Cleaner, cheaper energy claim.

COVENTRY-BASED energy company Powergen has launched a new home energy system it claims could save local householders pounds 29 million on their bills.

The micro Combined Heat and Power (micro CHP) or WhisperGen system is powered by a mains gas supply to provide heating and hot water like a conventional boiler.

But it also produces its own electricity to power lights and other electrical equipment in homes by converting excess heat that normally escapes through boiler flues.

Any surplus electricity generated can even be sold back to Powergen.

Peter Westwood, from the utility, said: "It'll have a significant impact on the domestic energy market in the future by both helping to reduce consumers' energy bills and also by cutting carbon emissions."

More than pounds 14 million has been invested in developing the system.

Engineers claim it is more efficient and environmentally friendly than a conventional boiler because it emits about 20 per cent less carbon dioxide.