http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspxE.ON UK corporate website. We are the UK’s largest integrated energy company.en-GB(c) 2006, E.ON UK. All rights reserved.60E.ON UK, one of the country’s leading green generators, has today announced that it has acquired the interests of its partners Shell, Nuon and Amec in the 4MW Blyth offshore wind farm and assumed 100% ownership of the project And the company, which owns Powergen, is to repair the offshore power cable to the turbines so that the scheme will return to operation. Dr Tony Cocker, Manager Director of Energy Wholesale at E.ON UK, said: “We’ve worked with our partners to achieve the best solution for the project and are thankful for their support which will enable us to restore Blyth to its full capability by repairing the offshore power cable. “The scheme was always designed as a test bed to prove that it was viable to build and operate turbines around the UK coastline and it has achieved that, as well as further UK offshore firsts, such as the replacement of a turbine blade at sea.” The two 2MW wind turbines located off the coast of Blyth in Northumberland were the first to be built in UK waters. Recent problems with the offshore power cable have meant that, while the wind turbines were working perfectly, no power could be exported to shore. The cable, which is bolted to the seabed, is to be repaired. E.ON owns or operates 20 wind farms across the country, including the Blyth and Scroby Sands offshore schemes. It burns carbon neutral biomass material at two of its coal-fired power stations and is currently building the UK’s most powerful dedicated biomass power station at Steven’s Croft, near Lockerbie. Ends Notes to editors: * E.ON is the UK’s largest integrated power and gas company – generating, distributing and retailing electricity – and is part of the E.ON group, the world's largest private-sector energy services company. We employ around 15,000 people in the UK; * Our retail business, branded Powergen, is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around 8.5 million electricity and gas customer accounts, both domestic and SME. For more information contact: Jonathan Smith on 024 7618 3676 Jamee Majid on 024 7618 3679 Pictures of Blyth are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1120http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1120Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTE.ON UK, one of the country’s leading green generators, has announced that it is to begin testing the boiler at what will be the UK’s largest dedicated biomass power station at Steven’s Croft in Lockerbie later this week. The company will begin the testing phase - the final phase before the plant enters commercial operation - by first burning oil and then biomass fuel in the plant’s boiler. Full commercial operation of the £90m 44MW project is planned to start in December. Andy Carling, Steven’s Croft project manager for E.ON, said: “We’re on time and on budget and now we’re now entering the most exciting phase of the project - where we fire up the boiler for the first time and start burning fuel. “Once it’s all up and running, we’ll start burning biomass to create a constant temperature of 850 degrees Celsius inside the boiler. “We then use the heat to boil water to create steam which turns a turbine to create electricity. It’s as simple as that.” Once complete, the scheme will generate enough electricity for around 70,000 homes and also prevent the emission of 140,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. “Steven’s Croft is a groundbreaking project and a great example of how power can be generated by using clean fuel from local sources,” said Andy. “It’ll also help the environment by reducing carbon emissions and benefit the local economy by using by-products from the local timber industry, as well as offering local farmers a new market in renewable fuel crops.” Ends Notes to editors: • E.ON is one of the largest renewable generators in the UK. It has stakes in 20 wind farms across the country, is co-firing biomass alongside coal at two of its power stations, building the UK’s largest dedicated biomass power station in Scotland and owns the largest hydro power station in England and Wales. For more information contact: Jamee Majid on 024 7618 3679 An animation of the project is available and stills of the scheme are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1119http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1119Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTOver 3,000 first year students at the University of East Anglia in Norwich have been awarded firsts – for saving energy. The students, who all live in university halls of residence, have been competing in the Powergen-sponsored Student Switch Off competition since September last year to reduce their energy consumption by the greatest amount. And, together, the students have managed to reduce energy usage by 11%1 during the academic year, which has cut the University’s energy bill by over £20,000 and reduced carbon emissions by 100 tonnes2. That’s equivalent to 300 return flights to Barcelona or the same amount of CO2 used to blow up a billion party balloons. Phil Biddle, Head of Energy Efficiency at Powergen, said: “By making a few simple changes to their everyday activities, these students have taught us all a few lessons in how to reduce our energy consumption. “They’ve been adopting some very simple, practical measures, resulting in significant energy savings and have set some high standards which we hope other universities will soon follow.” The students from the winning hall of residence, Nelson Court, were rewarded with a carbon neutral party from Powergen on Monday 11 June and marked their energy saving achievement by releasing 1,000 biodegradable balloons into the air, representing just 0.01%3 of all the CO2 saved throughout the year. Neil Jennings, initiator of the scheme as well as a PhD student at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the UEA, said: “I'm delighted that the Student Switch Off has been such a great success this year and has reduced energy usage by over a tenth. “It just goes to show that small individual actions like switching lights off and not leaving appliances on standby can have a massive effect on reducing carbon dioxide emissions and can help save money. I’m really looking forward to repeating the competition – and the savings – at other universities next year.” The Student Switch Off competition will be rolled out across a number of other UK universities later this year, beginning in Central London. Powergen is part of the E.ON Group, the world’s largest investor-owned power and gas company and company that sponsors the FA Cup. Ends Notes to editors: ¹ = Calculated by the University of East Anglia’s Estates Department using current year’s electricity meter readings and comparing with historical data from previous years. ² = Calculated using Climate Care 2007 emissions calculator (www.climatecare.org) based on kilowatt hours of electricity ³ = One party balloon represents approximately 10 grams of CO2 •Also involved in the scheme are co-sponsors Odeon Cinemas, Ben & Jerry’s, First Eastern Counties and The Independent. •More involved in the scheme are co-sponsors Odeon Cinemas, Ben & Jerry’s, First Eastern Counties and The Independent. •Prizes will be low energy light bulb packs and energy efficient kettles and are available whilst stocks last. http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1107http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1107Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTPrimetime TV presenter and interior design consultant Naomi Cleaver has teamed up with energy efficiency experts at Powergen to demonstrate how you can save energy with style. The writer and broadcaster, who also has her own design studio and advises major high street retailers and brands, has put together some simple energy saving tips designed to enhance homes as well as environmental credentials. “Good design is as much about practicality as it is about aesthetics,” said Naomi. “Little changes to the design of your home that introduce energy saving measures can make a big difference to your bills, as well as to the environment. “And you don’t have to sacrifice style to save energy. Clever use of mirrors and light-coloured walls, which reflect daylight, can brighten a room and reduce the need to use artificial lighting, for example. “Interlined curtains can give a luxurious feel to your room