|
- 1 September 2010
Thorium The Future of World Energy Generation The world is on the verge of an energy crisis. In a recent statement the International Energy Agency said that the world must invest $26 trillion (£16.7 trillion) over the next 20 years to avert an energy shock.
For decades scientists and researchers across the globe have been looking for a sustainable solution to solve the growing global energy demand and stop the rise in energy prices. We need a proven solution to be brought into the world on a large scale, without delay! Such solutions already exists and it has been under our noses for quite some time. Its name is Thorium, a naturally occurring, slightly radioactive metal, capable of producing immense amount of energy, in a very safe, environmentally friendly and very economic manner. According to Nobel laureate Carlo Rubbia at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) the use of Thorium could very well be the missing link we have all been looking for towards a sustainable low carbon energy efficient society. Dr Rubbia says a tonne of the silvery metal produces as much energy as 200 tonnes of uranium, or 3,500,000 tonnes of coal. For a better understanding a handful of Thorium could light London for a whole week. Thorium is abundant and clean enough to supply global energy demand for centuries. According to experts there is more energy available from thorium than all coal, gas, oil and uranium combined. What baffles me is that fact that it was demonstrated to be reliable by its pioneers more than 40 years ago and it was simply left aside by nations like the US, Russia and China. If it had been given the attention it deserved the fears of a global energy crisis could be avoided. Why such an efficient, abundant and affordable fuel has been hiding in the shadows of nuclear research centres around the globe is what puzzles me. But I’m not here to discuss that, I’m here to raise the awareness and campaign for the development and production of Thorium energy plants around the world from now on. Despite being left aside for more than 40 years. Experts believe if a vast scientific and strategic resources project similar to the old Manhattan Project conducted during World War II to develop the first atomic bombs, could reinvent the global energy landscape bringing to an end our dependence on fossil fuels within three to five years. For those of you interested in learning more about Thorium visit the International Thorium Energy Organisation (IThEO) at www.itheo.org/. Or if you would like more information on our range of energy broker services or would like to find out how this could benefit your business, simply call our energy team today on 0870 710 7560 or request a call back at time to suit.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . .  - 25 August 2010
The Biggest UK Business Energy Suppliers and their Tariffs Choosing the right energy tariff for your business is not an easy job and it is best to leave it for the professionals, like an energy broker or a business energy consultant. With so many options available and the complexity of the UK energy market it is easy to choose the wrong business energy supplier and waste thousands of pounds each year on energy bills.
In the same way that domestic customers are free to compare prices and switch to a cheaper supplier, business customers can also choose the best deal for their needs. Below you will find a list with the major business electricity suppliers and their tariffs. This list is more like a guide and it is aimed to help you have a better understanding of how each business electricity suppliers charge business based on the amount of energy they consumer yearly. The UK’s biggest energy suppliers, British Gas, EDF, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power, and Scottish & Southern Energy, all have tariffs designed specifically for business customers. British Gas business electricity British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk), the UK’s largest energy supplier, offers two business electricity tariffs:
British Gas supplies gas and electricity to over 950,000 businesses around the UK, and every customer has their own account manager. The account manager is responsible for arranging connections and metering services, as well as the registration and switchover process, and any billing or payment queries. You can also opt for Green Electricity which uses energy from renewable resources, and could help reduce the amount of Climate Change Levy (CCL) your business has to pay. EDF business electricity French-owned energy supplier EDF (www.edfenergy.com) offers two business electricity tariffs:
EDF has over 450,000 business customers, all benefiting from a choice of contract length, dedicated business advisers, and 2% off bills for choosing to pay by direct debit, as well as free energy efficiency advice to help cut your company’s fuel bills. E.ON business electricity Energy giant E.ON (www.eonenergy.com) has over 500,000 business customers and is one of the UK’s largest business energy suppliers. It has one business electricity tariff, designed for small and medium companies with less than 50 sites in the UK that use less than £100,000 worth of electricity a year. The deal offers:
Choosing a three year contract means you will be able to budget your energy costs for longer, protecting your business against electricity price increases for three years. Npower business electricity With over 300,000 business energy customers, Npower (www.npower.com) offers one business electricity tariff specifically for small and medium businesses that use less than £100,000 worth of electricity a year.
