ScottishPower commits to helping Cheshire small businesses make a green recovery

ScottishPower has committed to new support measures for its small business customers across Cheshire, to help enable a green economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Throughout the outbreak, the company has implemented new ways to help small businesses work towards economic recovery.

The energy company is committed to helping business customers work towards a green recovery with a free online Energy Saving Toolkit, which was developed in association with the Carbon Trust. It is packed with advice on how businesses can start to plan their future and set up greener, more energy efficient processes to help reduce costs and emissions.

As part of its pledge to work with businesses to help them become more energy efficient,  ScottishPower will be restarting the roll out of its smart meter programme later in 2020.    Smart meters allow business customers to have visibility of how much energy their business is using and what that means in pounds and pence. This gives them the ability to make changes that will bring down both usage and costs. 

ScottishPower has also enhanced its online tools to give customers more flexibility and control.  There are a range of payment support options to help businesses, including the ability to manage payments online through their Direct Debit manager tool.   

A dedicated business support team is also on hand to discuss payment options if income has been impacted, while those businesses unable to operate can contact the ScottishPower’s Business Debtline for advice and support. The team will be on hand to help set up affordable repayment plans.

ScottishPower is also working closely with Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service which provides access to free energy advice, online training and interest-free loans for small businesses.

Andrew Ward, CEO UK Retail at ScottishPower, said: “We know that for some businesses, the main concern just now is survival and we're here to help them through these incredibly challenging times.

“Equally, for those small business customers who are planning for the future, we're committed to supporting them with the right tools to reduce their energy costs. It’s an opportunity now for businesses to plan for their future and our Energy Saving Toolkit offers them a chance to map out more energy efficient measures they can take by comparing how similar businesses in the same sector have cut costs through things like lighting, heating and improved energy management.

“The world has changed forever and now is the time for businesses to adapt and deliver a green recovery that supports jobs, investment and economic growth. We’re here to help and will continue to do that.”

Angela Jackson, ScottishPower customer and owner of The Wonder Spot Cafe, said: “We are a new business. When we plunged into lockdown, and the café was forced to temporarily close, our income stopped immediately and we feared the worst. 

“Having spoken to ScottishPower, I can report that their systems are flexible and they have an emotionally intelligent approach to queries.  We were given time to pay, and the tone of the call came from a place of empathy and understanding. 

“Huge thanks to ScottishPower for taking a humane approach with their customers in this unprecedented time.”

The company is committed to leading the way on the road to Net Zero and generates all its energy from renewables while also investing in smart networks and new technologies that will supply energy in future.

Pictured - Andrew Ward, CEO UK Retail at ScottishPower.