More than 200 people in Weymouth have already received free central heating – thanks to the ‘Heat Melcombe Regis’ project.

Heat Melcombe Regis was set-up after Dorset Council secured £1.7 million from the National Grid’s ‘Warm Homes Fund’. The project is still delivering free central heating, as well as loft and cavity wall insulation grants.

Anyone who needs affordable heating and hot water should apply immediately before funding ends this autumn. Free gas central heating is currently available, whatever your income, if you live in parts of Weymouth. In other areas help may be available if you are on a low income.

But hurry, funding is expected to end in November 2020. Apply today for central heating or insulation grants at.

The Heat Melcombe Regis project aims to help people improve their energy efficiency, lower their energy bills and their carbon emissions.

Around 85 per cent of households in the UK currently use gas to meet their heating needs. A lot of work is ongoing to decarbonise gas.

What is the decarbonisation of gas?

Decarbonising gas means reducing carbon emissions from gas. This means switching to greener gases like hydrogen or renewable biomethane.

Gas distribution network SGN are already blending renewable biomethane gas in their network at 35 sites across southern England.

Renewable biomethane gas is produced when organic material, food waste, manure, sewage and crops, are broken down by micro-organisms in an oxygen-free environment. Biomethane gas is a clean renewable fuel that can be used in the gas network.

Across Britain more than 20 research projects are working out how to produce, store and transport low carbon hydrogen gas. Hydrogen is produced by using electricity to break water down into hydrogen and oxygen.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Briefholder for housing, said: “We want to help residents who are struggling to keep warm this winter, so please apply immediately if you need free central heating or an insulation grant. Dorset Council is committed to helping residents improve their energy efficiency, lower their heating bills and their carbon emissions.

“Dorset Council has declared a Climate Emergency and welcomes the ongoing work to decarbonise gas.”

Angus McIntosh, SGN Director of Energy Futures Angus McIntosh said: “Hydrogen offers a credible and exciting opportunity to deliver the UK’s net zero targets by 2050. The UK has all the ingredients to lead the way, from natural resources to engineering excellence and the quantity and quality of research being undertaken reflects this opportunity. We must continue this great work, demonstrate it and deliver the framework for change.”

To find out more visit www.heatmelcomberegis.org.uk or call 01305 550556