Islington is set to have the first council-owned energy company in the capital.

The Bunhill Energy Centre, in Central Street, Clerkenwell, is due to be ready for the start of winter next year and will provide cheaper energy for more than 700 homes in the south of the borough.

It will pump hot water to flats and houses on the Stafford Cripps, Redbrick and St Luke’s estates, off City Road, Finsbury Leisure Centre, in Norman Street, and the Ironmonger Row Baths.

No internal work will be required to residents’ properties.

‘Stark choice’

Cllr Paul Smith, executive member for environment, said: “We are on the residents’ side and we don’t think it’s fair that record fuel prices meant many on fixed incomes and benefits faced the stark choice of whether to heat or eat last winter.

“That is why we have decided to build a public energy centre. The Bunhill Energy Centre will put money back in residents’ pockets via cheaper energy for more than 700 local homes – as well as heating our rebuilt swimming baths. It’s going to be a major part of our plans to build a fairer borough.

“This green energy scheme will also cut local CO2 emissions by around 2,500 tonnes per year.”