Npower business customers are given a free e3 pack, which contains a free Electrisave monitor worth £79.95 (a smart meter), and all the energy efficiency tools and advice you need to reduce your energy bills by up to 25%. Find out more about Npower’s business electricity tariff. Scottish Power business electricity Scottish Power (www.scottishpower.co.uk) has over 200,000 business customers and offers two business electricity tariffs:
Large businesses (with more than 25 sites) can benefit from internet invoicing, which gives customers access to up-to-date billing information whenever they want, and they can view up to 13 months’ historic data, including invoices and statements. Scottish Power allows customers to pay in six different ways, including monthly/quarterly direct debit, using credit/debit cards and by cheque, cash or giro cheque. Businesses will receive a discount for opting to pay by direct debit. Scottish & Southern Energy business gas
Scottish & Southern Energy has over 9 million customers in the UK. Its business customers can benefit from:
Switching business energy suppliers can be a fast and easy process, not to mention that you could save up to 50% on your gas and energy bills. If you would like more information on our range of energy broker services or would like to find out how this could benefit your business, simply call our energy team today on 0870 710 7560 or request a call back at time to suit.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . . - 18 August 2010
CBI calls for immediate actions on delayed energy projects The CBI has launched a warning to the Government on Monday (Aug 16th) about the risks of replacing the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) with a Major Infrastructure Unit could lead to further delay to energy projects as investors are still not confident about large-scale building projects.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) wants the Government to “get a grip” on planning for large-scale power generation projects so investors can feel confident in investing in such projects. To make matters even worse the CBI revealed a “log-jam” in the IPC after identifying 37 power plant projects, equivalent to 17.5 GW, which are still awaiting Government approval. Some of the projects, which include gas and coal fired power stations, on- and off-shore wind farms, biomass, wave and tidal projects, have been waiting three years for a decision. Dr Neil Bentley, director of business environment at CBI, said: “The government must get a grip on planning. We need to build new low-carbon energy sources, including wind, biomass, gas, nuclear and clean coal plants. These are essential for securing our energy supplies and meeting emissions targets.” “We already have a log-jam of delayed planning applications for major projects inherited from the previous government, and there is still uncertainty about how the new Major Infrastructure Unit will work in practice.” To sum things up, Dr Bentley highlighted the fact that streamlined planning projects could be a smart move to encourage investment. “In the next six months, the government must clear the backlog of delayed planning applications. This will send a strong signal to investors that it is serious about fixing the planning system,” Dr Bentley added. If you would like more information on our range of energy broker services or would like to find out how this could benefit your business, simply call our energy team today on 0870 710 7560 or request a call back at time to suit.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . . - 17 August 2010
Renewable Energy News - OTEC – Ocean Thermal Energy Conservation Renewable energy is considered by many as the corner stone of Britain’s energy security. With North Sea oil and gas reserves declining and the recent nuclear fumble it is becoming ever true that we will have to rely heavily on renewable energy generation to keep the light on in Britain.
Green energy generation also plays a centre role when the subject is climate change. Across the globe scientists, researchers and engineers alike are developing innovative energy generating ideas using renewable resources. Recently I was checking on the latest news about renewable energy generation and one thing has caught my attention; energy generation using deep sea water or Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). Ocean thermal energy conversion uses the temperature difference that exists between deep and shallow waters to run a heat engine. As with any heat engine, the greatest efficiency and power is produced with the largest temperature difference. This temperature difference generally increases with decreasing latitude, i.e. near the equator, in the tropics. Historically, the main technical challenge of OTEC was to generate significant amounts of power efficiently from this very small temperature ratio. Changes in efficiency of heat exchange in modern designs allow performance approaching the theoretical maximum efficiency. – Wikipedia The video below explains in more detail how OTEC can generate energy. Despite not being a technology that we could use here in the UK, what really caught my attention was the fact that a single 100 Mw floating plant can generate 800 million Kw of electrical energy, without the need of oil, gas or any other fossil fuel. OTEC only needs the temperature difference between the ocean hot surface water and cold deep water. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x59MptHscxY If you would like more information on our range of energy broker services or would like to find out how this could benefit your business, simply call our energy team today on 0870 710 7560 or request a call back at time to suit.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . . - 4 August 2010
Compare Gas Electricity Prices – 3 FAQ’s to Help You Switch Providers Easily With the fluctuating prices of energy, most business owners agree that saving money on their power bills can help lessen operational costs and lighten their financial burden. Besides saving more money that you can put to better use for your business, you will also be doing your bit for the enviroment and you could also benefit from renewable energy sources. Something that your current provider may not be able to offer.
