E.ON and Knowsley Council announce sustainable energy partnership

Knowsley Council has this week agreed to form a low carbon partnership with energy company E.ON, which will see them work together to promote low carbon energy solutions for local homes and businesses.

Councillor Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Council, and Michael Woodhead, Managing Director of E.ON's Sustainable Energy business, signed the pioneering agreement between Knowsley Council and E.ON which will see them work together to improve energy efficiency and renewable technology as well as promoting new skills and job opportunities in the area.

Through their combined expertise, the partnership will help deliver the Sustainable Knowsley Programme and support the council's commitment to cleaner, more efficient energy and helping to combat the impacts of Climate Change.

Councillor Round said: "The council is keen to work collaboratively with a range of public, private, charitable and local community based organisations and we're delighted to secure E.ON's expertise to help us develop Knowsley's low carbon economy."

The partnership will lead the way to launch the Knowsley Community Energy Fit scheme, with charity National Energy Action (NEA). This will involve the recruitment of 40 volunteer ‘Energy Champions' through local job creation schemes who will be trained to deliver in-home energy saving advice and signpost support to vulnerable families.

Sheena Ramsey, Chief Executive of Knowsley Council, said: "These champions will develop their skills, and job prospects, while helping to tackle fuel poverty in the heart of their community. We're confident this scheme will help improve energy efficiency in homes, reduce fuel bills and help protect the environment."

Michael Woodhead, Managing Director of E.ON's Sustainable Energy business, said: "In these difficult times, it's essential that companies, councils and the community come together to help tackle people's concerns about energy head-on and face-to-face.

"We're pleased to be working with like-minded partners in Knowsley to focus on sustainable and low carbon energy technologies such as micro generation and renewable heating who can help us deliver this as part of our partnership with the area."

E.ON is also working with Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) and Elmfield Training on its Energy Assessors scheme, creating jobs to 15 previously unemployed people in the area and giving them the chance to develop valuable skills and knowledge while also identifying and helping local residents who may be living in fuel poverty.

The Energy Assessors have been recruited through the Route 2 Employment job creation scheme. It's hoped they will carry out more than 4,000 home assessments in the coming months, giving residents energy efficiency advice and directing them to a range of resources to help them, including financial assistance and impartial advice help lines.