A MARRIED couple aiming to eradicate fuel poverty have announced plans to create around 100 new green energy jobs in Selkirk.
The town was recently hit with around 400 job losses after OVO Energy closed their office there earlier this year.
David Pike, CEO of the Edinburgh-based company, said: “We’re really excited about opening a new office in Selkirk as the next step in our journey towards eradicating fuel poverty in the UK.
“The region has a highly talented workforce and we look forward to creating around 100 new jobs over the next eighteen months. We’re especially pleased to be creating local employment during the current health and economic crisis when so many jobs are being lost.
“From small beginnings three years ago, we’re now a rapidly growing gas and electricity supplier with a purpose, serving 180,000 customers across the UK.
“Looking to expand our operations, we were thrilled to be offered high-quality business space in Selkirk in addition to our existing offices in Shawfair, Edinburgh and Musselburgh.
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“People’s Energy is a social enterprise with the welfare of our communities at the heart of everything we do. We’re the only Community Interest Company energy supplier in the UK, dedicated to ending fuel poverty, rather than profiteering.”
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “The Scottish Government is committed to attracting new businesses to the region and developing the south of Scotland’s economy to its full potential.
“I am delighted that People’s Energy has chosen Selkirk as the base for its new offices, bringing new employment opportunities to the area and helping to regenerate the local economy.”
Pike and Karin Sode, who are husband and wife, launched People’s Energy after becoming frustrated with what they describe as a lack of ethical and transparent energy providers in the market.
People’s Energy provides gas and 100% renewable electricity to UK domestic and SME [small and medium-sized enterprises] customers, and aims to return 75% of the profits to their members.
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