Here are the 3 frequently asked questions together with their answers to help you get started on the right step towards comparing gas and electricity prices. 1. How do I know if it’s time to switch and compare energy prices? Listen to the industry news, and you’ll know when the suppliers have lowered their prices! Once they do, you’ll know it’s an opportune time to switch providers. There are other benefits that should cause you to switch and compare prices. You may have been “hooked” into your current provider because of the initial deal you signed on. However, you quickly realised that the offer is not so great after a while, due to the fact that other competitors are now offering better packages. The best thing to do is to keep abreast with energy-related news, and constantly educate yourself by comparing prices. 2. Which provider should I choose? When comparing energy prices online, you are required to key in your postcode. This is because the cost you will pay depends on where your business is situated in the UK. That said, it does not mean that you should choose the provider that boasts the cheapest prices. Quality matters too, and is usually evident in the course of dealing with the provider. In fact, this being the most important step that will possibly affect you for a number of months in the near future, it’s best to use the help of a good energy broker, especially when it is available completely free of charge — at least at Catalyst it is. 3. What should I do after I have decided the provider I want to switch to? Virtually nothing! You do not have to notify your old provider but you may need to verify details when the new provider or broker steps in. You also need to pay off any outstanding bills to avoid hiccups and possibly a hefty penalty.
If you would like more information on our services or would like to find out how this could benefit your business, simply call our energy team today on 0870 710 7560 or request a call back at time to suit.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . . -
Ofgem Overhauling the UK’s Energy Regulation Last week Ofgem, the UK’s energy industry regulator, unveiled its plans to introduce incentives for companies that develop creative solutions to reduce their business energy usage, improve energy efficiency and help them meet low carbon commitments. Ofgem is conducting a major overhaul in the UK’s energy regulation, as part of its plans it will facilitate £32 billion of investment in low carbon networks and expand the low carbon innovation fund to encourage greater innovation across gas and electricity networks.
To give investors more security Ofgem is also studying the possibility of extending price controls for energy networks from five to eight years. It is estimated that Britain needs £200 billion in investments over the next ten years in order to maintain renewable energy supplies at affordable prices for businesses and households alike. The £32 billion that Ofgem is putting forward to stimulate businesses to develop their own solutions to improve their energy efficiency is nothing compared to £200 billion needed, but it sure is a good start to help Britain achieve its low carbon society dream. Alistair Buchanan, Ofgem’s chief executive, said: “If Britain’s energy networks are going to meet the challenge of delivering a low carbon economy then we need them to have innovation in their DNA.” Meanwhile the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Ofgem are trying to accelerate the roll-out of smart domestic energy meters. The bodies released a prospectus outlining the government’s plans to roll out smart meters to every household in the UK. This rollout aims to provide efficiency and interoperability by simplifying and improving industry processes, including changing suppliers, as well as enabling smart grid development. For businesses looking to gain more control over their energy expenditures the installation of a smart meter is also highly recommended, simply request it from your energy supplier or from your independent energy broker. Smart energy meters will empower you to make choices on how much energy your business is using in real time, precise data collection solutions all aimed at putting you back in control of your costs.
If you would like more information on our smart meter services or would like to find out how this could benefit your business, simply call our energy team today on 0870 710 7560 or request a call back at time to suit.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . . - 27 July 2010
Yes to Renewable and No to Nuclear – Says the Energy Secretary Energy Secretary wants to Shield Britain’s Energy with Renewables. Ahead of today’s Commons statement on energy policy, speaking to the Sunday Telegraph and Sky News the Energy Secretary Chris Huhne made quite clear what will be the Government’s plan to prevent Britain from suffering a power crisis. Mr Huhne was very clear when he spoke out in favour of harnessing onshore and offshore wind power and that there won’t be any Government money to subside new nuclear power plants.
