New energy collaboration to tackle fuel poverty in East Lothian
East Lothian Council has today launched East Lothian Energy, in association with People’s Energy, the UK’s only Community Interest Company energy supplier.
East Lothian Energy powered by People’s Energy will offer affordable, sustainable and fair energy for all East Lothian residents as part of a joint commitment to help eradicate fuel poverty.
The new initiative sees People’s Energy, in association with East Lothian Council, offering a special variable and fixed tariff that is discounted from its regular tariffs and available exclusively to East Lothian residents. This offer equates to potential savings of up to £200 annually compared with the current energy price cap (as of 30th July 2020), based on Ofgem’s medium typical domestic consumption values energy usage.
East Lothian Energy customers will also benefit from automatic People’s Energy membership which includes a pledge to pay back 75% of profits to all domestic customers through an annual rebate.
As well as significant savings on electricity and gas, East Lothian Energy customers will be also be helping the environment as all electricity from People’s Energy comes from 100% renewable sources.
The collaboration was driven by People’s Energy Company’s commitment to ensure affordable energy is accessible to all and to prioritise the welfare of its communities above profits.
Speaking about the launch, David Pike, CEO and co-founder of People’s Energy, said: “Within East Lothian, it is estimated that almost a quarter of households (22%) are living in fuel poverty, equating to 13,500 homes. With this new affordable tariff for East Lothian residents, we have the potential to reduce the fuel poverty gap in the area quite considerably.
“People’s Energy is a social enterprise that puts people and the planet before profits. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to partner with East Lothian Council to help make a positive change in the same area where People’s Energy first started three years ago.
“This collaboration with East Lothian Council is one of many steps we are taking to help eradicate fuel poverty and we would welcome other local authorities looking to do the same to get in touch.”
Councillor Norman Hampshire, Cabinet Spokesperson for the Environment, East Lothian Council, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with People’s Energy to launch this exciting new initiative. East Lothian Energy gives county residents the exclusive opportunity to purchase affordable, sustainable and fair energy. We hope this will be attractive to householders across a mix of tenures – including tenants and homeowners.
“As well as saving money and helping to reduce fuel poverty, East Lothian Energy is a great way of enabling customers to support the environment and tackling climate change – a key priority for us as a council. That is because all of the electricity comes from 100% renewable sources.
“East Lothian Energy customers will receive automatic People’s Energy membership – with 75% of their profits being paid back to domestic members through an annual rebate.
“We believe this is quite a unique initiative and I would encourage people living in East Lothian to visit www.peoplesenergy.co.uk/eastlothian to find out more.”
To sign up to East Lothian Energy visit www.peoplesenergy.co.uk/eastlothian
