Category Archives: Clean Energy

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npower’s Burntwood Office Powered By The Sun

npower’s Burntwood office is reaping the rewards of installing renewable energy technologies, saving hundreds of pounds on its energy bills and significantly reducing its carbon emissions.

Based on the Burntwood Business Park in Cannock Chase, npower’s three-storey office is home to 100 employees. With 196 light fittings, 96 computers and six printers in constant use throughout the day, the building uses a lot of energy.

npower installed 54 solar photovoltaic panels 18 months ago onto the south-facing roof of the building. The system generates 11 Kwh of electricity and offsets more than six tonnes of carbon each year. Being able to use electricity as it is generated onsite has already saved more than £1500 on energy bills.

The solar panels generate all the electricity needed, and the building owners, J.E. Dillon Properties, also receive Feed-in-Tariff payments from the government. Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs) offer landlords or residents who have had solar panels installed payment for every unit of electricity generated, regardless of whether it is used onsite or not. If the electricity is not used, it can be exported back to the grid generating additional payment*.

Helen Booker, solar expert for npower, commented: “The npower office in Burntwood is perfectly suited to solar panels, as it has a large south-facing roof which is not shadowed by larger buildings nearby. Also, because it is in constant use throughout the day, all the electricity generated can be used onsite, making the system incredibly efficient.

“We were really pleased that our landlord decided to install solar PV panels on npower’s offices. Now, 18 months on, not only are we benefitting from significant money and carbon savings, but we can lead by example and show how successful the technology is in action.

“Clearly, businesses have an important role to play in helping the government meet its carbon reduction targets and using renewable energy technology such as solar PV is a positive step towards this.”

Mr Dillon from J.E. Dillon Properties explained: “We chose to install solar panels on the Burntwood site to benefit both npower, as our existing tenants, and also future tenants. Businesses are looking for premises which allow them to reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs while providing a visual sign of their commitment to a low carbon future.”

npower’s website includes guidance for businesses on solar PV installations. Anyone interested can also speak to one of npower’s dedicated solar experts by calling 0845 600 2039.

Via EPR Network
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npower Reports Lack Of Funding A Key Barrier To Improving Energy Efficiency Of Social Housing

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The youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group were delighted to learn that their annual residential visit to the Camas Centre, on the Isle of Mull, was still going ahead, despite initial promises of funding having fallen through. Youth helper, Andy Brown (24), who lives in Oldfallings, decided to ask his employer, npower, to help out.

Around 14 youngsters were scheduled to go on the week-long trip and had been looking forward to it for some time. Andy explained: “We stay in an old fishing hut without distractions like mobile phones and TV; there is no electricity or gas and we all find out how easy it is to get along and the pleasure of being outdoors in such beautiful countryside.

“The withdrawal of funding was a huge blow to us and put the group’s finances into a precarious position. I applied for a donation from npower’s Community Volunteer Award programme and the cheque for £500 recently came through. The news was welcome relief for us all.”

The members of the youth group, who are all aged 13 to 18, take part in outward bound activities including walking, sailing and fishing. Andy, a former member, started to help the group leader, Richard Lockley, six years ago, volunteering to run activities for the youngsters at the club’s weekly Sunday evening meeting.

Michelle Barron, npower’s Charity and Volunteering officer, said the financial support is in recognition of Andy’s commitment to his youth group: “This award has meant the youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group could enjoy their planned visit and reduce the financial burden on their leaders. We have several employees, like Andy, who give their time to help others and we are delighted to be able to support their contribution to their communities.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Reports Newcastle Teens Spending More Time Watching Sport Than Playing It

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npower research has revealed that a quarter (24%)of teens in Newcastle spend more time watching sport on TV than playing sport outdoors. Even more revealing is that one in four (25%) of children in Newcastle admitted they have no one to take them out or there are not enough facilities for them to enjoy the great outdoors.

The research, commissioned by npower to celebrate the launch of its No Power Hour Road Show 2012, reveals that half (50%) of Newcastle kids admit they’re addicted to TV, the computer or video games.

However, the unprecedented number of sporting events and national celebrations this summer may be inspiring a newfound wave of patriotism, uptake of sport and community spirit, with over a fifth (21%) of Newcastle’s children attending their first ever street party or picnic this year. One in four (24%) has also been inspired to take up a new sport or hobby this year, with athletics, track and field being the most popular choice (70%), closely followed by football (30%) and then swimming and/or diving (20%).