and add extra insulation, particularly if you use a thick, thermal lining. “And why not bring back the sausage dog? Pattern and print remains the fashion this season, so you can seal up those under-door draughts with sumptuous fabric rolls, which complement with your soft furnishings.” Powergen will be issuing Naomi’s vital home energy saving tips through its energy efficiency helpline and Home Energy Check visits across the UK. Phil Biddle, Head of Energy Efficiency at Powergen, said: “We’re delighted to receive the advice of one of the most popular interior design specialists to put together these hints and tips. “If we can help home decorators and DIYers to think about the bigger picture, they can save money and carbon emissions. Little changes can make a big difference and, with 26 million households in the UK, the potential for energy saving is enormous.” Naomi’s top tips for saving energy and retaining style •Power dress your hot water tank – a British standard lagging jacket costs just £10, should pay for itself within six months and will save around 150kg of CO2 per year; •Reflective radiator panels are cheap to buy and easy to install, reflecting heat back into the room which would otherwise be lost. You can make your own panels by wrapping tinfoil around cardboard; •If you’re making new curtains ensure you line them, to create a plush look and keep precious heat indoors; •Use energy saving light bulbs – they’re now available in many different varieties and funky shapes, will last up to 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs and save around £10 a year on electricity; •Light coloured walls, ceiling and floors, and clever positioning of decorative mirrors will reflect daylight and make maximum use of natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting; •Fit motion sensors to exterior lighting so that they are only activated when needed. Carry out a home energy check to find out how to save more energy and money – visit www.powergen.co.uk/energyefficiency or speak to an advisor on 0500 20 10 00. Powergen, which is part of E.ON – the company that sponsors the FA Cup, is the UK’s largest integrated electricity and gas company. -Ends- http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1108http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1108Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTPowergen, part of E.ON UK, is urging organisers of summer fairs and festivals in [Region] this year to follow simple energy saving tips and enjoy a more environmentally-friendly community event. The company is seeking nominations for the most energy conscious summer fair in [Region] during July and August this year and will select the most deserving to receive a Powergen Eco Fête Award: a prize package worth £500 to continue their good work. Phil Biddle, Head of Energy Efficiency at Powergen, said: “Local community groups planning their summer fairs and festivals can make a real difference by contacting us to find out how we can help them save on energy costs while also doing their bit to protect the environment with some simple energy saving guidelines. “To help us get that vital message across we’re looking to support one event in [Region] and hope we’ll receive lots of nominations from local people. “We’re looking for little things that make a big difference: a community recycling initiative for rubbish generated at the event or drawing competitions for local children with prizes for the pictures which best capture the benefits of energy efficiency. Organisers might also have energy saving drives in place for the village hall or community centre where the event is to be held.” If you think your community summer fair or festival is worthy of a Powergen Eco Fête sponsorship package, simply write to Powergen Eco Fête Awards, c/o MCG PR, Alexandra House, 2 Well Lane, Leeds LS7 4PQ. Each entry received before the closing date of 22 June 2007 will be judged by Powergen’s energy experts. All drawings will be displayed at the event and judged by Powergen’s representatives. Terms and conditions apply - full competition details available on request. To help get local summer fair organisers thinking about how they can enjoy a more energy efficient event, Powergen is providing some simple tips: •If your event is indoors, consider investing in energy efficient light bulbs, which last up to 12 times longer and use up to 80% less energy. Always ensure lights are switched off when not in use too; •Many village halls have incandescent lights or Halogen lights outside – these are also available in low energy versions which give the same amount of light but can save up to 84% on energy costs; •If your community centre is old and draughty, rally together a team of volunteers to seal the gaps and carry out a ‘Changing Rooms’ style makeover; •Use energy efficient appliances. If your village hall or community centre needs a new fridge-freezer for example, upgrading to an A-rated appliance can save up to £45 a year; •Nominate an Energy Champion for your summer fair – co-ordinating activities to save on heating and lighting costs and urging everyone involved to switch-off and recycle. Powergen is part of E.ON UK, the world’s largest investor-owned power and gas company and the company that sponsors the FA Cup. Ends http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1109http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1109Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTA national campaign to find the UK’s most caring people has been launched by Powergen CaringEnergy, which is now calling for nominations from the East Midlands. As part of its ‘We Care Awards’ Powergen CaringEnergy is seeking nominations for people whose good deeds, no matter how small, make a big difference to other peoples’ lives or the wider community in which they live. They might do the weekly shopping for a housebound person, take disadvantaged children out on day trips, organise events for the elderly or man a voluntary help line. As long as you can demonstrate they deserve a ‘We Care Award’ then Powergen CaringEnergy would like to hear from you. In return for caring, one winner from each region will be pampered for a day when they are treated to a meal at a first class restaurant and presented with flowers and champagne. The ‘We Care Awards’ have been launched as part of a campaign to promote Powergen CaringEnergy, which aims to improve the energy efficiency and income of the homes of vulnerable customers. Powergen CaringEnergy’s Andy Burgess said: “Our nominees don’t need to have climbed Mount Everest to win this award, they just have to be a caring individual who does the little things that can make a big difference to other peoples’ lives. As a reward we want to pamper the winner and make a difference in their lives, even if it’s just for a day.” Powergen’s CaringEnergy scheme has been designed to support and protect vulnerable customers by improving the income and energy efficiency of their homes with a range of products which include free cavity wall and loft insulation. Under the scheme there are a range of measures available for Powergen customers which can be tailored depending on individual needs including: •Free energy efficiency advice and home energy audits; •Free low energy light bulbs to customers on qualifying income related and disability benefits; •Free Benefits Entitlement Check; •Registration for Powergen’s Priority Services Register; •Access to the Powergen Hardship Fund, which has been set up to give further support to Powergen customers who are on low income and who are facing financial difficulties. For a nomination form or further information on Powergen CaringEnergy, please call free on 0800 051 1480. Powergen is part of E.ON UK, which is part of the E.ON Group, the world’s largest investor-owned power and gas company. Ends http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1110http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1110Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTE.ON, the company which runs Powergen and E.ON Energy, has today announced an agreement with yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur that will see the company’s B2B division become an official supporting partner to her Offshore Challenges Sailing Team. On land, the key focus of the partnership will be for Ellen to learn more about the problems that the business community faces, in particular energy efficiency, and help to communicate some of the practical solutions that will move us to a more sustainable