COUNCIL PARTNER UP WITH ELECTRICITY NORTH WEST

COUNCIL & ELECTRICITY NORTH WEST TO DELIVER FIRST EVER POWER SAVER CHALLENGE

Stockport Council and Stockport Homes are coming together to support the delivery of a pilot scheme funded by the region’s power network operator, Electricity North West.

The scheme aims to eliminate the need to build costly new overhead power lines and underground cables by encouraging customers to become more energy efficient.

Stockport Council, Stockport Homes and Electricity North West will work with residents to help reduce electricity usage, lowering energy bills and reducing pressure on the local network.

The Power Saver Challenge, the first of its kind in the country, will be trialled in the Heaton Moor and Heaton Norris areas of Stockport with more than 1,000 homes.

The Power Saver Challenge is a four month trial, targeting specific homes, where households will be supported to help reduce their electricity usage through a free household energy check, energy advice and free gadgets which support energy saving. If they reduce their electricity usage by a set amount at the end of the trial period, they will qualify for a reward: either an energy efficient household appliance or a contribution towards a community initiative.

Mark Williamson, operations director for Electricity North West, said:

“This exciting new initiative will allow us to explore how small changes can have a successful impact on reducing electricity usage and therefore reduce energy bills for individual households, and the region as a whole.

“Demand in electricity is set to double by 2050 and it is our responsibility to make sure that the regional power network is able to provide a reliable power supply to customers. Providing a bigger network in this area to meet predicted demand could cost more than £1million, but if we can encourage customers to reduce consumption then there’s less need to invest in costly new infrastructure.”

Cllr Patrick McAuley, Executive Member for Regeneration Economic Development at Stockport Council said,

“Energy prices are an increasing concern for residents in Stockport. This pioneering scheme has the potential to reduce energy bills for Stockport residents immediately and safeguard energy use in the future. I would encourage residents in Heaton Moor and Heaton Norris to find out whether they are eligible for this scheme by visiting www.powersaverchallenge.co.uk.”

To see if your property qualifies for the challenge visit www.powersaverchallenge.co.uk or meet the team at the Heatons Summer Festival on Sunday 22^nd June at Heaton Moor Park.

For further information about energy efficiency in Stockport please visit www.stockport.gov.uk/killthechill.