As the title sponsor of The npower Football League, the energy company is treating kids in four major cities to yet another fab free summer event with a football-tastic display of themed activity zones, including a penalty shootout area, keepy-uppy contests and a dribbling zone to practice footie skills. The npower No Power Hour. Road Shows aim to show how football can be just one of many activities kids can take part in if they just turn off their gadgets and technology for an hour each day.

Clare McDougall, npower’s head of education and community, says: “Our research shows that there is a real desire amongst children to spend time outdoors but they are constrained by being constantly switched on to video games, TV and the computer or have no one available to take them outside.

“This summer’s spectacular series of events is providing inspiration for young people to switch off technology and spend time with friends, family and neighbours, learn new sports and hobbies and get out and about within their communities.

“Our npower No Power Hour Road Show will visit four of the UK’s major cities to energise families and show just how much fun can be had outside, away from gadgets, using their own energy.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Research Reveals Notts Teens Spend More Time Watching Sport Than Playing It

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npower research has revealed that one in three (30%) teens in Nottingham spend more time watching sport on TV than playing sport outdoors, with all (100%) of the young people surveyed stating they would like to spend more time outside. Even more revealing is that two-thirds (60%) of children in Nottingham admitted they have no one to take them out or there are not enough facilities for them to enjoy the great outdoors.

The research, commissioned by the energy provider to celebrate the launch of its No Power Hour road show 2012, reveals that four out of 10 (40%) Nottingham kids admit they’re addicted to TV, the computer or video games, as Nottingham’s kids are growing up increasingly cut off from their community.

However, the unprecedented number of sporting events and national celebrations this summer may be inspiring a newfound wave of patriotism, uptake of sport and community spirit, with over a fifth (22%) of Nottingham’s children attending their first ever street party or picnic this year. One in five (20%) has also been inspired to take up a new sport or hobby this year, with athletics, track and field being the most popular choice (43%), closely followed by football (29%), cycling (15%) and gymnastics (15%).

In light of Nottingham’s desire to get outdoors and capture their sporting enthusiasm, npower’s No Power Hour road show recently returned to Nottingham for its hat-trick year. Robbie Savage and the No Power Hour roadshow visited Nottingham’s Old Market Square for a family fun football day.

Npower’s No Power Hour is a UK-wide football road show, hosted by former Premiership and Welsh national midfielder and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Robbie Savage, designed to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors with friends and family and saveenergy at the same time.

Robbie Savage commented: “If you can pry kids away from video games and television, there is a whole world of new things to discover and enjoy. When I was a young lad, I definitely spent more time outdoors than today’s kids. It’s how I learnt my footie skills and it was the only way to improve, as well as keep fit and healthy. It definitely kept me out of trouble and gave me the head start I needed to get into top flight football.”

As the title sponsor of the npower Football League, the energy company is treating kids in four major cities to yet another fab summer event with a football-tastic display of themed activity zones, including a penalty shootout area, keepy-uppy contests and a dribbling zone to practice footie skills. The npower No Power Hour road shows aim to show how football can be just one of many activities kids can take part in if they just turn off their gadgets and technology for an hour each day.

Clare McDougall, npower’s head of education and community, said: “Our research shows that there is a real desire amongst children to spend time outdoors but they are constrained by being constantly switched on to video games, TV and the computer or have no one available to take them outside.

“This summer’s spectacular series of events is providing inspiration for young people to switch off technology and spend time with friends, family and neighbours, learn new sports and hobbies and get out and about within their communities.

“Our npower No Power Hour road show will visit four of the UK’s major cities to energise families and show just how much fun can be had outside, away from gadgets, using their own energy.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Donation Helps Ensure Local Youth Group’s Outboard Bound Course Goes Ahead

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The youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group were delighted to learn that their annual residential visit to the Camas Centre, on the Isle of Mull, was still going ahead, despite initial promises of funding having fallen through. Youth helper, Andy Brown (24), who lives in Oldfallings, decided to ask his employer, npower, to help out.

Around 14 youngsters were scheduled to go on the week-long trip and had been looking forward to it for some time. Andy explained: “We stay in an old fishing hut without distractions like mobile phones and TV; there is no electricity or gas and we all find out how easy it is to get along and the pleasure of being outdoors in such beautiful countryside.

“The withdrawal of funding was a huge blow to us and put the group’s finances into a precarious position. I applied for a donation from npower’s Community Volunteer Award programme and the cheque for £500 recently came through. The news was welcome relief for us all.”

The members of the youth group, who are all aged 13 to 18, take part in outward bound activities including walking, sailing and fishing. Andy, a former member, started to help the group leader, Richard Lockley, six years ago, volunteering to run activities for the youngsters at the club’s weekly Sunday evening meeting.

