OREANDA-NEWS. Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) Minister Amber Rudd MP, recently visited an energy efficiency project being delivered by SSE in the city's Kippax area.

Ms Rudd was joined by a number of local councillors to meet residents and be given a tour of two "show homes" which were the first to have the energy efficiency improvements installed. The work is being funded by SSE's ECO obligation, a portion of Leeds City Council's share of DECC's Green Deal Communities Fund, with a small balance being paid by the home owners themselves.

SSE is scheduled to carry out energy efficiency work on around 100 homes in the area. The company is installing external wall insulation, which will help residents to save money, keep their homes warm in winter and improve the appeal of their properties.

John Casey from SSE attended the visit: "These energy efficiency projects are extremely important as they not only reduce bills but also cut the homeowner's carbon footprint. For example, external wall insulation systems can save up to 45% of the heat loss from a home and can result in an average reduction in fuel bills of up to £460 a year.

"We're delighted to have completed the first of the homes and look forward to getting started on the others. We were also pleased to hear some really positive feedback from residents, with many enjoying the new look of their properties and their improved energy efficiency."

Amber Rudd MP said: "It was encouraging to see the energy efficiency improvements made to the two show homes in Kippax. Over the coming months I'm really looking forward to seeing local residents benefit from warmer homes and more control over their energy bills through the Green Deal Communities funding."

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for cleaner, stronger and safer communities, said: "Leeds City Council is committed to making the city more carbon friendly and helping homes to become better insulated and easier to keep warm. At a time when householders have to manage tight budgets, this is good news for their bank balances as well as the environment."