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Energy supplier offers vulnerable homes free HeatPlant installation

Thursday, 12 March 2009 5:12 PM

One of the UK's leading energy and gas suppliers has today announced it is to become the first energy supplier in the UK to offer ground source heat pump technology free to coal-fuelled vulnerable communities.

E.ON have said more than a quarter of a million people in the UK are currently using coal to heat their homes and are unable to install greener energy systems due to the cost of installation.

The company is therefore offering a HeatPlant system fully installed, including central heating and hot water plumbing, free of charge to coal-fuelled households on qualifying benefits.

The package, worth up to £11,500, has been piloted in the village of Lighthorne Heath in Warwickshire.

Mike Newell, low carbon manager at E.ON, said: "After the huge success of HeatPlant in Lighthorne Heath, we're delighted to be launching this initiative across the country.

"Not only will it enable us to offer another valuable option to customers who are currently coal heated, we hope it will bring local communities together while benefiting the surrounding environment."

HeatPlant technology relies on extracting natural heat from 80m below the ground and using it to heat homes and water. The technology is similar to the way a fridge uses a refrigerant to extract heat from the inside, keeping the food cool, except with ground source heat pumps the heat is extracted from the ground and keeps the home warm.

Seven homes in the village of Lighthorne Heath in Warwickshire were chosen for the pilot. Mrs Collins, a Lighthorne Heath resident, said: "I've lived alone in my house for 11 years and have seen the cost of solid fuel rise and rise. I get through six bags of coal a month at about £18 a bag.

"E.ON has replaced everything from my new heating system to new radiators and the savings I'll make will go a long way. I can have the house warm whenever I want, and there's constant hot water without the cost."

Those eligible for the scheme can apply in groups of six or more households where at least one resident in each property is receiving a means-tested benefit. Households must also currently be heated by coal and have no mains gas supply.

Rob Bell, energy doctor at the Energy Saving Trust (EST) said: "Micro-generation technologies such as ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) will provide gradual payback for householders but should only be considered after all other possible energy efficiency home improvements have been installed, for example loft, cavity, wall insulation. It is vital to insulate before you generate - it'll make the energy you do generate go that much further!

"Get professional advice from impartial experts before you start. An accredited installer will be able to provide detailed technical advice. We urge householders to call their local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on free phone 0800 512 012 to discuss which measures are right for their home.

"Also, consider the logistics: do you have the right space outside your house, suitable for digging a trench or borehole? Is it the right type of heat distribution system for your home? GSHPs can be combined with radiators but these will normally be larger than with standard boiler systems. Under floor heating is better as it works at a lower temperature. Don't forget to consider all the options, as well as ground source heat pumps, air source and water source heat pumps are also available.

"Only once you have established if the technology is right for your home can you gauge the payback.

"It's important to understand the savings before you commit. Micro-generation provides gradual paybacks, not immediate savings. When installed in an electrically heated home a ground source heat pump could save £350 per year on heating bills and 6.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year."

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