Michelle Barron, npower’s Charity and Volunteering officer, said the financial support is in recognition of Andy’s commitment to his youth group: “This award has meant the youngsters from Oldfallings Youth Group could enjoy their planned visit and reduce the financial burden on their leaders. We have several employees, like Andy, who give their time to help others and we are delighted to be able to support their contribution to their communities.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Reports Medium-Sized Businesses Losing Out On Energy Savings Due To Lack Of Expertise

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npower research has revealed that medium-sized businesses in the UK are missing out on significant energy savings each year by not having trained staff in placed to procure energy.

Only 4% of medium-sized businesses in the UK have a dedicated energy specialist, despite the average business spending over £180,000 on energy per annum. Of those businesses with an energy specialist, nine in ten (88%) say the introduction of the role has saved their organisation money.

The npower ‘Energy Matters’ report surveyed over 200 people responsible for energy procurement – including finance, procurement and office managers – in medium-sized businesses to assess how energy buying is managed and whether it is valued within the business. The report examined what impact having a dedicated energy specialist has on a business.

npower’s research found that just one fifth (21%) of businesses have a formalised energy strategy and over three quarters (81%) of those responsible for procuring energy say they spend more time on administrative duties than procurement.

Wayne Mitchell, industrial and commercial markets director, npower, commented: “We undertook this research into medium-sized businesses to further understand their needs when it comes to energy, following recent CBI and government campaigns to offer greater support to this sector.

“The research found that the person responsible for buying energy can have a significant impact on a business’ revenue yet the importance of this role is undervalued across the UK. Businesses are missing a trick when it comes to having a positive impact on the bottom line by not positioning energy as a board level concern and having a strategy in place to manage its procurement. This is despite findings from our previous research which showed that medium-sized businesses rank energy as the second highest business risk they face, above cash flow, legislation and security.”

The ‘Energy Matters’ research also showed that more than half (57%) felt that energy purchasing is not a valued role within their organisation and fewer than one in 10 (7%) has received any kind of formal energy procurement training. As a result, over a quarter (27%) of respondents have remained on the same contract because they haven’t had time to review it and one in five (19%) said they don’t have the expertise to switch contracts.

In those businesses that do have a dedicated energy specialist the picture was very different. As well as saving their businesses’ money, it was in this role that the most amount of time spent was spent on energy purchasing, the presence of a formalised energy strategy was highest and the value placed on the role by the business was felt to be above average.

Wayne Mitchell continued: “With office managers and not energy specialists accounting for the majority of those responsible for energy procurement in medium-sized businesses it is easy to understand why the role can be undervalued, as these people will be juggling a wide variety of tasks to keep the business afloat. Through better managing energy procurement, costs can be kept to a minimum by ensuring energy is purchased at the correct times, namely avoiding peaks in the market, and with a little knowledge businesses can take control of this themselves. Anyone wanting to find out how should source this advice from their supplier and act now to start saving.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Employees Prepare To Run For Charity

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npower employees in Solihull have been limbering up as they prepare to pound the pavements for charity.

More than 110 employees from npower’s offices in Solihull will be undertaking a ten kilometre run to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. They’ll be racing against each other to try and reach their fundraising target of £4,000. The race will start at Tudor Grange Park and participants will make their way around the surrounding area.

Ruth Worton, Charity Manager at npower, said: “This is the first time that we’ve organised a run for Macmillan in Solihull and it’s great to see so many people signed up to take part. Whatever their ability, everyone has been training really hard in the run-up to the event. Macmillan is a charity close to many of our hearts and we can’t wait to get out on the track and start raising money for such a good cause.”

Over the last eight years, npower’s partnership with Macmillan has reached more than £5 million. This has been achieved through large scale fundraising events and through individual efforts from staff who have run marathons and climbed mountains. This year there will be a number of 10K runs and charity walks taking places at npower offices throughout the UK.

Ruth continued: “We’re proud to have such a long term partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, which is valued at more than £5 million. It’s a cause that is close to home for many of our employees and this event is another example of their passion to make a difference and help people affected by cancer.

“I’d like to wish everyone taking part good luck and thank them for their enthusiasm and support for the fantastic work that Macmillan does.”

Via EPR Network
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RWE npower Energy Challenge won by Birmingham undergraduates

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A team of undergraduates from the University of Birmingham has won the prestigious RWE npower Energy Challenge by coming up with an innovative energy solution for future generations.

RWE npower Energy Challenge is an international competition which tasks students with devising a solution to the biggest challenge facing the energy sector: “How can an energy company respond to climate change, maintain a secure supply and more importantly ensure that energy bills are affordable?”