future. Ellen, who completed her record breaking solo around the world voyage in 71 days in 2005, is embarking on this journey with E.ON to learn more about sustainability, one of the most important challenges British businesses face today. According to recent estimates, the business sector is responsible for 40% of the nation's CO2 carbon emissions. With Ellen’s keen interest in sustainability, E.ON is looking for new ways to help its customers to further understand their use of energy and take advantage of industry best practice. And, as she begins working with E.ON’s Business to Business division, Ellen will also learn more about what can be done to reduce her impact on the environment and that of her business, OC Group. Ellen MacArthur said: ““Carefully managing my resources - be it my energy, food consumption or fuel, has always been a key aspect of my solo voyages and something I have lived with all my life. A racing sailor leaves for a non-stop around the world race with the absolute minimum onboard to save weight, yet must complete their voyage in a self-sufficient way. You save everything, you economise everywhere. “I am keen to know how we can all take practical steps to be more energy efficient in everyday life, especially in my own business, OC Group. There is no question we are part of the problem like everyone else. We travel, we consume, we waste. We have lots to learn in the coming years on how to improve our own footprint on the planet. “I’m looking forward to question, to learn, and ultimately to help share solutions with E.ON’s business customers – saving money along the way and helping us lead a more sustainable life.” Peter Haigh, Director of B2B at E.ON UK said: “Businesses in the UK are a major contributor to carbon emissions and must take more responsibility to reduce their impact on the environment. Whilst a few companies have taken energy efficiency seriously, they still remain in the minority. We understand that businesses are still searching to become better informed, so that they can take action that meets their specific company’s needs. “Today’s launch is just the beginning of a programme to help our customers meet the challenge in reducing their effect on the planet. In our experience customers learn best both from our own energy expertise and also from other customers. That’s why we are pleased to be working with Ellen, as her passion for the environment and ability to challenge convention will undoubtedly spur the UK business community to take courageous actions of their own.” And E.ON itself is also taking steps to reduce its own carbon footprint, both operationally in its power production and also non-operationally in its office buildings. “We’re committed to reducing the carbon intensity of our power generation and the carbon footprint of our buildings, while also increasing the amount of power we produce from green sources,” said Peter. E.ON helps businesses form their own energy policy through practical and sustainable solutions for better energy management and energy efficiency advice. E.ON supplies power and gas to its small and medium business customers through the company’s retail arm Powergen, and supplies its industrial and commercial business customers through E.ON Energy. To find out more and follow Ellen on her journey to learn more about sustainability, visit www.eonenergy.com/ellen to view Ellen’s personal blog. Ends Notes to editors: About E.ON •E.ON is the UK’s largest integrated energy company – generating and distributing electricity, and retailing electricity and gas – and is part of the E.ON group, the world’s largest private sector energy services company. We employ over 16,000 people in the UK; •Our retail business, branded Powergen, is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around six million electricity and gas customers, both residential and small business. Powergen also offers a range of additional home energy services, including boiler and central heating installation, maintenance and insurance. In addition, we have around 13,000 industrial and commercial customers branded E.ON Energy. •Our generation business produces enough electricity to cater for the needs of around 9m homes from a portfolio of world-class gas-, coal- and oil-fired power stations; •We are a market leader in combined heat and power, providing our customers with around 600MW of electricity and more than 1,000MW of heat at 13 sites across the country; •In addition, E.ON is one of the leading green generators in the UK, with 20 wind farms located from Cornwall to Northern Ireland. We also burn biomass material mixed with coal in three of our power stations and own the largest hydro power station in England and Wales. Combined, our renewable portfolio generates enough green energy to power the homes in a city the size of Manchester; •Through Central Networks, we run the electricity distribution network in central England, delivering a reliable supply to 4.9 million customers from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh border and from the Peak District to the outskirts of Bristol through enough underground and overhead cable to go four times round the world. About Dame Ellen MacArthur •Ellen MacArthur completed her record breaking solo round the world voyage on 7 February 2005 in 71 days, 14 hours and 18 minutes; •Ellen MacArthur’s business, OC Group, employs 50 people and is based on http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1111http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1111Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTWhitecross School in Gloucester has been chosen by E.ON, the company which runs Powergen and E.ON Energy, to receive a grant to install microgeneration technology from its Low Carbon Schools Programme to generate renewable energy for the schools buildings. Last week the record breaking yachtswoman, Dame Ellen MacArthur, visited the school to develop her understanding of microgeneration and learn how students are increasing their knowledge of energy efficiency and sustainability. Ellen is working with E.ON’s B2B division who have become an official supporting partner to her Offshore Challenges Sailing Team. The key focus of the partnership will be for Ellen to understand more about the difficulties that businesses and schools face. Ellen said: “I am keen to know how we can all take practical steps to be more energy efficient in everyday life, especially in my own business, OC Group, and help to communicate some of the practical solutions that result in a more sustainable future. “Carefully managing my resources - be it my energy, food consumption or fuel, has always been a key aspect of my solo voyages and something I have lived with all my life. “There is no question we are part of the problem like everyone else. We travel, we consume, we waste. We have lots to learn in the coming years on how to improve our own footprint on the planet. That’s why it’s great to be working with the students at Whitecross School, who are energy users of the future.” David Gaston, Head Teacher at Whitecross School said: “The school is excited about working with E.ON, which gives us the opportunity to help take responsibility for the efficiency of our building and encourage staff and pupils alike to save energy. “Sustainability is an issue which the students have already embraced through E.ON’s education programmes - The Energy Experience and plugin2engineering, and we’re delighted to have Ellen here to inspire the children about energy efficiency.” As an official supplier to the DTI’s Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP), E.ON is able to supply and install microgeneration technologies to public sector including schools, councils and housing associations who apply for funding. Sam Baylis, Head of Sustainable Energy Solutions at E.ON said: “This is a great demonstration of a school adopting microgeneration into both their buildings and education programme. We are working with a number of schools across the UK who are interested in doing a similar thing. The timing is right for schools as they can obtain funding from the DTI Low Carbon Building Programme, this can be up to 50% of the cost.” E.ON helps the public sector and private businesses to achieve their low carbon energy objectives through its Sustainable Energy Solutions business unit by giving practical advice on energy efficiency and solutions for better energy management. To find out more and follow Ellen on her journey to learn more about sustainability, visit