South Essex Homes has introduced a project to improve the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) ratings of properties.

As part of the work, energy saving measures such as wall and loft insulation, air source pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and smart metering will be fitted in 40 under-performing homes between April 2012 and March 2013.

Mike Gatrell, chief executive of South Essex Homes, said: "With more households facing fuel poverty, schemes such as this are vital in helping to support those most in need. South Essex Homes is committed to reducing our residents' energy costs and to improve their quality of living."

Mr Gatrell added that other aims of the project include ensuring that properties meet energy efficiency standards and contribute to national climate change objectives.

Elsewhere, the East Riding of Yorkshire has been selected as one of the ten pilot areas for the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.

As part of ECO, surveys will be completed in Withernsea to assess how residents can decrease their bills