ENERGY giant Npower is to work with two SNP politicians in their joint initiative to help combat fuel poverty.

The move came after Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina McKelvie and Clydesdale SNP councillor Julia Marrs met Npower’s head of home and business policy and social energy, Matthew Cole.

The trio agreed an action plan to encourage their constituents to take advantage of the company’s Fuel Bank scheme, which was launched in 2015. So far, it has helped more than 85,000 people across the UK and 3100 in Glasgow since it launched in July 2016.

Under the scheme food bank clients who have a prepayment meter are given a voucher worth £49 in winter and £30 in summer to top up their gas or electricity, regardless of which energy supplier they are with.

They met Cole following their partnership with ScottishPower, and the launch of the Quick Credit Voucher scheme in Hamilton and Clydesdale food banks.

The MSP said: “Following this meeting and in addition to the launch of the Scottish Power Quick Credit Voucher in the Hamilton and Clydesdale food banks in our constituencies, this is one of just a series of actions both Councillor Julia Marrs and I have taken to ensure our constituents are safe, secure and warm this winter.”

Marrs said: “The meeting today was optimistic and positive, highlighting Npower’s enthusiasm for energy equity, ensuring everyone is warm and safe as a right rather than a privilege.”

Cole added: “During our productive meeting, we explored why energy companies might not always be at the forefront of people’s minds when in crisis – and the importance of working with key people and organisations in the community to ensure that these people and their families get the right support at the right time.”