How E.ON is powering homes and communities in Macclesfield with Peaks and Plains Housing Trust

That’s why what we’re doing with Peaks & Plains in Macclesfield isn’t just about insulation or solar panels — it’s about making everyday life better for our customers and their communities.

Through a comprehensive project that delivered over 1,100 energy efficiency measures to local people and transformed shared spaces like the garden at Ryles House, we’ve helped create warmer homes, greener communities, and more connected lives.

Lauren Dane, our Social Value Lead, explains how E.ON is rolling up its sleeves to make a real difference in local communities:

Can you provide an overview of E.ON’s activity in this project?

E.ON played a crucial role working with Peaks & Plains to improve their social housing stock in Macclesfield, delivering 1,136 energy efficiency measures to 272 homes, supporting both residents and the wider community. These measures include cavity wall insultation, loft insulation, underfloor insulation, solar PV & ventilation.

Alongside these projects, E.ON collaborated with Peaks & Plains Housing Trust to improve the communal garden at Ryles House, over-55’s accommodation. The initiative involved supplying plants and materials, and dedicating time to garden maintenance activities such as weeding, planting, cleaning, and constructing a new shed for residents. This effort aimed to create a welcoming outdoor space for all residents and their families.

What are the most meaningful changes this project brought to residents at Ryles House and beyond?

The garden makeover provided residents with a refreshed communal area, creating a sense of community and wellbeing. The addition of new plants and a shed not only improved the aesthetic appeal but also offered functional benefits, enhancing the overall living experience at Ryles House. For residents, especially older individuals who may face barriers to accessing nature, this improved space now offers a calming, welcoming place to relax, connect, and enjoy the outdoors.

The most important changes are those that improve lives. This garden transformation supported residents' mental and physical wellbeing, encouraged social interaction, and created a stronger sense of community. One resident described it as “a real breath of fresh air,” and staff noted how important these shared spaces are in preventing isolation and improving mood.

As part of our broader social value commitment, this project complements other local activities such as food bank support, community donations, and volunteering programmes, demonstrating how we’re delivering value that goes beyond energy.

How do projects like this align with E.ON’s mission to support communities?

This project forms part of E.ON’s broader commitment to supporting communities through meaningful social initiatives. Alongside delivering energy efficiency upgrades, E.ON has been actively involved in a range of community-focused activities — from clean-up days and holiday giving programmes to supporting local food banks – all reflecting our dedication to social responsibility and long-term community impact.

Whilst working with Peaks & Plains, another initiative we’ve supported is Cre8 in Macclesfield – a vibrant, community-led charity that has spent over a decade empowering young people and families through alternative education, music projects, youth clubs, community events, and social enterprises. As part of our social value delivery, E.ON has worked closely with Cre8, installing solar panels on their community building, making essential improvements to their facilities, and supporting their events. This collaboration brings to life our goal of making new energy work not just for customers, but for entire communities.

What key lessons has E.ON learned about community engagement that will shape future projects?

The success of the Ryles House project underscores the importance of collaboration and responsiveness to community needs. By working closely with local authorities, organisations and residents, E.ON has learned that meaningful engagement and tangible contributions can significantly enhance community relations and project outcomes.

How does this project fit into E.ON’s wider sustainability and net zero goals?

While the garden project primarily focused on community enhancement, it complements E.ON's sustainability objectives.

Creating green spaces contributes to environmental wellbeing and reflects a holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing both ecological and social dimensions. This work at Ryles House reflects E.ON’s mission to make new energy work — not only through cutting-edge technology and decarbonisation, but by supporting the people and places at the heart of the energy transition. As we help customers move toward cleaner, smarter energy solutions, we’re equally focused on ensuring no one is left behind.

Projects like this help us bring our mission to life at a very human level: by investing in community resilience, enabling healthier lives, and making neighbourhoods more vibrant and connected.

What reaction did you receive from residents? Or do you have any standout stories or moments?

The initiative was met with enthusiasm from residents, who appreciated the improved garden space. It is currently one lady resident (87 years old) who manages the entire garden herself, so she said E.ON’s support on the day was invaluable and has saved her a lot of time and effort. The collaborative effort between E.ON, Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, and the residents fostered a sense of unity and shared accomplishment, highlighting the positive impact of community-focused projects.

Bringing energy to life

E.ON's involvement in the Ryles House project exemplifies the company's dedication to community engagement and social responsibility. Such initiatives not only enhance living environments but also strengthen community bonds, reflecting E.ON's commitment to making a positive difference beyond energy services.

While small in scale, creating green, accessible spaces contributes to our sustainability goals by promoting biodiversity, enhancing local environments, and encouraging people to engage with nature. These actions align with our broader efforts to:

• Support the UK’s net zero ambitions
• Deliver low-carbon solutions for homes and communities
• Promote healthier, more sustainable living environments

Our approach sees social and environmental value as intertwined. A well-cared-for outdoor space can reduce stress, improve quality of life, and support wider environmental goals – all of which contribute to a fairer and greener energy future.

The art of giving back

Our project in Macclesfield is a powerful example of how energy companies can – and should – do more than provide power. By listening to communities, collaborating with local partners, and contributing meaningfully to shared spaces, we’re helping build a better future that’s sustainable in every sense of the word.

Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, improving wellbeing, or empowering local residents, our mission remains clear: to make new energy work for everyone.