We consult widely over our business decisions

We work in partnership with our neighbours to explain our decisions and their likely impact on their local communities. We also aim to bring local benefits where possible.

For example, we're building a state-of-the-art gas fired combined heat and power (CHP) station next to our existing power station on the Isle of Grain. To celebrate the start of the project, we launched a Community Investment fund and, during 2007, we awarded more than £22,000 to 10 local community projects. These ranged from helping to fund computers for the local community centre to donating 'high-visibility' tabards to a walking group.

We set up a similar scheme for residents living near our gas storage facility at Holford in Cheshire. Our Community Investment fund is part of our commitment to helping our neighbours. The fund is available to all communities in close proximity to our operations.

Funds are available to support community projects that will bring lasting benefits to the users, such as laying a local football pitch, putting in disabled ramps at community centres, improving playgrounds for children or funding an allotment. All projects, however big or small, are considered.