Energy efficiency scheme targets charities
A scheme to help charities fight rising gas and electricity bills by reducing their energy consumption has been launched by energy firms Bizzenergy and Gazprom.
The Charity Utility Initiative provides organisations with equipment to help them identify areas in which they could reduce energy consumption. The Government-approved 'smart meters' take readings every half hour, allowing clients to know exactly how much they are using at any point of the day and implement more efficient measures.
Under the new scheme, each participating organisation will also be assigned an 'energy-efficient manager', responsible for analysing consumption levels, collating reports and helping to reduce overall costs. The CUI will train the managers, who will be recruited from the National Disability Register in a drive to get more people with disabilities into permanent employment.
"Recent price hikes mean charities are struggling, but often do not have the time to analyse their energy consumption," said William Campbell from the CUI. "This scheme helps tackle that problem while also providing secure employment for skilled individuals who may otherwise struggle to find work."
So far, Leonard Cheshire, Making Space and Friends of the Elderly have signed up to the initiative.
Source: Hannah Jordan, Third Sector Online, 27 May 2008. www.thirdsector.co.uk
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