A few simple steps to save on power bills (From Witney Gazette)
Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting 'OXFORD NEWS' to 80360 or email
A few simple steps to save on power bills
9:00am Wednesday 12th July 2006 in Witney By Amanda Williams
Joe Reeve
OXFORDSHIRE businesses are set to see millions of pounds go up in smoke this summer alone because of poor energy efficiency.
Government-backed green initiative, the Carbon Trust, says companies could save 20 per cent on their utility bills if they took a few simple measures.
And their actions would also slash the 26,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide being produced unnecessarily enough to fill the new Wembley Stadium three times over.
The Carbon Trust has launched a £4m campaign to highlight the problem ahead of the winter months, when far more energy is wasted, hitting company coffers hard, and having a major impact on the environment.
Dr Garry Felgate, director of delivery and external relations at the Carbon Trust, said: "Being energy efficient is the best way to cut carbon emissions, and we help organisations realise significant carbon and cost savings through a range of measures."
In a bid to cut energy bills, the Carbon Trust is offering on-site energy surveys, which will suggest low- or no-cost measures that can be implemented immediately, and interest-free loans of up to £100,000 for major green investments.
One company which took the Carbon Trust up on its offer was Witney-based Data Plastics.
The firm, which makes injection-moulded plastic items ranging from spade handles to surgical equipment, was facing an energy bill of £40,000 a year, because of machinery of varying age and condition.
Managing director, Joe Reeve, contacted the Carbon Trust, and managed a saving of £5,000 a year after installing special equipment, which cut wasted energy on his machinery.
Mr Reeve said: "This is a perfectly sensible way of improving the bottom line. It is a good deal, and I can't understand why businesses would not want to take it up."
To find out more, businesses can call the helpline, on 0800 917 3030, or visit the Carbon Trust website www.carboncosts.com
