SCOTTISHPOWER SELECTED BY LIVERPOOL CITY TO SAVE HOMEOWNERS MONEY

Council tenants across the city are set to benefit from thousands of pounds worth of energy saving initiatives and a range of free services thanks to a pioneering partnership between Liverpool City Council and ScottishPower.

The council is now introducing the Scottish energy company, which owns Manweb as its preferred energy partner in an agreement that will reduce the cost of home heating for consumers and help the environment by reducing harmful emissions. Work will include installing low energy light bulbs and cavity wall and loft insulation.

Explaining the background to the initiative, Liverpool City Council executive member Richard Kemp said: 'Following the deregulation of the energy supply business and the breaking down of regional monopolies, a number of suppliers have been competing to service the people of Liverpool. We undertook a review of all the companies targeting the city with the objective of trying to identify one supplier who offered the best package in terms of price and community support and ScottishPower came top.'

ScottishPower has dedicated a specialist team to work alongside the council developing innovative routes to energy efficiency and energy management for Liverpool residents.

In return, Liverpool City Council will support the ScottishPower's offer of reduced energy charges by promoting the benefits of the partnership locally.

ScottishPower has set up a helpline to make it easy for people to change from their present supplier and see how much money they could save (0800 027 0305 - quote MDKO). For every Liverpool resident who switches, a small amount of money will be paid into a charitable Community Fund.

Cllr Richard Kemp adds: 'The partnership offers a win-win situation for everyone. Liverpool residents benefit from reduced energy costs, the community benefits from access to new funds to assist people struggling in poorly insulated property and ScottishPower benefit by expanding their customer base'.

Stewart Saunders, managing director of Manweb, of which ScottishPower is the parent company explains: 'This partnership with Liverpool City Council is an unique way of opening up the benefits of energy supply competition to all sectors of the community. All customers in Liverpool will now have access to a secure and informed choice for their energy needs. We already have successful partnerships with other local authorities and housing associations across the UK, each one different but all with the same aim, to make the competitive energy market work for the local community.'

You do not have to live in the city to benefit from the scheme but you must mention the Liverpool code, MDKO, if the Community Fund is to benefit.