Householders living in and around Devon and Cornwall will be able to get specialist energy debt and fuel poverty advice thanks to a new partnership between Plymouth Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) and EDF Energy.

The energy company, which has offices in Plymouth and Exeter and 2,000 staff in the South West, is to fund the first energy advice development post at Plymouth CAB. The adviser will work with frontline agencies throughout Devon and Cornwall, supporting households in the counties experiencing fuel debt and financial hardship.

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The initiative starts this month and builds on the close relationship between the two organisations.

Simon Green, EDF Energy Director of Customer Services for the South West, said: "EDF Energy has led the industry in taking action to support our customers at risk of fuel poverty. We were the first company to introduce a social tariff for our most vulnerable customers, a trust fund for customers in serious household debt and the first to level out prepayment meter tariffs with customers paying by cash or cheque for electricity.

"We recognise that in these tough financial times many people are struggling with their bills. We have a good relationship with Plymouth CAB and asked them to come up with ideas for how we could support their work locally. We're delighted with this new initiative."

(CD/JM)