www.eonenergy.com/ellen to view Ellen’s personal blog. Ends Notes to editors: About E.ON •E.ON is the UK’s largest integrated energy company – generating and distributing electricity, and retailing electricity and gas – and is part of the E.ON group, the world’s largest private sector energy services company and employs over 16,000 people in the UK; •Sustainable Energy Solutions offer low carbon technologies including microgeneration to businesses, schools, local authorities and charities. Interested parties should call 0800 0515 687, email microgeneration@eon-energy.com or visit www.eonenergy.com/microgeneration; •E.ON supplies power and gas to its small and medium business customers through the company’s retail arm Powergen, and supplies its industrial and commercial business customers through E.ON Energy; •E.ON’s retail business, branded Powergen, is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around six million electricity and gas customers, both residential and small business. Powergen also offers a range of additional home energy services, including boiler and central heating installation, maintenance and insurance. In addition, we have around 13,000 industrial and commercial customers branded E.ON Energy. About Dame Ellen MacArthur •Ellen MacArthur completed her record breaking solo round the world voyage on 7 February 2005 in 71 days, 14 hours and 18 minutes; •Ellen MacArthur’s business, OC Group, employs 50 people and is based on the Isle of Wight; •Ellen MacArthur’s international sailing team will be competing in the IMOCA Ocean Racing World Championship circuit 2007-09; •The agreement between Ellen MacArthur and E.ON’s B2B division will include a number of personal appearances, hospitality days, motivational speaking and some brand visibility with the Offshore Challenges Sailing Team. http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1112http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1112Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTE.ON, the company that runs Powergen, has undertaken a number of Smart Meter field trials over the last nine months as part of its commitment to the changing energy market. Smart Meters potentially offer a number of benefits to homes and businesses, by providing reliable and accurate billing based on actual meter reads, which are collected remotely and removes the need for a physical meter read. Smart Meter technology has the ability to measure consumption trends giving householders and businesses a clear picture of their consumption, both historical and real-time to allow more effective energy management. They also provide two way communication, making it simple for meters to be updated. Since December E.ON has fitted over 1,000 Smart Meters into selected small businesses in the Midlands as part of a monthly power trial, with the aim to fit 15,000 by the end of 2007. In addition E.ON plans to fit Smart Meters, both electricity and gas, in over 11,000 households over the next 12 months. Nick Horler, Managing Director of E.ON’s Retail business said: “This £10 million programme represents a major step forward in metering technology which will, in the future, have a huge impact in raising customer service to a new level, streamlining data collection, processing and billing. “By letting customers see how much energy they’re using and money they’re spending, we believe that Smart Metering can help cut consumption and of course, carbon emissions.” E.ON is investing over £10 million over the next two years in trialing a range of new, sophisticated metering technologies. All Smart Meters have been installed by E.ON’s Energy Services Business. E.ON Energy Services have installed the Elster A1140 as part of the SME Monthly Power Trial. The Smart Meter for E.ON’s consumer trials will come from the Ampy product portfolio. Ends http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1113http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1113Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTBusinesses in Britain are making major progress in saving energy, with Scots topping the annual efficiency league table compiled by E.ON, the company that runs Powergen and E.ON Energy. The ‘Energy Action 2007’ league table reveals the amount of Scottish businesses taking energy saving measures has more than doubled over the past year and is set to continue in 2007. Almost a quarter more businesses in the North of England are taking steps to save energy compared with this time last year, while those in London, the Midlands and south of England are keeping up the good work uncovered in the 2006 study. E.ON’s Energy Action Survey 2007 league table results shows the percentage of businesses that took measures to save energy during 2005 and 2006 and those that plan to take action in 2007: Region Took Energy Took Energy Planning Energy Action 2005 Action 2006 Action in 2007 Scotland 27% 67% 42% North 39% 62% 42% South 44% 50% 35% London 37% 49% 36% Midlands 55% 39% 27% Concerns about the environment were a key influence, with nearly a quarter of businesses saying being ‘greener’ was the main reason for taking action and nearly two thirds highlighting it as an issue, compared to just 6% in 2006. As a result, the amount of businesses with someone dedicated to managing energy saving initiatives has doubled over the past year to 32%. Peter Haigh, Director of E.ON UK’s B2B Business said: “Traditionally businesses have become more efficient so they can cut their power and gas bills but it really does seem as though we’re seeing a real change in thinking. “That’s something that we, as one of the biggest suppliers to business, have to take on board and we have already set up a new business area in Sustainable Energy Solutions, which is focused on helping businesses reduce their carbon emissions. “As a company we are aiming to reduce the carbon intensity of our generation and it seems that our customers are right behind that and are already doing their bit”. A third of businesses say they are planning to implement new energy saving measures in the coming 12 months, including awareness campaigns for the staff, implementing a ‘switch off’ policy and fitting central control units for heating and lights. Energy efficiency advice for business E.ON has produced a simple action list for its Powergen and E.ON Energy business customers to help put their energy-saving into motion: •Measure – make note of where, when and how you use energy; •Maximise – prepare a detailed saving plan, asking your energy supplier if you need advice, and get everyone’s support, including the company Board; •Monitor – track reductions to prove where savings have been made. And communicate these to motivate others •Work with staff to make sure lights that aren’t in use are turned off. Place stickers close to main light switches and doors to remind everybody to turn off lights when leaving a room •Encourage staff to turn equipment off overnight and at the weekend •Produce posters to make sure everybody gets into the habit. •Turn down thermostats by 1 ºC and reduce heating bills by approximately 10% •Using air conditioning in offices could double energy bills; the higher you set the air conditioning ‘switch-on’ temperature, the more you’ll save - so set the lower temperature to at least 24ºC More detailed advice on energy saving is available at from E.ON’s Business Energy Efficiency helpline on 0800 085 85 25 or from the Carbon Trust at www.thecarbontrust.co.uk E.ON provides its customers with a dedicated Business Energy Efficiency Helpline on 0800 085 85 25. Knowledgeable experts can give free tailored advice on using energy intelligently and also provide action packs with checklists of what to do and how. Information about energy efficiency is also available at www.eonenergy.com/business E.ON’s eData and eData Plus products provide customers with online access to its expertise through a suite of services designed to help them manage their energy and associated costs more effectively. Ends http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1114http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1114Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTPowergen, part of E.ON, has today (14 May) become the only major UK energy supplier to offer a combined 100% green dual fuel energy product, and aims to become the biggest green energy supplier to UK homes. To help users minimise their impact on the environment, Go Green offers a unique combination of 100% renewable electricity, from wind farms and hydro power stations, and