RURAL businesses struggling with poor electricity supplies are to get help from Europe.
A total of £830,000 in funding will be announced today by Government Chief Whip and Bishop Auckland MP Hilary Armstrong.
Ms Armstrong is confident the Energy for Enterprise initiative will have a big impact on companies.
The grant was secured by a partnership between Durham County Council and North Energy, a rural business based in Morpeth, Northumberland.
Ms Armstrong said: "This European funding boost to North Energy will have two distinct advantages. Not only will it substantially improve energy supplies to local businesses but we are also ensuring that green energy becomes part of business development in rural communities."
More than 200 businesses in the region are without a mains electricity supply or with an inadequate supply for their needs.
The project will help to fund the upgrade of electricity supplies, provide energy efficient systems and connect new mains supplies or 24-hour power systems with diesel generators and renewable energy.
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