Earlier this week, npower's head of business development, David Titterton, and, Neil Ayling, Flintshire County Council’s Director of Community Services, visited Eric and Mo King to see the exterior wall insulation and boiler replacement work that has been undertaken at their home as part of the npower funded Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP).

CESP is a commitment to reduce carbon emissions in communities and help to reduce energy bills and increase home efficiency measures to those who need it most. There are different approaches to the work that is done depending on the requirements of the property, such measures are: Solid wall insulation, boiler replacement and fuel switching – from coal, oil and electric to gas heating. The project has enabled npower and Flintshire County Council to directly generate 15 skill based jobs locally including two trainee energy surveyors.

npower and Flintshire County Council are working in partnership to expand the popular Energise Higher Shotton Community Energy Saving Programme into parts of Greenfield and Connah’s Quay. npower are to invest over £3.5 million into the local community by the end of the scheme, and the programme provides a significant step towards reducing Flintshire’s domestic energy bills and carbon footprint.

Neil Ayling Said “This project showcases what has been a successful collaboration between npower and Flintshire County Council. Since the project began in 2009, 310 properties have benefited in Higher Shotton, and, with the project now extending, it means that over 1000 more houses could benefit from efficiency measures this year, which is great news.”

David Titterton from npower commented ”It is initiatives like this that really do make the difference to people’s lives. The great thing is that the programme is open to private homes like Mr and Mrs King’s as well as council and social housing properties. npower is proud to have been a part of the project working alongside Flintshire Council; the work undertaken is far reaching and has real longevity. Well done to all involved.”

CESP is open to over 300 areas nationwide, npower are keen to hear from local councils and social housing authorities who are interested in rolling out a similar scheme in their area.