The contract to manage Wales' new Fuel Poverty scheme has been won by British Gas.

The Welsh Assembly Government's new and improved scheme has been designed specifically to target households that are vulnerable to fuel poverty and will offer an enhanced range of advice and support.

The scheme is part of the action the Assembly Government is taking, as far as is reasonably practicable, to eradicate fuel poverty in all households in Wales by 2018.

Speaking about the contract, the Minister said: "One of the key ways that we can address fuel poverty is by making Welsh homes as energy efficient as possible.

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"Our new scheme makes sure that help to tackle fuel poverty is made available to those householders that need it most, and I hope it will make a real difference people across Wales who are more vulnerable to fuel poverty.

"Making homes more energy efficient is just one of three factors that contributes to fuel poverty. The Assembly Government cannot control people’s income levels or global fuel prices, but we must aim to do all we can, as far as is reasonable and practicable, to end fuel poverty.

"British Gas showed themselves to be more than up to the challenge of helping us deliver this new programme in their tender and I congratulate them on their success."

British Gas has been selected to manage the contract for the new Fuel Poverty scheme following an extensive procurement exercise. The contract is in the process of being finalised.

In order to ensure a smooth transition to the new Fuel Poverty programme, HEES (the Home Energy Efficiency Service) will not be taking any new applications for the repair or replacement of heating systems after the 18th February.

(CD/GK)