number of schemes.

Ms Hindhaugh added: “Winter really isn’t that far away and having these measures installed before the temperatures drop will make a huge difference to a lot of vulnerable families.

“We are starting work immediately so anyone who thinks they may be eligible should get in touch so we can start the process.”

Anyone who wants to find out if their home is eligible should contact CES on 01642-605130.