E.ON Next launches enhanced battery trial in Coventry

E.ON Next has launched a new and enhanced version of its home battery trial in Coventry, offering residents free smart technology including home batteries, with the potential to save hundreds on their energy bills this year and for years to come.

The upgraded scheme – building on the successful 2024 pilot in the city and running in parallel with a similar trial in Glasgow – will support up to 100 households in its first phase and bring savings of up to £360 a year. Eligible customers will get free batteries, access to time-of-use tariffs, and smart systems that automatically use the battery in the best way to maximise savings.

The trial is part of E.ON Next’s commitment to making affordable, sustainable energy solutions more accessible for everyone, with plans to extend to further customers in subsequent phases.

Chris Norbury, CEO of E.ON UK, said: “Too many households are still struggling with the cost of energy. By scaling up smart solutions like home batteries we can cut bills now while building a more flexible and resilient energy system for the future.

“What we’ve learned from Coventry, and what we plan to build on here as well as in Glasgow, is that when innovation and collaboration come together, we can deliver lasting change, not just short-term relief. Our aim is simple: to make clean, affordable energy accessible to more people and transform how households experience energy for good.”

The renewed trial builds on the design and learnings of the original pilot, which saw the first fully funded battery installations delivered to vulnerable households. The second Coventry programme will enable customers to benefit from the same free battery technology, as well as improved savings – up to £360 a year, up from around £255 previously – through smart technology that allows the batteries to be managed remotely, making the most of their benefits and ensuring maximum savings for residents. This is driven by each customer receiving a guaranteed payment of £30 per month.

Councillor Jim O’Boyle of Coventry City Council said: "This trial is all about making a real difference to people in Coventry.

“As we saw in the first trial, when households have the right tools, like free home batteries, they can store cheaper energy and cut their bills. It’s fantastic that technology improvements are moving so fast that the savings this time round are even better than before. Giving residents control over how and when they use their energy which in turn leads to lower bills.

"Through partnership with E.ON, we will be supporting the households that will benefit the most while helping Coventry move towards a cleaner, more affordable and more sustainable future.”

As part of E.ON’s Strategic Energy Partnership with Coventry City Council, the trial continues to focus on supporting vulnerable households. The original pilot delivered fully funded battery installations to local residents, helping them store cheaper energy for use at peak times and giving households more control over their energy use.

Insights from Coventry have already shaped the parallel programme in Glasgow where batteries, combined with personalised support, are expected to cut bills by up to 30% for families most in need.

The enhanced trial in Coventry reflects E.ON Next’s broader mission to support customers most in need and is being delivered as part of the Strategic Energy Partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council which is focused on accelerating the city’s transition to a more affordable, secure and low-carbon future.

The partnership is delivering practical solutions to improve energy efficiency across Coventry’s homes, buildings, and transport systems – building a cleaner, more resilient city that is ready to lead on climate action, support economic growth, and improve quality of life for all.

Eligible customers are being contacted by E.ON Next and invited to participate in the trial in the coming weeks, subject to a home energy survey.

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