At High Sharpley, npower renewables worked to demonstrate that renewable energy and energy efficiency can work hand-in-hand to deliver environmentally-friendly advice and money saving solutions for local residents.

The High Sharpley Wind Cluster Energy Efficiency Scheme scheme targeted the local areas of Seaham and Murton and raised awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable power.

The scheme offered local communities a community education programme and discounted energy efficiency measures for homeowners.

Patrick Spink, from npower renewables, said:

“By both reducing energy consumption and generating more of our electricity from renewable sources, such as from the wind, we can all make a real contribution to a more sustainable future. This is a fantastic opportunity to really drive home the message that we need to start taking climate change seriously. One of the best places to start is at home and this scheme is offering everyone a great chance to get involved and not only save money but also energy.”

George Patterson, District of Easington Executive Member for the Environment, said:

“Educating tomorrow’s consumers about energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important given the potential impact of climate change. Activities in schools show children how they can take simple steps to save energy and protect the environment and District of Easington welcomes npower’s and CREATE’s work with young people in Murton and Seaham.”

The package offered schools in the area a half day visit from CREATE who worked with pupils on a wide range of fun energy related activities, including making kites and windmills to test the windiest sites around school, playing games to learn about energy saving in the home, and acting as journalists to investigate the issues posed by climate change and global warming.

Sandy Carter, Projects Co-ordinator at CREATE said:

“This project is ideal because not only do the children benefit from being educated about climate change, renewable energy and energy efficiency in a fun way, the teachers also benefit as we will be showing them some of the materials and resources which they can access to teach these topics in the future. Parents can also benefit by attending an assembly or celebration event that schools involved will be encouraged to run.”

As part of the project, npower promoted domestic energy saving offers, branded "Savings for Life" as part of their energy efficiency commitment. This energy saving programme was aimed at delivering energy efficiency measures into peoples homes through offering reduced rate insulation for private households as well as discounted electrical goods.

Peter O’Neill, Energy Services Relationship Manager at npower, said:

“We are delighted to have been involved in this innovative project, providing practical, low cost solutions for homeowners to save energy. Installing cavity wall insulation is a great way of reducing your heating bills, saving around £70 - £100 a year on fuel bills^*, whilst also helping save the environment by cutting down on the demand for fuel. One of our key aims is to make sure we help homes become more energy efficient, and this project has enabled us to integrate this within the wider environmental message.”

* Savings are based on a gas heated 3 bedroom semi-detached house. Gas costs are based on a unit cost of 1.4p/kWh. The saving figures will vary according to the size of the dwelling, it’s location, the relevant energy-saving measure (if appropriate) the type of fuel used, the heating system and the materials used.

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