With an estimated 4.4 million UK homes yet to be connected to the nation's gas grid, fuel poverty is becoming an increasingly pressing issue for both private and social housing residents and housing providers alike. Many of these households are dependent on the most expensive - and most unsustainable - sources of energy, like electricity, coal, oil and liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
Mitie's 'Switched On' programme is tackling this issue to ensure that some of the most 'fuel poor' homes in the country have access to natural gas heating. Mitie is working in partnership with the National Grid, the Sustainable Homes initiative, and regional energy suppliers to identify these residences.
Mitie has secured additional funding for the project from the Warm Homes Fund and the Fuel Poor Network Extension Scheme (FPNES) to minimise the financial impact to clients like Arun District Council. The result is an end-to-end solution that helps local authorities and housing providers offer access to more affordable and more sustainable energy for some of Britain's most hard-to-heat homes.
The 'Switched On' programme is making a significant 'pounds and pence' difference to residents. Households that switch to natural gas heating systems can expect to see annual energy savings of up to £530 for homes moving from electricity, £460 from LPG, £380 from solid fuels and £110 from oil.
Vicky Fordham-Lewis, Director of Housing, Mitie, said:
"The potential benefits for residents are significant and we're proud to be helping Arun's residents access more affordable and sustainable energy. Mitie's 'Switched On' programme creates an opportunity for social housing providers to deliver better value to residents. We look forward to working with Arun District Council to showcase the positive impact the programme can deliver for both local authorities and residents alike."
Paula Hilton, Repairs & Contracts Manager at Arun District Council, said:
"This is an excellent opportunity for Arun District Council to help eligible residents save some money on their heating and hot water bills and have a warmer home."
About Mitie Property Management
Mitie's property management business provides a range of maintenance services in the UK and has become one of the top five service providers to the UK social housing sector. Employing over 1,300 employees, Mitie has been caring for residents' homes for over 25 years. The business includes experts in estate management and property maintenance, as well as all the main building and specialist trades. Mitie Property Management offers a range of services, including delivering reactive repairs, planned and cyclical maintenance services to over 100 local authorities and housing providers nationwide.
