More Rural Homes to be Connect to Mains Supply
Some of the poorest and most remote areas of the country could see a reduction in their energy bills in the near future.
The government’s energy watchdog, Ofgem, has stated that almost 20,000 homes will soon be connected to the mains gas work. These are the homes in remote rural areas and deprived urban locations that have to rely on alternative types of fuel because they are too far away or cannot afford to be connected to the mains supply.
When Britain first developed their gas networks it was not felt “economically viable” to connect up some rural areas.
Senior partner for Local Grids at Ofgem, Steve Smith, said: “Connecting more fuel poor customers to the gas mains gives them access to a cheaper energy source which also produces less carbon emissions than commonly used options such as bottled gas or heating oil.”
This plan will also provide financial assistance for those in underprivileged areas to pay for the connection, central heating and energy efficiency measures.
It is estimated by the National Housing Federation that around seven million households in Britain are living in fuel poverty. Fuel poverty is defined as a household that spends more than ten per cent of their income on energy.