132 projects have been awarded a share of £46 million from the Government to help reduce fuel poverty, boost energy efficiency, and encourage collective switching and purchasing in regions across Great Britain.

This funding will be used by local authorities and third sector organisations to help keep people's energy bills down and ensure homes are warm this winter, and in the future.

Organisations were invited to bid for money under three competitions and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) received an overwhelming response, with councils requesting funding for individual projects, or as part of regional applications. Organisations could apply for funding for one, two or all three of these competitions and many submitted bids for more than one of the competitions.

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The £46million will be allocated in three areas:

•£31million to help vulnerable householders keep warm this winter

•£10 million to kick start the Green Deal with 'Pioneer Places' projects

•£5 million to set up collective switching schemes – 'Cheaper Energy Together'

Energy Secretary Edward Davey said: "We need to find new ways to help people with their energy bills, working with communities and councils across the country.

"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 £46million 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. I am delighted so many organisations want to run new co-operative schemes to help people, especially the fuel poor, to get the best deals in the market."

(CD/GK)