With flows of North Sea oil and gas diminishing in future years, the Energy Secretary’s intention is to strengthen Britain’s energy production by making it more independent, allowing it to withstand “shocks from the outside world” which could send prices soaring for both households and businesses. We have to agree with Mr Huhne to a certain extent because right now, the UK imports nearly a third of its energy from unstable regions such as Russia and the Middle East. Which we already know makes energy prices move up and down through out the year. A 100% nationalised energy production would be virtually impossible these days but if the Government had more control over it, energy prices could become more stable. “There is going to be a strong emphasis on the economic benefit of becoming more independent of energy imports. The lights will not go out on my watch,” – declared Mr Huhne It would be ideal for Britain and any other country in the world, if it could be totally self energy sufficient relying only renewable energy generation. Even though this is a futuristic dream to say the least, Britain has got great potential to increase its renewable energy generation not only with wind power but also with wave and tidal power. As stressed by Mr Huhne, all three technologies are in their infancy and there is room for a lot of improvement. To date there are approximately 262 wind farms operating in the UK counting on & offshore farms. These wind farms have the capacity to power more than 2.5 million homes on ideal wind conditions. Right now there are 27 onshore and 5 offshore wind farms under construction not to mention the 468 winds farms planned to populate Britain over the next decade or so. Last December, figures showed proposals were under way to increase Scotland’s total from 1131 turbines to at least 3855 with nearly 1000 already given consent or under construction. Despite the fact that the Energy Secretary stated that there won’t be any subsidy to build new nuclear plants he expects that such power station will still be built to help secure the safety of the UK’s energy generation. We want to hear from you now. What is the best way to secure Britain’s energy generation? Nuclear or Renewables? Share your thoughts on our comments section below.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . . - 26 July 2010
Business energy bills to rise due to higher gas prices. Business energy prices as well as household energy prices are set to rise as a consequence of a 32% increase in wholesale gas prices over the past 7 months. The forecast comes from Nera an economic consulting firm. The company has been monitoring the UK´s wholesale gas market since January and reveals that the 32% increase in wholesale prices, will translate into higher energy bills for businesses and households across the land.
The surge is being attributed to a combination of lower Qatari liquefied natural gas imports and the fragile pipeline supply from the Norwegian North Sea. “In the long run, it’s true, gas prices do feed into retail prices. That’s been observed over a long period. What happens is the pressure builds up and there’s a mismatch between wholesale and retail prices, then one of the companies move and the others follow.” Explains Nera director Graham Shuttleworth. This is despite the decline in energy prices in March, when watchdog Ofgem published a report suggesting Britain’s ‘big six’ suppliers should pass wholesale price cuts on to consumers. Economists and energy brokers alike are now concluding that the reductions weren’t as good as they thought it would be. Such market variations only stress even further the need for businesses to have a reliable and competent energy consultancy firm. One that understands with perfection how the complex UK energy market works and is able to find the right business gas contracts based on the clients requirements. Hiring an energy consultancy company simply provides an independent and fresh approaches that help businesses achieve tangible results and save money on gas and electricity bills. To learn more about how and independent energy consultancy service can save your business thousands of pounds each year on energy bills contact Catalyst or give us a call at 0870 710 7560 and speak with a friendly UK based energy broker.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . . - 22 July 2010
Nuclear Sector Still Apprehensive over Government’s Statements Thursday’s meeting between the CEOs from major energy companies and the Coalition’s Government Energy Secretary, Chris Huhne, didn’t go as well as the UK’s nuclear industry expected. During last week’s meeting the Government announced that it is working to strengthen national policy statements for energy, to help ensure that large energy projects like new nuclear plants go ahead.
