Irish Electricity Prices Could Plummet

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Emma

Airtricity supplies more than 200,000 customers with cheaper electricity in the Republic of Ireland and as Ireland’s most reputable energy company – according to the Irish RepTrak 2010 (Ireland’s company reputation study) – the energy provider has been making headline news recently…

Last week Airtricity, which already supplies electricity to business customers, announced that is was planning to enter the domestic gas market, creating up to 200 jobs, with approximately half of those at its headquarters in Sandyford, Co Dublin.

This was followed by Airtricity revealing its plan to enter the Domestic electricity market in Northern Ireland in a move that is set to shake up competition for the first time by becoming the first company to compete with NIE Energy in the domestic electricity market.

Industry sources now suggest that Northern Ireland’s electricity prices could tumble as NIE’s dominance comes under threat. Economist John Simpson has speculated that Airtricity’s decision to move into the domestic sector could be “a step in the right direction” in creating competition for the domestic electricity market.

In a report for the Belfast Telegraph, Mr. Simpson said:

“It is an overdue development that was provided for in the opening up of the single electricity market (in 2007). We have been waiting for someone to come in for some time, because up until now the reshaped NIE has been the only supplier”

But, the industry will now have to wait and see whether just one new entrant is enough to bring electricity tariffs down, he continued to say. In the meantime, Airtricity claims it will be able to undercut prices by approximately 14% – reducing average household bills from around £500 to £430.

Source: Belfast Telegraph

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UK Waste To Be Sent Abroad For Burning

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Kathryn

Britain’s growing rubbish mountain is being exported to Europe where it will be used as fuel to generate heat and power, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Utility Exchange has reported in the past on the massive fines faced by the U.K. if it doesn’t reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

In order to overcome the ban on landfill Britain is going to export its waste to countries including Holland and Germany which have better recycling rates and therefore less waste to burn in incinerators. These incinerators will burn the waste which will then provide power for factories and heating systems.

The Environment Agency has just granted permission for 40,000 tonnes of waste to be exported and more shipments are expected to follow.

Local authorities argue that it’s cheaper to get rid of waste this way rather than paying the landfill tax. However, campaigners argue that it’s bad for the environment to export waste.

It’s the first time household waste has been sent aboard for burning and it will be classed as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and will generate energy rather than being simply waste.

There are many different waste-to-energy schemes being considered in the UK at the moment but they tend to receive opposition from local residents. However, if they were given planning permission it would mean UK waste wouldn’t have to be sent abroad.

This renewable energy story was brought to you by Utility Exchange. Saving Time, Money and Energy for your Business.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Energy Suppliers’ New Doorstep Sales Challenge

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Emma

The UK’s ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers – British Gas, EDF, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power and Scottish & Southern Energy – have all agreed to respect no cold calling zones and signage when it comes to doorstep selling – at the same time consumer groups are calling for big fines for those who break the rules.

Consumer Focus – an organisation which fights for a fair deal for consumers, and the Trading Standards Institute – providing consumer information and practical advice, have tirelessly campaigned for less aggressive sales tactics after research in 2008, revealed by Ofgem – the UK’s regulator for Gas and Electricity, suggested that nearly half of customers that switched suppliers in response to a direct sales approach – ended up on a worse deal.

As a result, changes have been made to the rules which mean that customers will now have to be shown a price comparison that proves the deal they have been offered is better than their existing energy tariff.

But, in support for doorstep selling, Christine McGourty from Energy UK, commented:

“It’s important to remember that, for many people, buying on the doorstep is the only way to switch their energy company, take advantage of the competitive market, and get a better deal…
… Since the energy companies signed up to a code of practice in 2002, complaints about doorstep selling have decreased by 99%”

The new rules mean customers will now receive a written estimate explaining the new energy deal after a doorstep sale has taken place, plus there will be a cooling-off period which gives people the time to change their mind. And, what Ms. McGourty makes a point of is this means people who want to sign up to a new energy deal on the doorstep have the reassurance that strict procedures are now in place to ensure the process works well for them.

However, consumers still receiving cold calls after requesting otherwise, are urged to report the incident to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Source: Utility Week

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Renewable Energy Must Do Better Says Huhne

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Kathryn

The Secretary of State for Energy, Chris Huhne has said the current level of electricity generated from sources of renewable energy in Britain is a “scandal”, reports New Energy Focus.

He said there was huge potential for the renewable energy sector.

He was making the comments in the House of Commons yesterday and said the country needed to ensure it had a diverse energy mix to ensure its energy security and meet climate change goals.

Mr Huhne said the U.K. had huge potential for renewable energy generation but in 2009 sources of renewable energy were only generating 6.6% of the country’s electricity. He said this figure must “and will change”.

Mr Huhne said that the findings of the Offshore Valuation report 2010 told of the huge potential for renewable energy and could lead to the U.K. becoming a net energy exporter as it was in the oil and gas boom of the 1970’s.

RenewableUK welcomed the comments from Mr Huhne and said it hoped the proposed Energy Bill would positively impact on the development of the renewable energy sector.

This renewable energy story was brought to you by Utility Exchange. Saving Time, Money and Energy for your Business.

Source: newenergyfocus.com

Microsoft Launch Energy Efficiency App

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Emma

Microsoft has unveiled its brand new web-based application that has been designed to help people determine a home’s energy efficiency. The Hohm Score application is able to provide a home’s estimated energy efficiency based on its location and general size thus helping users to make more informed and eco-friendly decisions regarding the properties they purchase.

Microsoft explained that Hohm Score works by calculating a home’s efficiency level based on a comparison of the home’s actual and potential energy efficiencies. It does this by using models which have been generated by the Lawrence Berkeley National Labs (who create recommendations regarding how to reduce utility bills and save money from energy suppliers).

It is hoped that by having a clearer picture of efficiency levels it will be easier for householders to compare energy providers and to switch energy suppliers and benefit from cheaper energy tariffs.

Discussing Hohm Score’s features, Troy Batterberry, Hohm general manager, advised:

“You can fine-tune the accuracy of your Hohm Score and your personalised savings recommendations by creating a free Hohm account and entering some basic information about your home such as the type of appliances”

Business owners can also get a better understanding of how much energy their company is consuming by taking regular meter readings and by implementing small measures like turning off lights and computers when they are not in use – as this can help a business make significant savings.

Another way to reduce business costs is by switching supplier to ensure you are not paying too much for your business gas and electricity supplies – Request a FREE quote online or call Utility Exchange on 0800 411 8830 and see how much you could be saving.

Source: Energy Helpline