Firms work together to reduce fuel poverty

Published by Claire Tinston for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Communities

Tenants in Witney, Oxfordshire, have been thrown a lifeline of support when it comes to saving money on their household bills thanks to a solar panel scheme being launched by Cottsway Housing Association.

Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) Ltd, the leading community regeneration specialist which forms part of the Keepmoat group, will install Photo-Voltaic (PV) panels to 500 properties on behalf of Cottsway.

The three million pound scheme is due to start in January and end in September 2012, saving tenants money on their annual household bills, due to the installation of high quality PV arrays.

The scheme will also bring about a carbon offset ranging from 0.5 to one tonne of CO2 per year as a result of the Installation of renewable micro-generation technology.

Jake Fellows, Assistant Commercial Manager at FHM, the delivery brand for Keepmoat, said: “This is a very significant contract win for FHM as it marks the first time that we have worked with Cottsway Housing Association and we’re looking forward to working with our new client to help eradicate fuel poverty among their tenants.

“The solar panel scheme will bring about huge savings for tenants at a time when energy companies are pushing their prices up, with families across their property portfolio benefiting directly as a result. This scheme also shows that large scale PV installations are also about tenant benefit and education - not just Feed in Tariff returns.

“The solar panel scheme will also complement what Cottsway Housing Association is already doing for their tenants. One of their schemes involves helping tenants find the best deal from energy suppliers, through their assistance switching scheme.”

Kate Clemmow, Head of Asset Management at Cottsway Housing Association, added: “Cottsway has been installing renewable technologies in both our new-build homes and upgrading existing properties.

“We made a commitment early this year to install 1,100 photovoltaic panels over a two-year period and have chosen to work with FHM through Keepmoat Ltd to deliver part of this programme. We look forward to our residents benefiting from the PV installations.”