I'm Jim Paterson, Sales and Marketing Director in ScottishPower's Supply Business.
I'd like to say how delighted I am that we're sponsoring this initiative in conjunction with NEA and Warm Zones Ltd.
The Warm Zone approach to fighting fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and maximising householders' income, is already a success story
and this DVD, along with the related website, aims to help even more Local Authorities to establish Warm Zones in their areas. We'll do this by sharing the combined experiences of ScottishPower's Energy People along with our partners in the Warm Zones Team explaining and illustrating what we think would help you to become part of a successful Warm Zone.
As a leading UK energy supplier, ScottishPower is already committed to providing the best possible service to our customers. Forming a significant part of this excellent service is the importance we attach to promoting energy efficiency not only to ensure that our customers are getting the best possible value for money for the products we provide but also in utilising energy efficiency as a weapon in the fight against fuel poverty. And - perhaps even more importantly - we cannot underestimate the positive environmental benefits of implementing a sensible energy efficiency policy.
That's why we wholeheartedly support the Warm Zone model a model that brings together committed partners to work in a discrete geographical area in an orchestrated and co-ordinated manner.
Our record in delivering successful energy efficiency programmes is excellent and one of which I am very proud - and the method we've adopted in achieving this success is straightforward we work with enthusiastic and committed partners. Partners who understand just how much enthusiasm and commitment are needed to make a Warm Zone work. We work with Local Authorities throughout England , Wales and Scotland so we know what we're talking about. Without real commitment and resources being channelled and without everyone pulling in the same direction it won't get off the ground.
But be assured when all of the Warm Zone elements are in place and the partners' roles and responsibilities are defined and agreed the effect is tremendous. A Warm Zone can deliver a well co-ordinated programme of work that incorporates Local Authorities, Energy Supply Partners, Housing Associations, Insulation Contractors, Managing Agencies and customer representative groups all working towards the common goals of fighting fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and maximising income and although we invariably start with the most deprived areas, a Warm Zone delivers benefits to all areas within the Local Authority boundary.
I would encourage any Local Authority to at least consider establishing a Warm Zone talk to us, ScottishPower talk to Warm Zones talk to NEA yes, it needs commitment and a real will to succeed
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I'm confident that we have the experience and expertise to make Warm Zones a reality a reality that will improve the living conditions and financial circumstances of the people we all serve and represent.
Thank you
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Jim Paterson
Sales and Marketing Director, ScottishPower