In a written statement addressed to the parliament from the energy minister Charles Hendry, he said the Government will be launching a re-consultation on revised draft national Energy Policy Statements, to ensure large infrastructure projects like nuclear power plants can go ahead with the minimum of delay. Despite all that the UK’s nuclear industry still apprehensive and uncertain to whether the Government will provide the security needed for large investments in the sector. The fact that the Government is planning a re-consultation has plunged the nuclear industry into further uncertainty. Even though the energy minister confirmed that by 2018 at least one new nuclear power plant will be generating electricity in Britain. “Plans for the first new nuclear power station to begin generating electricity by 2018 remain on course” – Charles Hendry, UK energy minister. Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive of EDF Energy, the French state-owned utility giant’s British unit, said: “With the delay on the national policy statements it is doubly important we forge ahead with the other vital elements of the framework to create the confidence for progress.” “Any further delay could undermine the confidence of potential investors and companies in the nuclear supply chain,” said Keith Parker, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association. “Any further delay could undermine the confidence of potential investors and companies in the nuclear supply chain. We would urge government to continue progress on the other workstreams around nuclear such as regulatory justification, reform of the regulator and market modernisation”. Many Energy Brokers and energy industry experts expressed a lack of faith when asked about Britain’s ability to attract the investment needed to safeguard the nuclear programme before the country starts to run short of electricity in the second half of this decade. To sum things up the EEF stated that the UK’s energy policy is “no longer fit for purpose unless reformed and calls on the Government to take the difficult decisions necessary to get the country’s energy policy back on track.” This raised even more uncertainties within the energy industry and the nuclear sector in particular.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . . - 7 July 2010
British Gas to donate £15 million worth of solar panels to British Schools Last week British Gas announced an audacious scheme that will help the nation’s schools meet their carbon reduction targets through the use of solar panels. For the first stage of the scheme British Gas will invest nothing less than £15 million in solar panels worth between £20,000 and £40,000 per school – in up to 750 schools. This will allow each school to generate its own free, renewable energy.
The energy produced will help each school save as much as 20% on their annual electricity bills. During a 25 year period it is estimated that the energy generated by these solar panels will create around £1.3m per year. The money will then be returned through the Government’s Clean Energy Cashback scheme. This will be reinvested by the British Gas Energy For Tomorrow Trust, a ‘not for profit’ trust fund established by British Gas to invest in low carbon projects in the UK, which could allow more schools to benefit every year over the same period. British Gas plans to install free solar panels in total of 1,100 schools over the next five years. As mentioned these panels will help selected schools reduce emissions by up to 1,400 tonnes per year. Equivalent to taking almost 400 mid-size 30mpg cars with average CO2 emissions of 3.55 tones per year off the roads. But British Gas efforts towards helping Britain achieve its carbon commitment reductions target don’t stop there. Together with the solar panels each school will also receive a smart meter, offering real time information for students allowing them to see the difference their solar panels are making. To extend even further the consciousness towards a low carbon economy there will be specially created Generation Green lessons. These lessons will help teachers engage their students in learning more about renewable energy generation and its importance to the future of a secure British energy market. With the use of a specially designed website associated with the data provided by the smart meters, schools will be able to track their performance against others and share tips and advice. Phil Bentley, Managing Director, British Gas, said: “This is the biggest investment of its kind in solar technology for our nation’s schools, which will help them, cut both their carbon emissions and their electricity bills – as well as learn about renewable energy in a hands-on way. “The electricity generated by these schools will help pay for the scheme to be extended to even more schools throughout the country, which is great news for school leaders, parents and pupils who are all looking for ways to save money during these tough economic times.” Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “This is a very generous offer and I’m sure many schools will feel they can benefit from solar panels. Cutting down on energy costs and reducing carbon emissions are absolutely the right thing to do. It’s a valuable lesson for pupils that we can all help to use energy sparingly, and where possible, generate it from sustainable or renewable resources.” All schools in the UK can register for an application form at http://www.generationgreen.co.uk/ there you will also find more information about Generation Green itself and you can help your local school by donating leaves collected by switching to paperless British Gas billing or completing an energy saver’s report online. We want to hear from you now. What do you think of British Gas initiative? Should other energy companies follow suit to help Britain achieve its Climate Change Bill Agreements?
