Published: Thursday 1 June 2023
Residents in Council homes using gas powered communal heating systems are to receive discounted energy bills following negotiations by Kensington and Chelsea Council with energy providers.
The negotiation with the energy providers came following discussions with residents and residents’ associations after the increase to heating and hot water charges was announced in our service charge notification in March.
Councillor Kim Taylor-Smith, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Grenfell, Housing and Social Investment said:
“I’ve seen the impact that the cost of living crisis is having in our communities and it’s right that we do all we can to help protect people from these costs.
“This renegotiation is part of that help along with the new support funds and grants available.
“Thank you to all residents and residents’ associations who have been working with us on this issue – it shows that change is possible when you get involved.”
The reduction in the commercial gas price we’ll pay to the energy providers will be passed on directly to residents. It’s expected to be an average of five per cent reduction against the charges set out in March and we will write to residents in June to confirm the details.
Other support available
Based on resident feedback we’ve introduced two new Council grants:
- Warm home grant: This will offer up to £300 per household for tenants in homes with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rated D or below. You can discuss your eligibility for this grant by contacting your income officer or housing officer.
- Tenancy sustainment grant: This will also offer up to £300 per household for tenants at risk of new or worsening rent debt. Please talk to your income officer about whether you can apply for this grant.
We’ve applied for the energy bills discount scheme, a government scheme which gives a discount to bills for people on communal heating systems. If our application is approved this could mean up to £500 per household for residents on communal heating systems which would be applied to accounts in autumn 2023.
Long term investment
We are investing significantly in our housing stock to make sure that its energy performance improves. This will have long term benefits, both environmentally, and on residents’ bills as it will lower the need for intense heating of homes. However, this commitment means we are not able to cap or subsidise energy prices below what we can negotiate with suppliers.