The Eaga Partnership and ScottishPower today [Tuesday] announced the formation of a joint venture company, N.E.S.T.MAKERS Limited, to provide disadvantaged households with budgeted fuel supplies and help with home energy efficiency measures and grants.

Using a unique network of highly trained advisors, N.E.S.T.MAKERS (Neighbourhood Energy Services Team) will offer householders state benefit checks, access to flexible fuel payment options (including fixed, monthly payments), energy efficiency packages and budgeting advice, giving customers a personalised service to meet individual requirements, warmer, healthier homes and the potential for reduced fuel bills.

N.E.S.T.MAKERS originated in a joint project between ScottishPower and Eaga which helped low income families participate in the competitive energy market. The venture received widespread acclaim from the Government and the energy regulator Ofgem.

As highlighted in last week's Budget, 3.5 million people in the UK without bank accounts are missing out on the cost advantages of paying utility bills by direct debit. N.E.S.T.MAKERS intends to help its customers find suitable banking facilities to allow them to qualify for these savings.

Welcoming the announcement Energy minister the Rt. Hon Helen Liddell MP said: "I am delighted to give my support to the N.E.S.T.MAKERS concept. The specific needs of low income and disadvantaged households are of great importance to the Government and this initiative is a great example of what can be achieved by effective partnership."

Charles Berry, ScottishPower's Executive Director, Customer Sales & Services, commented: "Following our successful project with Eaga, which sought to combat fuel poverty and address the problem of heating disadvantaged households, we are delighted to establish this new company. N.E.S.T.MAKERS will not only help people reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency, but will also bring the full benefits of the deregulated energy market to all households."

Eaga Partnership Chairman Michael Roberts OBE said: "N.E.S.T.MAKERS brings many common-sense components together for the first time. As a package they create a powerful way of helping households have a warmer home at an affordable price."

John Clough MBE Chief Executive of Eaga Partnership and a director of N.E.S.T.MAKERS commented: "We are grateful to the recognition given to N.E.S.T.MAKERS by the Department of Trade and Industry and look forward to bringing the benefits of warmer, healthier homes which are cheaper to heat to those households across the United Kingdom that need the most assistance."

Charles Berry continued: "We are going to bring good old-fashioned service back to the neighbourhoods we serve. Advisors will be located just around the corner from our customers ready to act as the consumers' friend and champion in a deregulated market that can sometimes be quite confusing."