E.ON is working with Herefordshire Council to help people across the region improve the heating of their homes by installing free first-time gas central heating systems in around 300 eligible residents' homes.

Eligible households who are not connected to mains gas and currently relying on inefficient ways of heating their homes, for example electric storage or panel heaters, could be eligible for the measures, which are part of the Warmer Homes Herefordshire Scheme.

Subject to eligibility, where there is no existing gas supply to the property, a new gas network connection will also be provided by Affordable Warmth Solutions, usually at no cost.

Eligible residents taking up the offer could save around £630 per year on fuel bills and benefit from a warmer, more comfortable home.

The project follows a successful funding bid by the council to the £150 million Warm Homes Fund, established by National Grid, and administered by community interest company Affordable Warmth Solutions.

In addition to the first-time gas central heating, eligible residents may also be able to receive free insulation measures for their homes, including loft and cavity wall insulation, further improving the warmth and comfort of homes across the county.

As part of the scheme, eligible residents may also be able to benefit from free energy efficiency advice and support on how to better manage their income from Keep Herefordshire Warm scheme run by Severn Wye Energy Agency.

Residents do not have to be an E.ON customer to benefit but do need to meet certain eligibility criteria.

Nigel Dewbery, Director of E.ON's Obligation Delivery and Installation Services Business, said: "We're really pleased to be working with Herefordshire Council to improve heating and energy efficiency in homes across the region.

"Around 2.5 million3 UK households are in fuel poverty and unable to heat their home to the temperature needed to stay warm and healthy.

"Schemes like this one have been designed to tackle the issue by providing new gas connections and first-time central heating systems to those who are eligible across the county.

"This will not only ensure residents are saving money on their heating bills but further demonstrates our commitment as an energy company to help improve the energy efficiency of the UK's housing."

Councillor Ange Tyler, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regulatory services and Community Safety, at Herefordshire Council, said: "We're really pleased to be supporting our residents across the county with this great initiative.

"Through working with E.ON we hope to be able to improve the energy efficiency in hundreds of homes across the regions and ensure residents can not only save money on their energy costs but can become more energy efficient at the same time.

"We're really keen that as many people as possible apply for the free measures, so we'd urge eligible residents to contact E.ON to find out more and together we can help as many people as possible stay warm and healthy in their homes."

Eligible residents should visit herefordshire.gov.uk/warmer-homes or call E.ON on 0333 202 4481 to find out more information about how to apply.