Heating a home with electricity is three times more expensive than it would be with a gas central heating system, forcing many people this winter to make the difficult choice between heating or eating to survive.

SGN’s Help to Heat scheme can support people struggling to make ends meet by providing funding to connect some households to our gas network for free.

In some cases, we can also fully or partially fund a gas central heating system.

We’ve already helped thousands of people to receive free connections and installations and we’re determined to help hundreds more homes save money on their energy bills this winter.

You, or someone you know, would qualify for support if you receive certain income-related benefits:
– if your household income, after your rent or mortgage costs, is considered low and the expected cost to adequately heat your home would be high;
– and if you are eligible under your local authority’s unique criteria, known as its ‘statement of intent’. This will include income, but may also include health conditions and/or your home’s energy efficiency rating. However, not every local authority offers this.

Grant funding is also available to organisations who can show they are able to help us reach households in our network so that we can work in partnership to maximise the benefits of both our Help to Heat scheme and Central Heating Grant Fund.

To find out more about our Help to Heat scheme, visit sgn.co.uk/HelptoHeat or call YES Energy Solutions on 0800 015 5174 to speak to a Help to Heat advisor. You can also email our team at HelptoHeat@sgn.co.uk with your name and contact details.

We’d also like to hear from local authorities, housing associations, large private landlords, and support and advice organisations who may be able to partner with us to keep even more people warm and well this winter. Visit sgn.co.uk/HelptoHeat to find out more.

How Help to Heat transformed Mr R’s home
Mr R from Winchester received funding for a gas connection and A-rated central heating system from SGN’s Help to Heat Scheme. He was using an unreliable oil boiler for heating, a cause for concern for him and his wife with two children aged 11 and 12.

Mr R said: “I found the scheme while my heating was being temperamental. When we found out we could get the funding me and my wife were very happy, it was a huge relief. The heating system install was actually rushed through because eventually our old oil boiler just broke.”

Mr R had his brand new energy efficient heating system installed during the coronavirus pandemic, with emergency work continuing to ensure the household wasn’t left without heating. He said: “The contractors were great, I was really happy with the installation, it all ran very smoothly. I was really happy with Felicity on the phone, she took control of my install and I’m thrilled with the outcome, it worked out brilliantly!”