offset gas through carbon reduction programmes. Every unit of electricity used by Go Green customers will be matched with one produced by a renewable source and supplied to the national grid. Powergen has also teamed up with Climate Care to offset the carbon emitted when customers use gas in their homes, through funding sustainable energy projects around the world. Nick Horler, Managing Director of Powergen Retail, said: “We all understand that using energy has an impact on the environment, but it is more difficult to work out what you can do about it. Go Green offers our customers the easiest way to take green electricity and gas and reduce their impact on the environment.” David Wellington, Managing Director of Climate Care, said: “By combining energy efficiency advice with renewable electricity and offset gas, Powergen is offering its customers a great low carbon option for their home. “Go Green helps customers reduce their carbon emissions, stimulates the renewable industry in the UK and also funds important low-carbon technologies around the world through Climate Care’s offset projects.” Go Green customers also receive: •Tools to understand their energy consumption and carbon footprint eg CO2 information on their online bill, a carbon calculator and an annual energy efficiency check; •1,000 Tesco Green Clubcard Points a year (500 per fuel); •Exclusive discounts on energy efficient products eg Electrisave consumption monitoring device for £40 (normally £70), an energy saving EcoKettle for £25 (normally £30); •9% annual discount (worth around £85) for taking electricity and gas and paying by monthly direct debit. Prices for Go Green include a small premium of 2% against standard Powergen products, which reflects the higher price of renewable electricity and some of the cost of carbon offsetting gas. This premium, which equates to around £17 per year or 5p per day, can be counterbalanced by simply fitting two low energy light bulbs or by turning down the thermostat by one degree. Go Green is available for new and existing customers, call 0800 092 9729 or visit www.powergen.co.uk/goinggreen to sign up. Ends Notes to editors: Powergen, is part of E.ON - the company that sponsors The FA Cup and the UK’s largest integrated electricity and gas company. E.ON plans to spend £1bn on new green power projects in the UK over the next five years, including: •Building the UK’s largest dedicated biomass power station at Lockerbie; •Building one of the UK’s largest offshore wind farms in the Solway Firth; •Being part of the joint venture aiming to build one of the world’s largest wind farms in the Thames approaches; •Over 1,000MW of wind farms in various stages of development across the UK. E.ON is already one of the UK’s largest green generators, with 18 onshore wind farms and two offshore wind farms and the largest traditional hydro power station in England and Wales. The company also co-fires biomass at two of its coal-fired power stations. Climate Care is one of Europe’s leading carbon offsetting organizations and makes reductions of greenhouse gases on behalf of individuals and companies, through its portfolio of projects which avoid, reduce or absorb greenhouse gases. http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1115http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1115Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTNew research (1) from energy company Powergen has revealed that we’re a nation of ‘lazy greens’, with only 30% of Brits planning to take any action to reduce their CO2 emissions over the next year. But it’s not because we’re not bothered. In fact, 69% of us are concerned about our carbon footprint. Powergen’s research suggests that this lack of positive action stems from an unwillingness to do anything more than simply switch off lights or turn the TV off standby. Almost two thirds (64%) of Brits feel they’ve done all they can to reduce carbon emissions, over half (54%) say it’s too expensive to be greener and 49% don’t know where to start. To spur a nation of ‘lazy greens’ into action, Powergen, which is part of E.ON, has launched Go Green, the first combined 100% green dual fuel product, to help customers make a change the easy way. Nick Horler, Managing Director of Powergen Retail, said: “Our research shows that homeowners are starting to get the message about how simple changes in behaviour can be effective at reducing bills and carbon emissions. “But, as a nation, we mustn’t become complacent about cutting emissions, which is why we’re looking at easy ways in which consumers can reduce their carbon footprint and Go Green is one of the easiest and quickest ways to do just that.” Powergen’s research proves that Brits will take action but it is mainly through small changes to their daily behaviour. The table below shows that the message has clearly got through and that many people are turning off lights and not over-filling the kettle but, less widespread are some of the bigger changes which can have a major impact on heat wastage – for example, loft insulation. Top Ten Energy Efficiency Measures (Ranked by percentage of people having taken action in last 12 months) 1.Turn off lights in rooms you don’t use 95% 2.Only fill kettle with as much water as you need 85% 3.Turn electrical appliances off standby 77% 4.Turn down the thermostat 76% 5.Fit energy efficient light bulbs 74% 6.Wash clothes at a lower temperature 73% 7.Install double glazing 65% 8.Install loft insulation 57% 9.Install hot water tank jacket 51% 10.Fit draught excluder 31% The over-65s emerged as the least interested in being green. Around a third (37%) weren’t concerned about their carbon footprint and 85% felt that now in their twilight years there was nothing more they could do to reduce carbon emissions. The 18-24s age range, in contrast, is the most action focused, with 64% believing there was more they could do to live a low carbon life and 37% were actively planning to take further steps towards this in the next 12 months. Women are the most complacent, with nearly three quarters (73%) concerned but just over a quarter (26%) prepared to do anything about it. In comparison, 64% of men are worried about their carbon emissions and more of them (35%) are ready to make a change. The Scots are the most worried about climate change (60%) and are also the most active when it comes to changing behaviour, with 35% looking to reduce their carbon emissions over the coming year. The Welsh, however, while being the most concerned about their carbon footprint (79%) are the least likely to be doing anything to reduce it – over 70% have no plans for change. For the 30% of Brits who are planning to further reduce their carbon emissions in the next 12 months, the driving factors are being green or more responsible (95%) and saving money (66%). The average home emits a staggering 5.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year (2) and Go Green, which combines 100% renewable electricity from wind farms and hydro power stations with offset gas through carbon reduction programmes, will help to offset this. Ends Notes to editors: 1. Research carried out with 1,002 adults across the UK by ICM on 25 and 26 April 2007; 2. Based on Ofgem average gas consumption of 20,500kWh and 3,300kWh of electricity per year calculated via climatecare.org. About Go Green With Go Green, every unit of electricity used by customers will be matched with one produced by a renewable source and supplied to the national grid. Powergen has also teamed up with Climate Care to offset the carbon emitted when customers use gas in their homes, through funding sustainable energy projects around the world. Go Green also offers customers a range of tools to help them understand their carbon footprint and reduce their energy consumption: •CO2 information on their online bill; •A carbon calculator; •An annual energy efficiency check; •Exclusive discounts on energy efficient products eg Electrisave consumption monitoring device for £40 (normally £70), an energy saving EcoKettle for £25 (normally £30); •And 1,000 Tesco Green Clubcard Points a year (500 per fuel). About Powergen Powergen, which is part of E.ON, is the UK’s largest integrated electricity and gas company. E.ON plans to spend £1bn on new green power projects in the UK over the next five years, including building the UK’s largest dedicated biomass power station at Lockerbie and building one of the UK’s largest offshore wind farms in the Solway Firth. E.ON is already one of the UK’s largest green generators, with 18 onshore