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . - 6 July 2010
How to save money with LED lighting for your business There are many aspects of Business LED lighting that are not commonly known – aspects that make LED lights the most superior of any other contemporary type of lighting. Here are a few of the reasons why using LED lights would be to your benefit.
LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than typical conventional bulbs. If your business consists of a large area that needs to remain well-lit throughout the day – or night – you can probably imagine the kind of saving it could generate for you in a short span of time. In addition to consuming less energy, LED lighting produces less heat than regular bulbs, which can make it a lot easier for your air conditioners to cool the entire office space. That means even more savings on your electricity bills. To give you an idea, LED lighting can bring about a reduction of 15% on your air conditioning bill, which is quite significant. Another very important factor that makes LED lighting ideal for both homes and offices is the longevity. Commercial LED bulbs can typically last about 10-15 years once they’re installed. This is quite incredible even for a small office, but it is significant in cases of a large industrial facility or a warehouse when you consider the amount of replacements and manpower that is wasted in maintaining tungsten bulbs or other forms of lighting. The design on these lights is also more durable than standard filament bulbs so there is less likelihood of these bulbs being damaged by excessive heat or vibration. So far, the only thing that does seem to work against LED lighting is the initial cost of purchase. However, anyone with a calculator and an ability to do basic calculations will be able to see things in a better perspective. Or you could qualify for free commercial led lighting as discussed in a previous post. The kind of saving each LED bulb can bring about over its lifetime of 10 years is really unmatched and definitely way more than what you spend purchasing it. In fact, when you do those calculations, you’ll realize that business LED lighting pays for itself soon enough considering its massive life span.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . - 2 July 2010
Britain Needs £1 trillion to meet its Climate Change Bill Agreements If England is to meet its 2030 Climate Change Bill agreements it will need 1 trillion in investments to turn the country’s infrastructure green. Nothing less than £50bn in investments every year will be required. According to Bob Wigley, Chairman of the Yell Group and member of the Green Investment Bank Commission, stated that the work needed was “on a scale not seen since reconstruction after the Second World War.”
Mr. Wigley’s statement is based on a report commissioned by the Labour Party in 2009. The report is in other words a blueprint of how the Green Investment Bank (GIB) will need to be set up to attract investments in low carbon energy generation from the public and private sector. The GIB will need to have a social purpose and create income streams for investors. It’s job will be to raise the necessary equity and debt finance to fund nuclear power stations, wind farms, smart grids and all the other paraphernalia of a low carbon future that the private sector is currently failing to do. Right now UK energy markets are not doing a good job in signalling investment opportunities. One of the main purposes of a Green Investment Bank will be to take the existing money paid into energy and infrastructure together with other funds, such as the new bank levy or a levy on consumers’ energy bills which could then be securitised, to create large pools of investment funding. Investment banks have earned a poor reputation over the years due to bad administration issues. First and foremost for the GIB to succeed it will need a strong and clear governing body with the discipline and commercial knowledge of the private sector blended with the Government strictness. The Labour report estimates that a Green Investment Bank could raise about £12bn a year by issuing green bonds and from green ISAs, and take control of existing Government grants, such as those currently managed by the Carbon Trust. Getting the GIB’s governance right will the corner stone of this whole operation, because no self respecting investor will commit funds to a bank, or its products, that are subject to political interference. Chris Hurcombe one of our leading energy consultants said he envisages the GIB as an independent institution that reflects the status of the Bank of England – independent but regularly accountable. But it will have to accept political presence and some times interference on its board, given that the issues involved around a Green Investment Bank are related to the execution of national policy. According to Gregory Barker, the Energy and Climate Change Minister, the Coalition will take for granted the Labour study findings but no decision will be possible until after the Comprehensive Spending Review in October 2010.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . - 1 July 2010
Business Smart Meter News UK Company develops revolutionary online smart meter system and receives investment to go Global. Northampton based Intamac Systems (Intamac), which has developed a new “online smart meter” service that allows a remotely activated energy use management and control, has received a £4m investment from Carbon Trust Investments Ltd, Seraphim Capital and Chandos Fund (both managed by YFM).
