The Government has awarded a share of £46 million to 132 projects for local energy schemes across Britain.

The funding is part of the Government’s bid to boost energy efficiency, cut fuel poverty and encourage collective switching and purchasing and will be used by local authorities and community organisations. The cash will be used in three areas – £31 million for 61 projects to help vulnerable householders to keep warm this winter, £10 million to kick start the Green Deal and £5 million for 31 projects to set up collective switching schemes.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “The projects we are funding will help people save energy and save money: helping the most vulnerable to heat their homes, getting the Green Deal market up and running and encouraging people to switch energy suppliers to get their bills down.

“This £46 million will help local councils across England upgrade inefficient heating kit as well as creating demand for and installing insulation under the Green Deal in homes across their local areas. Funding will also be used to drive forward collective purchasing and switching initiatives at a local level, helping consumers get a better deal on their energy bills.”

More than one million pensioners will get £130 off their fuel bills this winter as part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, all pensioner households under 79 will get £200 Winter Fuel Payment and those over 80 will get £300. Yesterday the Government announced a £125 million cashback offer as part of the Green Deal, where householders will be eligible for a significant cashback incentive for an introductory period.