News » Environment/Energy

Scheme offers help to cut firms energy bills

More than 1,000 businesses in the region are the first nationally to be offered help to significantly cut their energy bills in a new scheme.

Rev-Active, a project established by Breckland Council, offers a free package of specialist consultancy and support, including onsite audits, reports and grants to help deliver savings and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The scheme is being offered to more than 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses in Norwich and the A11 corridor which have the potential for major energy and cost savings.

If successful it is hoped the project will form a template to roll out similar services to smaller firms nationally.

Businesses that qualify for the scheme will also receive targeted help to change their products and processes to deliver further energy efficiency improvements.

Other services will also be made available to the wider business community, focused on self-help and help with efficient heating and lighting, staff behaviour and procurement.

Simon Best, Rev-Active project manager, said: "Initiatives like Rev-Active are about business fitness.

"They reinforce Norfolk's credentials as a county committed to efficient and sustainable low-carbon economic growth.

"The core strength of this initiative is to address market failure by providing free high quality, hands-on assistance to smaller businesses - enabling them to benefit from some of the real efficiency benefits realised by larger companies.

"We welcome businesses who feel they can improve on their energy efficiency or make other savings to sign up and benefit from this project."

The multi-million pound project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Breckland Council, Norfolk County Council and enterprise partnership Shaping Norfolk's Future.

The initial project covers Norwich, Hethersett, Wymondham, Attleborough and Thetford and surrounding areas.

More info: This article is courtesy of EDP

Posted: 20th Jul 2010