The funding has been given to speed up the development process of Intamac’s web-based system, which will help households to monitor and manage home energy use online. Right now the system is being developed for home use only but nothing stops it from expanding to businesses in the very near future. The Government’s commitment to establishing a smart grid and roll out smart meters, lends urgency to the development of new technologies like those of Intamac which offer a step change from existing meters on the market. Instead of simply monitoring energy usage, data can be fed back through the Intamac monitoring platform to the utility provider, which will allow for bills to be managed much more effectively. The modular design of its online platform also means easier adaptation to future developments like the introduction of new standards. Itamac’s online smart metering technology will put consumers in control of their energy use as well as their carbon emissions, not to mention that it will also help reduce the cost of energy bills. Kevin Meagher, founder and CEO of Intamac comments, “Our revolutionary remote monitoring and control technology will transform the way people use energy in their homes, helping them cut carbon emissions and reduce utility bills. We are delighted to receive this funding to support our continued growth to become the global market leader.” Adam Workman, Partner at CT Investment Partners LLP, which advises Carbon Trust Investments said: “Intamac’s technology opens up a new level of energy management to consumers enabling greater energy efficiency and carbon savings in the home. We’re delighted to be making this investment in a market that has huge potential for growth in the UK and abroad.” About Intamac Intamac Systems is a market leader in the integration and networking of devices within the connected home. Founded in 2000 and based in the UK, Intamac was the first company in the world to exploit cloud based computing to support the deployment of value added services to the Connected Home. About The Carbon Trust & Carbon Trust Investments The Carbon Trust is a not-for-profit company with the mission to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy, providing specialist support to business and the public sector to help cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. By stimulating low carbon action we contribute to key UK goals of lower carbon emissions, the development of low carbon businesses, increased energy security and associated jobs. Carbon Trust Investments Limited is the venture capital investment subsidiary of the Carbon Trust. Carbon Trust Investments has invested in 25 businesses over the last seven years. Two of these companies, Ceres Power PLC and CMR Fuel Cells PLC listed on AIM. A further portfolio company, Heliswirl Technology Ltd, has achieved a partial exit.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . - 22 June 2010
Over 80% of Business Owners Fear Business Energy Bills Increase A new survey carried out by the Economist Intelligence Unit has revealed that over 80% of British firms expect energy and fuel prices to rise sharply and almost 50% have great concern that the UK could face serious business energy shortages within five years.
The survey interviewed more than 210 executives of various sectors and despite fears of a sharp increase in their business energy bills, these business owners also demonstrated great interest in smart meter and microgeneration technologies as a means of mitigating against rising energy bills. Seven out of 10 ten firms stated that they have either deployed or are in the process of deploying smart meters in a bid to monitor and reduce their energy usage. Interest in microgeneration technologies is also growing at a fast pace specially after the recent introduction of the government’s feed-in tariff incentive scheme, more to that on a future post. Although only 13% of respondents said that their company currently uses microgeneration systems such as solar panels or small-scale wind turbines, 42% said they have plans in place to deploy the technology. Moreover, nine out of 10 respondents said they have a concrete energy efficiency target in place for this year, with the majority planning sizeable improvements of up to 10%. To help businesses across the land enhance their energy efficiency even further and reduce their carbon footprint, the Carbon Trust released a guide aimed to help firms measure their carbon footprint as well as help them understand where they use the most business energy and help them lower their usage, resulting in cheaper business energy bills for them. For years now, energy consultants and energy industry experts have been pledging more investment for a better low carbon energy generation infrastructure. If we add that to the anticipated increase in the cost of carbon through the EU carbon trading scheme and growing global energy insecurity, UK energy prices could rise well above the inflation over the next decade. To sum things up, the survey which interviewed senior executives from the British private and public sector revealed that energy is now a major business risk for UK businesses, with more than half of those surveyed insist that the government should treat energy security as its top business priority over the next five years and those who don’t carefully rethink their business energy efficiency will be left behind. We would like to hear your opinion now. Should the government prioritise Britain’s energy security over other areas of the economy?
