E.ON Next has completed its first fully funded battery installation – as part of its new pilot aimed at transforming energy efficiency and affordability for its most vulnerable customers.

This Coventry-based pilot, which was announced in September, will make homes more sustainable, reduce energy bills, and provide them with greater control over their energy use. Crucially, it aims to tackle the cause, as well as the symptoms, of high energy bills through sustainable solutions such as batteries and solar panels.

To future-proof vulnerable customers’ homes and ease debt, measures include:

  • Direct financial assistance by writing off energy debt, giving customers a fresh start and replacing inefficient and costly to run white goods such as fridges and washing machines through the E.ON Next Energy Fund
  • Home insulation and sustainable energy solutions, such as solar panels and heat pumps, to reduce energy bills for years to come
  • A free battery which can be charged using cheaper electricity at off peak times and stored for use at peak times when power is more expensive, and a time-of-use tariff which makes the most of this technology by offering customers the best value depending on when they use electricity
  • Signposting the impartial debt advice and support available through National Debtline

In September 2023, E.ON and Coventry City Council launched their 15-year Strategic Energy Partnership, which will see the two organisations work together to revolutionise energy use in the city for the benefit of local communities and the wider economy.

Ramona Vlasiu, Chief Operating Officer at E.ON Next, said: “By bringing battery storage and other energy-efficient solutions into vulnerable customers’ homes, our aim is to give people the tools they need to navigate the challenges of today’s energy landscape, while building a more sustainable future.

“We know that 73% of energy customers in the UK believe the best way energy companies can provide support is by improving their homes, so they use less energy and save money as a result.

“Through initiatives like our Coventry pilot, we can transform people’s relationship with energy, addressing affordability not just once, but permanently. Through the first free battery installation, we hope this is just the start.”

Other support available from E.ON Next

E.ON Next has a range of support available to help its customers, including:

  • Our E.ON Next Energy Fund which provides direct financial support, replacement of inefficient white goods and debt write-off for eligible customers struggling to pay their bills.
  • The Warm Home Discount scheme – a one off payment of £150 to be used as a credit on electricity bills for customers who are potentially struggling to pay their energy bills during the cold winter months.
  • Free insulation for eligible people as part of the Great British Insulation Scheme and other projects including the Energy Company Obligation and the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme.
  • Competitive tariffs such as one- and two-year fixed tariffs and our E.ON Next Pledge tariff which tracks the price cap and remains £50 below the cap at average annual consumption.
  • Our Priority Services Register where we can help vulnerable customers who may need extra help managing their energy account.
  • Charity partnerships where we fund support via specialist charities who provide additional advice for customers experiencing hardship. 

To find out more about E.ON Next, visit eonnext.com