A DEAL has been struck between East Lothian Council and an energy company in a bid to help county residents save money and the environment.

East Lothian Energy will see the local authority work alongside People’s Energy to offer affordable, sustainable and fair energy for residents throughout the county as part of a joint commitment to eradicate fuel poverty.

The new initiative sees People’s Energy, in association with the council, offering a special variable and fixed tariff that is discounted from its regular tariffs and available exclusively to East Lothian residents.

The offer equates to potential savings of up to £200 annually compared with the current energy price cap (as of the end of last month), based on Ofgem’s medium typical domestic consumption values energy usage.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, council spokesman for the environment, described the scheme as “quite a unique initiative”.

He said: “East Lothian Energy gives county residents the exclusive opportunity to purchase affordable, sustainable and fair energy. We hope this will be attractive to householders across a mix of tenures – including tenants and homeowners.

“As well as saving money and helping to reduce fuel poverty, East Lothian Energy is a great way of enabling customers to support the environment and tackling climate change – a key priority for us as a council.

“That is because all of the electricity comes from 100 per cent renewable sources.

“East Lothian Energy customers will receive automatic People’s Energy membership – with 75 per cent of their profits being paid back to domestic members through an annual rebate.”

David Pike, CEO and co-founder of People’s Energy, based at Danderhall, said: “Within East Lothian, it is estimated that almost a quarter of households (22 per cent) are living in fuel poverty, equating to 13,500 homes.

“With this new affordable tariff for East Lothian residents, we have the potential to reduce the fuel poverty gap in the area quite considerably.

“People’s Energy is a social enterprise that puts people and the planet before profits.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to partner with East Lothian Council to help make a positive change.”

To sign up, visit peoplesenergy.co.uk/eastlothian