wind farms and two offshore wind farms and the largest traditional hydro power station in England and Wales. The company also co-fires biomass at two of its coal-fired power stations. http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1116http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1116Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTCharlie George collapsing on his back on the Wembley turf in the 1971 Final has been judged the most energy efficient goal celebration in the competition’s history by E.ON, sponsor of The FA Cup. Energy company E.ON, the company that runs Powergen, worked with Professor Don MacLaren, one of the UK’s leading sports scientists, to analyse legendary FA Cup goal celebrations and assign each one a kilocalorie (kcal) value. George Best leaning on the post following a slalom through most of the Northampton Town team in 1970 took runners up spot – one of six goal celebrations for him that day. The anguished crouch of Gary Mabbutt after netting the own goal winner in the 1987 final comes third. E.ON also looked at those celebrations which expended the most energy. Top of this table is Ryan Giggs’ bare-chested, pitch-length charge following his wonder strike in the 1999 semi-final. Runner up is Michael Owen’s run and somersault after his second (and winning) goal three minutes from time in the 2001 final. Third place goes to Mick Channon’s enthusiastic windmills which accompanied his hat trick in the 5th round in 1976. The top 5s appear overleaf: Energy efficient celebrations Goal scorer Celebration FA Cup round Energy in kcal/min Charlie George Collapse 1971 final 1.4 George Best Lean on post 1970 5th round 1.7 Gary Mabbutt Crouch after own goal 1987 final 2.1 Alan Shearer Half raised arm 1999 semi-final 4.2 Aylesbury team Waddle like ducks 1995 2nd round 4.5 High energy celebrations Goal scorer Celebration FA Cup round Energy in kcal/min Ryan Giggs Bare-chested charge 1999 semi final 21 Michael Owen Somersault 2001 final 20 Mick Channon Windmills 1976 5th round 19 Steven Gerrard Badge-slapping run 2006 final 18 Frank Lampard Snr Corner flag dance 1980 semi final 17.5 “Legendary goals and goal celebrations are part of what makes the FA Cup special,” said Mike Thompson, Head of Sponsorship at E.ON. “It’s fascinating to look through the different ways players celebrate their strikes, from the startlingly simple through to the more exotically explosive. We look forward to what Saturday will bring.” - Ends - Notes to editors E.ON •E.ON UK is the UK’s largest integrated energy company – generating and distributing electricity, and retailing electricity and gas – and is part of the E.ON group, the world’s largest investor owned energy company. E.ON UK employs around 15,000 people in the UK; •E.ON is not only sponsor of the FA Women’s Cup but also the FA Cup, the FA Youth Cup and we are the FA Schools Partner within the overall FA development programme, including the educational project called ‘Up for the Cup’; •Our retail business, branded Powergen, is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around six million electricity and gas customers, both residential and small business. In addition, to supplying around 13,000 industrial and commercial customers under the E.ON Energy brand; •E.ON UK’s generation business produces enough electricity to cater for the needs of around eight million homes from a portfolio of world-class gas-, coal- and oil-fired power stations; •E.ON UK is a market leader in combined heat and power, providing its customers with around 600MW of electricity and more than 1,000MW of heat at 13 sites across the country; •In addition, E.ON UK is one of the leading green generators in the UK, with 20 wind farms located from Cornwall to Northern Ireland. E.ON UK also burns biomass material mixed with coal in two of its power stations and is currently building the UK’s most powerful dedicated biomass power station at Steven’s Croft, near Lockerbie. It also owns the largest hydro power station in England and Wales. Combined, its renewable portfolio generates enough green energy to power the homes in a city the size of Manchester; •Through Central Networks, E.ON UK runs the electricity distribution network in central England, delivering a reliable supply to 4.9 million customers from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh border and from the Peak District to the outskirts of Bristol through enough underground and overhead cable to go four times round the world. http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1117http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1117Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTTo mark this weekend’s Women’s FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Charlton, energy company E.ON, sponsor of the Women’s FA Cup and the company that runs Powergen, has commissioned one of the UK’s leading sports scientists to take a look into energy in the women’s game – with astounding results. Not only has women’s football recently overtaken netball to become the most popular women’s sport in the UK, but regular football matches, regardless of standard, are one of the best ways to burn energy and shed pounds. The findings are announced in a new study by Don MacLaren, Professor of Sports Nutrition at Liverpool John Moores University in advance of this Bank Holiday Monday’s Women’s FA Cup Final, to be held at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. Professor MacLaren’s study was commissioned by E.ON, the sponsors of the FA Cup for the next four years. The research shows the physical benefits of football against other women’s sports – and the good news is the beautiful game is leagues ahead of rivals like yoga, Tai Chi and even circuit training when it comes to burning energy: Activity Energy (kcal/kg/min) Energy used by 65kg woman in 1 hr (kcal) Watching TV 0.0175 68 Yoga 0.07 273 Tai Chi 0.07 273 Walking 0.07 273 Dancing 0.105 410 Aerobics 0.105 410 Cycling 0.14 546 Circuit training 0.14 546 Rowing indoors 0.14 546 Tennis 0.14 546 Running (12min/mile) 0.14 546 Cross trainer 0.166 648 Running (10 min/mile) 0.175 683 Football 0.175 683 But what do all these numbers mean for women looking to tone up and lose a few pounds? As an example, a 90 minute football game would burn over 1,000 kcal of energy in an average 65 kg woman, meaning that the amount of fat burned could be around 70g. You might think this isn’t much, but bear in mind that playing football once a week for a year could result in a minimum of 3.5-4kg (between ½ and 1 stone) of fat being lost – and that’s without taking into account the training sessions that go with the game. Professor MacLaren, who is currently sports nutritionist to football clubs including Liverpool FC and Everton FC men’s teams and the England women’s team, said: “This weekend’s Women’s FA Cup Final will be a great showcase for the game – but it’s just the tip of the iceberg! More and more women are waking up to the fact that they’re not going to shed pounds with yoga once a week – they need the all over body workout that football can give you.” Sue Smith, England Women’s player and a commentator at Monday’s final, said: “This is a great time for women’s football in the UK, I’m especially looking forward to the record crowds we’re expecting at the final on Monday. I’m a personal trainer when I’m not playing for England and Leeds United, so it’s brilliant for me to see that football stands out as a really intense form of exercise for people at all levels of the game – from the two teams in Monday’s final right down to all the local leagues up and down the country.” - Ends - Notes to editors E.ON •E.ON UK is the UK’s largest integrated energy company – generating and distributing electricity, and retailing electricity and gas – and is part of the E.ON group, the world’s largest investor owned energy company. E.ON UK employs around 15,000 people in the UK; •E.ON is not only sponsor of the FA Women’s Cup but also the FA Cup, the FA Youth Cup and we are the FA Schools Partner within the overall FA development programme, including the educational project called ‘Up for the Cup’; •Our retail business, branded Powergen, is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around six million electricity and gas customers, both residential and small business. In addition, to supplying around 13,000 industrial and commercial customers under the E.ON Energy brand; •E.ON UK’s generation business produces enough electricity to cater for the needs of around eight million homes from a portfolio of world-class gas-, coal- and oil-fired power stations; •E.ON UK is a market leader in combined heat and power, providing its customers with around 600MW of electricity and more than 1,000MW of heat at 13 sites across the country; •In addition, E.ON UK is one of the leading green generators in the UK, with 20 wind farms located from Cornwall to Northern Ireland. E.ON UK also burns biomass material mixed with coal in two of its power stations and is currently building the UK’s most powerful dedicated biomass power station at Steven’s Croft, near Lockerbie. It also owns the largest hydro power station in England and Wales. Combined, its renewable portfolio generates enough green energy to power the homes in a city the size of Manchester; •Through Central Networks, E.ON UK runs the electricity distribution network in central England, delivering a reliable supply to 4.9 million customers from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh border and from the Peak District to the outskirts of Bristol through enough underground and overhead cable to go four times round the world. http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1118http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1118Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTIt may not quite be the magical walled garden of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s classic but the wildflower meadow at E.ON UK’s Ironbridge Power Station is quite the secret garden. Tucked away in a corner of the power station site, the small meadow is a haven for a host of wildlife including orchids, butterflies and newts. Mary Thornton, who is Ironbridge’s Community Liaison Officer, welcomed members of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust to explore the meadow and celebrate E.ON UK’s new corporate membership. Mary said: “This area missed out on being landscaped and top-soiled when the station was built and, as a result, has thin soils and low fertility – ideal for many of our wild flowers which often lose out in competition with plants like nettles and grasses where the soil is richer. “Newts have also made their home in an old settlement lagoon in the corner of the meadow and it’s not uncommon to see common blue butterflies flutter over the flowers and fallow deer pass through on their way to and from the nearby woodlands of Benthall Edge.” The Trust has a long involvement with the meadow through regular monitoring of the plants to ensure the corner is managed to the best advantage of the orchids and other wildflowers. Pete Lambert , Wrekin Forest Officer of Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Changes in agriculture and urban development have made this type of meadow and the plants it contains increasingly hard to find in today’s countryside so even small patches like the one at Ironbridge are precious. “We rely heavily on support from the public and local businesses so we’re thrilled that E.ON UK has chosen to join us as corporate members of the Trust.” Ends For further information and photographs contact: Emily Highmore on 024 7618 3680 Photo caption: E.ON UK’s Mary Thornton and members of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust explore Ironbridge Power Station’s ‘secret garden’ http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1105http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1105Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTA group of 13 super-fit and daring workers from E.ON’s Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station enjoyed some well deserved fish and chips after completing a gruelling relay run from the power station to Skegness. Even more impressive was the fact that two of the runners, Steve Potts and Malc Walters, had participated in the same event 20 years ago, and it was Steve’s organisational skills that got the run back on the road to celebrate the anniversary. Steve said: “The two of us that ran to Skegness the first time round in 1987 are considerably older – and it hasn’t got any nearer in the last 20 years! “But there were quite a few experienced distance runners on the team, and everyone’s been in training for months, so we actually completed the course in really good time. “It was a really tough challenge and we started quite early at 6am – but we all managed to run, sprint, jog – and crawl – our way to Skegness in just over seven hours. “We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and the best part of the challenge is that we were able to raise over £1,500 for the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire Air Ambulance, which is brilliant as they rely completely on charitable donations to keep the helicopters in the air. E.ON then also added money into the pot as part of the company’s matched funding programme. “We’d really like to thank everyone who supported us,” said Steve. E.ON UK supports its employees’ favourite charities by matching funds raised through sponsorship and other activities undertaken in employees’ own time. Ends Notes to editors: • In 2006, E.ON UK donated £179,000 through matched funding to the charities supported by 1,165 employees. • E.ON is the UK’s largest integrated power and gas company – generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas – and is part of the E.ON group, the world’s largest investor-owned power and gas company. We employ around 15,000 people in the UK. For further information contact: Deanna Mooney on 024 7618 3678 http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1106http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1106Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTE.ON UK, one of the country’s leading green generators, today announced that it is to offer to create a landmark piece of artwork for Sheffield and plans to build a carbon neutral power station in the city. The company has revealed that it has put aside a substantial sum to create a new piece of artwork and also hopes to build a 25MW biomass plant on the site of the old Blackburn Meadows power station. The new station, which could cost £55m to build, would burn a combination of recycled wood and specially grown crops such as willow and elephant grass. If built, it would prevent the emission of around 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year (the equivalent of taking around 20,000 cars off Britain’s roads every year), produce enough power for around 40,000 homes and create 25 full-time jobs. Derek Parkin, Managing Director of Business Services at E.ON UK, said: “We believe that these plans are fantastic news for Sheffield – the chance to create a permanent, landmark piece of art and also a state-of-the-art green generation project that can bring investment and jobs to the area. “We’ll hopefully be able to bring the Blackburn Meadows site back into use and also to create a landmark piece of artwork somewhere in the city that local people can have input into. “And, while we’ve been working with Channel 4’s Big Art Project on a temporary piece of art based around the existing cooling towers at the site, we now feel that a permanent piece would be more appropriate. “Our only caveat is that the artwork has to have ‘energy’ as its theme, apart from that, the sky’s the limit.” The company has already begun discussions with Sheffield City Council on both projects and is also currently working with the Highways Agency to find a date to demolish the existing cooling towers. “We even looked at the possibility of using the towers for the biomass station but, from an engineering point of view, they simply weren’t suitable,” said Derek. Those towers were once part of the Blackburn Meadows Power Station and the motorway was built around them when the power station was still operational in the 1960s. When the station was demolished in the 1980s, the towers were left standing as engineers at the time did not have the expertise to bring them down safely without compromising the integrity of the M1 viaduct. Ends Notes to editors: * E.ON is the UK’s largest integrated power and gas company – generating, distributing and retailing electricity – and is part of the E.ON group, the world's largest private-sector energy services company. We employ around 16,000 people in the UK; * Our retail business, branded Powergen, is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around 8.5 million electricity and gas customer accounts, both domestic and SME. For more information contact: Jonathan Smith on 024 7618 3676 Emily Highmore on 024 7618 3680 