British Gas is today “back on the high street” with the launch of a new alliance with supermarket giant Sainsbury’s.

Sainsbury’s Energy was previously set up with EDF, but the retail chain has switched to British Gas. The deal comes after feedback from British Gas customers showed that 60% wanted to see the company again have a high street presence.

It also follows recommendations by the British Gas customer panel that it should lead the way in helping customers lower their energy use with energy efficiency and home energy generation measures.

Under the new five-year partnership, Sainsbury’s will roll out 30 Energy Centres in its stores, selling energy-efficient products, including solar panels. The first will be in a superstore in Crayford in Kent and an ‘energy truck’ will travel to offer advice at smaller stores. The energy centres were developed with help from the Energy Saving Trust.

Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King said: “Our ambition is for Sainsbury’s Energy to become the number one destination for customers looking for new energy technologies, energy efficiency measures and great energy deals, so we can help them to reduce costs, while also reducing carbon emissions.”

British Gas managing director Phil Bentley said: “British Gas is delighted to be back on the ‘high street’ with Sainsbury’s, making it easier for customers to get the products, information and advice they need.”

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne praised the new partnership, saying it was “the sort of collaboration we want to see under the government’s Green Deal to stimulate green growth and kick start a radical and urgent increase in home energy efficiency”.

He added: “Being smart about energy use is a no brainer: it reduces bills and cuts carbon, so I am pleased Sainsbury’s and British Gas are bringing energy efficiency and green power to the high street.”