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . - 7 June 2010
Ten of the best Energy Saving Sites for Business Top 10 Energy Saving Websites for Business Owners The UK energy industry is going through some very important changes and as usual who is paying for it is us, business owners. We all know how hard it is these days to reduce our energy costs especially when energy and gas prices vary all the time.
Energy costs represent one of the biggest slices in the expenditures pie of any given business, be it small, medium or large sized companies, a well planed energy management plan can help save money and reduce end costs. With that mindset we have compiled a list of what we think are the top ten websites that can aid you in your quest to reduce your business energy consumption, therefore its costs. Energy Saving Trust: The Energy Saving Trust provides a range of resources to help your organisation reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It also has a scheme to stimulate demand and supply of the most energy efficient products and services available in the UK. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business Money Saving Expert: is dedicated to saving you money on anything & everything by finding the best deals and beating the system. It’s based on detailed journalistic research, cutting edge tools and has one of the UK’s largest web communities. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/ Energy Helpline: Claims to be the UK’s leading home energy price comparison service. An independent price comparison service, which provides customers with advice on the best gas and electricity deals for home. http://www.energyhelpline.com/ UK Energy Saving: is a consumer resource on energy saving and related topics including renewable energy, alternative fuels, recycling and water saving as well as sections on fairtrade and organic products. Set up by environmentally concerned individuals, it is the intention of the founders that UK Energy Saving provides consumers with the information they need when researching energy saving and green living. http://www.uk-energy-saving.com/ http://www.uk-energy-saving.com/map-business-section.html The Renewable Energy Centre: is the only UK based website offering a practical and easy to understand introduction to renewable technologies, advice on installation, a directory of contractors, links to non-profit renewable organisations and links to sources of funding for those willing to invest in renewable energy generation. http://www.therenewableenergycentre.co.uk/advertise.html http://www.therenewableenergycentre.co.uk/ Carbon Trust: is a not-for-profit company with the mission to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy. It provides specialist support to business and the public sector to help cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/Pages/Default.aspx Enhanced Capital Allowance: helps business to claim 100% first-year capital allowances on their spending on qualifying plant and machinery. Businesses can write off the whole of the capital cost of their investment in these technologies against their taxable profits of the period during which they make the investment. Energy Saving Secrets: has a wide selection of articles offering energy saving tips, reviews about energy saving products, green energy and case studies. The site is frequently updated with new article written by energy industry experts making it a valuable source for business owners looking for fresh ideas on how to save precious pounds on their energy bills. http://www.energysavingsecrets.co.uk/ Big Green Switch: like the Energy Saving Trust, it is a portal where users can make an online power-cutting pledge. Lacks the super-slick presentation and interface of the Trust’s site, but packed with content. Covers everything from travel and transport to water saving to waste reduction. http://www.biggreenswitch.co.uk/ National Energy Foundation: assist organisations, individuals and communities to reduce their carbon emissions and save money through providing advice and services in the renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable training areas. All these websites can provide valuable information to help your business reduce its energy and gas bills but nothing like a fresh pair of eyes with relevant experience of achieving tangible results to uncover areas where significant improvements that may not have been previously identified. As one of the largest UK’s independent energy brokers Catalyst Commercial Services provides an independent and fresh approach to evaluating opportunities that can add value.
Or you might want to subscribe for further updates direct from our site. . |
Login/Register
Search our blog
Archives
 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006
Categories
Business Electricity
Business Gas Business Water Commercial Energy Commercial Gas Commercial Water Energy Broker Home Energy News Latest News LED Lighting Oil News Renewable Energy UK Energy Suppliers UK Smart Meters World Energy News
Links
Business Electricity Business Gas Business Water Call Back Request Commercial Energy Commercial Gas Commercial Gas Prices Commercial Water Contact Us Energy Broker Energy Market Reports Energy Solutions Energy Suppliers Facebook Fan Page Follow us on Twitter Home Energy News Join us on Linkedin Oil News Oil Prices Renewable Energy RSS News Feed Smart Meters Subscribe Latest News UK Electricity Prices Water Utilities |
Is Fossil Fuel Dependence Over:
