The funding will be used by local authorities and third sector organisations to help reduce fuel poverty, boost energy efficiency and encourage collective switching and purchasing.
The organisations were encouraged to bid for money under three competitions run by DECC. The £46m was allocated in three areas: £31m to help vulnerable householders, £10m to kick start Green Deal with pioneer projects and £5m to set up collective switching schemes.
Energy secretary Ed Davey said: “We need to find new ways to help people with their energy bills, working with communities and councils across the country.
“The projects we are funding will help people save energy and save money: helping the most vulnerable to heat their homes, getting the Green Deal market up and running and encouraging people to switch energy suppliers to get their bills down.
“This £46m will help local councils across England upgrade inefficient heating kit as well as creating demand for and installing insulation under the Green Deal in homes across their areas.”