A major energy supplier has entered into an innovative deal with Peterborough Council to roll out energy efficiency measures in the city. The council’s cabinet approved a strategic partnership with British Gas recently to undertake a project worth up to £20 million. As part of the programme, the energy supplier will provide funding to upgrade energy inefficient homes by providing improvements such as cavity wall insulation and double glazing, which will create hundreds of local jobs.

The scheme, which is believed to be the first large-scale energy company obligation since the introduction of the green deal, is expected to boost local employment by around 600 jobs.

It will initially target 7,000 households in the city, helping to reduce energy costs for the householders and improve their carbon footprint.

Marco Cereste, leader of Peterborough Council, said: ‘This partnership will benefit large segments of the city, particularly those who are on lower incomes. We are fully aware of the economic pressures faced by our citizens and this programme is a great result.’

Andrew Bacon, regional director of British Gas, said the scheme would help communities ‘take more control’ over their energy costs.