http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1104http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1104Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTCorporate’s work with charity recognised by Business in the Community Jubilee Award Seventeen years, six awards and more than 31,000 electric blankets after Age Concern and East Midlands Electricity began working together to support older people in their local communities, a new service has been launched to help them use energy more efficiently at home. The new EnergyRight service, which is being piloted in Nottinghamshire, has been set up to provide face-to-face information and practical assistance to help older people understand and control their energy usage. Trained volunteers carry out individual home energy checks, identifying easy steps older residents can take to boost their energy efficiency. After the home visit, residents will also be referred for a Benefits Entitlement Check to ensure they are claiming all of the government benefits to which they are entitled. They can also be referred to handyperson schemes for practical assistance and to other organisations which may be able to offer financial assistance for energy efficiency measures. Suzanne Doxey, Community Relations Manager with E.ON, said: “By working with Age Concern to offer the EnergyRight initiative, we’re able to build on the strong relationship established between us over the past 17 years. “Combining our energy expertise and Age Concern’s experience of working with some of the most vulnerable sections of society, we’ve been able to offer projects of benefit to older people. “I expect EnergyRight to have a similar impact on the lives of the older people who take advantage of this new service, which aims to try to help them lower their energy bills or boost their income.” The relationship has evolved since the winter blizzards of 1990, when what was then East Midlands Electricity (now Central Networks) approached Age Concern for help in reaching vulnerable customers by telephone. The success of this long-term association has been recognised this month with a Business in the Community Jubilee Award. A winter helpline was subsequently run jointly between the two organisations, replaced in 1999 by a free electric blanket testing and replacement service for the over-60s. Carried out annually since then, more than 31,000 blankets have failed basic safety checks and been replaced free of charge through E.ON (which bought East Midlands Electricity in 1998) and Age Concern’s blanket testing campaigns. Along the way, blankets were seen by the testers which had been chewed by a dog and cut in half when its owner downsized to a single bed. The oldest blanket still in use had been given to its owner as a wedding present in the early 1970s. The electric blanket testing project ran successfully for seven years, winning four Business in the Community Big Tick Awards (2004-2007), and the latest EnergyRight project was developed following on from this as a more general way of helping older people to understand and manage their energy use. The EnergyRight scheme includes: • A free Home Energy Check carried out by a trained Age Concern volunteer; • Energy efficiency tips; • Two energy efficient light bulbs; and • An EnergyRight address book of useful local contact numbers. Ends Notes to editors: • E.ON is the UK’s largest integrated power and gas company – generating, distributing and retailing electricity – and is part of the E.ON group, the world's largest investor-owned power and gas company. We employ around 16,000 people in the UK; • The EnergyRight scheme is currently only operating in Nottingham but is expected to be more widely available later in the year. It is available to people aged over 60 years, who are home owners or living in private rented accommodation; • Working together with Age Concern, E.ON’s electric blanket testing initiative ran for seven years, during which time 31,000 electric blankets were tested free of charge, of which 19,000 were replaced at no cost to their elderly owners. For more information contact: Jane Branscombe on 024 7618 3681 http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1102http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1102Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTE.ON UK, one of the country’s leading green generators, has today (MON) welcomed Sedgefield Borough Council’s decision to approve plans for its 10-turbine Butterwick Moor wind farm. The decision was taken earlier today by the council’s planning committee and will see the wind farm built on land to the north of the A689 by E.ON, the UK’s largest integrated power and gas company. Dave Farrier, Renewables Development Manager, said: “We’re delighted with this decision because not only will the scheme provide local job opportunities, it’ll also produce enough electricity for around 10,000 homes and displace the emission of over 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.” The company, which runs Powergen, will also create a community fund that could contribute over £600,000 to worthy local projects and initiatives. In addition, E.ON plans to put £200,000 into a landscape management fund to make environment-related improvements in the area. The wind turbines will be up to 110m to tip height, i.e. to the top of the highest blade. Work on site is expected to start in 2008. E.ON owns or operates 20 wind farms across the country, including the Blyth and Scroby Sands offshore schemes. It burns carbon neutral biomass material at two of its coal-fired power stations and is currently building the UK’s most powerful dedicated biomass power station at Steven’s Croft, near Lockerbie. Ends Notes to editors: * E.ON is the UK’s largest integrated power and gas company – generating, distributing and retailing electricity – and is part of the E.ON group, the world's largest private-sector energy services company. We employ around 16,000 people in the UK; * Our retail business, branded Powergen, is a leading energy supplier in the UK, with around 8.5 million electricity and gas customer accounts, both domestic and SME. For more information contact: Jonathan Smith on 024 7618 3676 http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1103http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1103Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMTFundraisers at St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby have had a boost following the donation of a portable office thanks to the team at E.ON UK’s Killingholme power station. The portable office will be used as a base to sort stock before sending it out to the hospice’s shops. Mark Taylor, Shift Production Technician at the power station, said: “We’ve been supporting the hospice for years and though it’d be a great idea if we donated something that could be used specifically for their needs and that’s exactly what this will achieve.” In 2006, the power station team donated a van to the hospice which is used to transport donations between shops, eliminating the need to use patient transportation vehicles. “It’s really been a team effort with our contractors on site helping out as well. The cabin was donated by Ravenstock MSG Ltd and the refurbishment, electrics, and decoration was supplied by Scottons, Alstoms, McAlpines and Painting & Labour Services Ltd,” said Mark. Jane Whenham-White, Fundraising and Marketing Manager of St Andrew’s Hospice, said: “The donation of a fully equipped portable office will enable us to sort stock donated to the hospice and to send it out in a good condition to the shops so it is ready to go out on the shop floor. “We’re really grateful to the staff at E.ON UK – they’re a great team of people and it’s been a real pleasure to work with them on this project. “The hospice relies almost entirely on fundraising and donations to keep running, and they have bent over backwards to support the work of St Andrew’s. We really appreciate this very practical support.” St Andrew’s Hospice has seven shops and tea bars across the Grimsby and Lincolnshire area, all of which are run entirely by volunteers. Ends Notes to editors: • E.ON UK is the company that runs Powergen; • Killingholme is a 900MW gas-fired power station and produces enough electricity to supply around 750,000 homes. For further information and photographs contact: Deanna Mooney on 024 7618 3678 Selected E.ON UK images are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1101http://www.eon-uk.com/pressReleases.aspx?id=1101Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT