We aim to cause as little disruption to local communities around our sites as possible. We set up information boards whenever there is any work on-site, and any issue or complaint is dealt with quickly and responsibly.

Wind power

We have a rigorous process of consultation relating to the selection of sites for our wind farms.

Public opinion surveys consistently show that around three-quarters of people support the further development of onshore wind schemes; however, new proposals can still attract strong feelings on both sides. The visual impact of a scheme tends to be the main issue that polarises opinion at the pre-planning stage, so we aim to 'design out' potential issues as early as possible. In assessing a location, we will look at its distance from residential housing and   the proximity of environmentally sensitive sites and special areas like National Parks, as well as a host of other technical criteria such as access routes and the availability of a connection to the electricity grid.

If we still decide a scheme is feasible, we then actively consult with the relevant authorities, as well as local communities and groups such as wildlife trusts, to establish their key issues and concerns. A typical scheme design goes through a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), carried out in line with the EIA Regulations. This process typically takes around 18 months, and involves close liaison with the local authority and other stakeholders to ensure that the scope and implementation of the assessment is up to the required standard.

For those projects that do make the grade, the next step is to present the draft planning application proposal to local communities and invite their comments. We also publicise these events well in advance, via door-to-door leaflet drops in local communities and broader advertising in local press and other media. The exhibition itself usually includes an Energy Efficiency stand (or even a separate Energy Efficiency Workshop) to raise awareness of and reinforce E.ON UK's green credentials. We have also developed a new interactive exhibition stand which explains the concepts behind renewable energy production. Wherever possible, feedback from these exhibitions is incorporated into the design that eventually goes into planning.

Supercritical coal-fired units at Kingsnorth

We are seeking permission from planning authorities to replace our existing coal-fired station at Kingsnorth in Kent with two new 800MW supercritical coal-fired units, which will operate at much higher efficiencies. You can read more about this here.

In addition to the statutory consultation duties which form part of any planning process, we've developed a stakeholder engagement plan to inform and educate the local community about the proposed development. So far, we have:

• mailed two community newsletters to approximately 6,500 addresses on the Hoo Peninsula
• held four public exhibitions for local residents
• created a website for the development
• set up a free phone line for residents
• established a dedicated email address for enquiries: kingsnorthenquiries@eon-uk.com