The regulator said it had reviewed the fuel poor network extension scheme and believes the gas networks can connect more eligible households to the gas grid than the original 77,000 planned for delivery between 2013 and 2021.
The fuel poor network extension scheme aims to assist vulnerable customers in switching to natural gas, one of the cheapest sources of energy, by helping towards the cost of connecting to the gas network.
Network firms will be required to re-submit their plans to Ofgem for consideration, with a revised scheme expected to be in place from 1 April 2016.
Senior partner for distribution Maxine Frerk said: “By encouraging gas network companies to connect more consumers to the gas grid, we’re playing our part in supporting those in fuel poverty in Great Britain.
“We also want network companies and their partners to work more closely with suppliers and fuel poverty groups on improvement works, such as new boilers, radiators and internal pipework, to ensure consumers get the full benefit from the new connections provided by the scheme,” she continued.
The regulator has also advised that the scheme be extended to support district heating to assist more vulnerable and low-income households.
Earlier this week, the government’s Heat Trust scheme, aimed at suppliers who sell heat energy directly to heat customers in domestic and micro-business properties, was approved for launch.