The Birmingham-based team, calling themselves Green Grid Consultancy, won the competition for their innovative idea to use a hybrid wind and wave generator. The project involved combining two forms of generation at the same site, this could reduce operating costs, improved power output and has no carbon emissions. Each member of the winning team was awarded £1,250, and £5,000 for Birmingham University.

The RWE npower Energy Challenge has been running for five years. With hundreds of students across the UK taking part, this year the competition had an international feel with two teams from Eindhoven University in Holland making the final.

Ayekame Tseja, captain of Birmingham’s Green Grid Consultancy team said: “We’re thrilled to be winners of the RWE npower Energy Challenge, and that our ideas stood out against such a strong field of competitors. Taking part in a competition that’s challenged us on such an important topic has been a great experience, and we’re thrilled that our hard work has paid off.”

The judges, comprising of senior board members from RWE npower including Volker Beckers, CEO of RWE npower were impressed with the unique nature of the team’s solutions.

Volker said: “The Green Grid Consultancy presentation was excellent and stood out due to the original way the team tackled the challenge of cutting emissions, whilst ensuring clean energy provision for the future. We’d like to congratulate them on winning the competition.”

“Among the goals of the Energy Challenge is encouraging and rewarding young people studying engineering and science, and attracting new students to these important topics. We’ve been impressed with all the entries to this year’s challenge, but special congratulations must go to our winners.”

Recent research from the Science for Careers Expert Group report has indicated that there could be a major shortage in science-skilled workers in the UK workforce, with a shortfall of 324,000 workers with the relevant skills by 2014. npower believes competitions like the Energy Challenge can play an important role in helping science undergraduates into industrial jobs and filling this skills gap.

Via EPR Network
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Jonathan Dollard, P.E. Joins Free Flow Power Corporation

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Free Flow Power Corporation, a developer of clean renewable energy, welcomes the addition of Mr.Jonathan Dollard, P.E.to the company as aVice President of Engineering.

Mr. Dollard has more than 20 years of experience in hydropower industry. Mr. Dollard was responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 65 hydroelectric and other renewable energy generating projects across the United States during his preceding 14-year employment with Enel Green Power North America, Inc. (formerly CHI Energy, Inc.) Mr. Dollard also worked with Rivers Engineering and has completed various civil, structural and water resources analyses and designs. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire.

Dan Irvin, CEO of Free Flow Power, commented, “We’re thrilled to have Jon leading our engineering team. We expect his experience in design, operation, and maintenance of utility-scale renewable energy facilities to enhance the value of our development pipeline.”

Mr. Dollard remarked, “ I look forward to working with FFP team who is clearly one of the leading hydropower development companies within the United States. It’s wonderful to join a team that has a common goal of economically developing renewable energy sites and I hope to share my past experiences with them to ensure success. ”

About Free Flow Power

Free Flow Power Corporation is a clean renewable energy company focusing on hydropower, hydrokinetic and hydro pumped storage projects as reliable, cost-effective sources of electricity and grid stability. Free Flow Power is developing a pipeline of over 150 projects representing potential capacity of more than 3,500 Megawatts in the US on behalf of investors, utilities, and electricity consumers.

Via EPR Network
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npower’s Fanpower Stadium Launched by Robbie Savage and Chris Kamara

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Two of football’s most colourful characters gave office workers a “lift” while filming a fun video for Football League sponsors npower.

ESPN Pundit Robbie Savage and Sky Sports favourite Chris Kamara took workers by surprise as they performed a chorus of terrace favourite ‘we are going up’. However, rather than singing in the stands, they were in the unconventional setting of a lift.

The hilarious footage was captured to promote the launch of npower’s new initiative ‘The Fanpower Stadium’. Hosted on Facebook, this app will give Football League fans the chance to win a range of prizes including cash prizes for their club.

On the video, Savage said: “I think football chants can be best described as the language of football fans, but taken out of the natural context of a football stadium they become slightly surreal, as today’s reactions show.

“The Fanpower Stadium, which has prizes for fans and clubs up for grabs, will get everyone talking about their team in the right place, so it’s a winner for me.”

Chris Kamara added: “It was unbelievable stuff today. Nowadays I’m only in the stands to report on the games, so it was great to get my chance to chant. Hopefully us two chanting in the wrong place, will remind people that it pays to show your support in the right one.

“Robbie should definitely stick to the dancing, I clearly out sang him and it’s this sort of competitiveness we want to see in the Fanpower Stadium.”

npower are inviting fans to show their support for their Football League team at facebook.com/npowerfootballleague by grabbing their seat in The Fanpower Stadium.

Once ‘inside the stadium’ there are two pots of money available for clubs to win; one cash prize of £10,000 will be awarded to the club in each League who hits their real average attendance figure first, with a second pot of £20,000 up for grabs to the club in each League whose fans talk the most about their club on Facebook.

Fans can score points for their club by sharing content or mentioning keywords such as club name or manager and player names on Facebook or in their Twitter feeds. Fans also have the chance to win spot prizes every week which include signed shirts, balls and mystery prizes.

The competition closes on 1st June however the stadium will be “reopened” at the start of the 2012/13 season.

Via EPR Network
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npower Employee Organises Fundraising Music Extravaganza

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npower employee Lee Judge is organising Judgestock 2012, an annual, one day musical extravaganza that will feature students from the George Salter Academy Saturday School and out-of-hours performing arts playing with professional bands and musicians at The Public in West Bromwich on July 7.

Rus Smith, Extended Schools Manager, has around 200 youngsters taking part in music and performing arts activities every Saturday and is hoping that around 150 of them will be helping make the annual fund raising music festival, in tribute to local man, Simon Turton, who lost his battle with brain cancer last year, when he was just 36 years old.

Lee Judge is hoping around 2,000 visitors will come to this year’s event, helping raise more than £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. In 2011 the Collections Specialist, at npower’s offices in Kingswinford, dedicated the day to his best mate, Simon; the two friends had grown up together in West Bromwich.

Lee said: “When Rus approached me I thought it was a brilliant idea. Already we have nearly 30 bands lined up for the day from metal through soul to tribute bands; giving talented local youngsters a chance to play in a proper music event with professional bands would give them valuable experience for their future. Linking with the school is going to add a new dimension to the charity fundraiser.”

Rus is delighted with the work experience opportunity, saying: “The students are excited at the thought of being able to showcase their talents to a wider-than-usual audience. We hope to have three or four dance acts and a similar number of music acts plus two drama groups as entertainers on the day and there will be students helping with programme design and shadowing the organisers to gain experience of how a professional event is staged.”

The Public has donated its venue for free and Lee’s employer, npower, has said it will match funds up to £1,000. There will activities for kids during the afternoon including Punch and Judy, a bouncy castle and face painting. Fifteen market stalls have already signed up for visitors looking for a little retail therapy.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the Public box office with under-12s admitted free. Students of George Salter can get their tickets direct from Mr Smith.

Via EPR Network
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npower’s Hull Call Centre Gets Set To Go The Extra Mile For Sport Relief

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npower’s Bridge House call centre in Hull is proud to announce its support for Sport Relief 2012. On Friday 23 March, Sport Relief hits the airwaves with a fantastic night of TV and, as the selected regional call centre for the night, 145 members of npower staff will be volunteering to receive donation calls.

npower is dedicating 70 phone lines to taking calls, with staff from all over the business coming in to lend a hand, including npower’s Managing Director of Customer Markets, Giuseppe Di Vita. As well as receiving donations, the team will also be fundraising on the night with various activities taking place. All money raised on site will be added to the £5,000 donation already pledged by npower to Sport Relief.

Kevin McCullough, npower’s Chief Operating Officer, commented: “I’m really proud of our people at Bridge House who are giving up their own time to support this great cause. We have over 140 volunteers, which is a great result and really demonstrates the commitment of our people to supporting important charities like this. Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives. Well done to everyone involved.”

Joel Chapman, Executive Relations Manager at npower’s Bridge House office, said:
“It’s been a busy few weeks preparing for the big night on Friday, from making sure the phone lines are all ready, to arranging refreshments to keep our volunteers going. It’s been a great example of how well our people come together to support such worthy causes, and I’m really proud to be involved.”

In 2010 over 90 call centres, staffed by a phenomenal 6340 charitable volunteers, supported the Sport Relief campaign, helping to raise a mind blowing £44 million. This year, Sport Relief is warming up for another huge night of fundraising with the help of the incredible team from npower’s Bridge House office.

As one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives. All the money raised by the public helps people living unimaginably tough lives, both at home in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries. From the Friday of fundraising fun right through to the Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 25 March it promises to be a brilliant weekend. For more information or to find and enter your nearest mile go to sportrelief.com.

Via EPR Network
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npower Introduces New Boiler And Central Heating Care Product

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npower is introducing a new boiler and central heating care product.

The new product is one of the most competitive on the market and includes comprehensive cover for a gas boiler, controls and radiators, as well as an annual boiler service and unlimited calls outs with no call out charge. Labour, repairs and parts are included and are guaranteed for 12 months, whilst customers will have 24/7 access to a dedicated boiler care team at npower’s call centre who they can contact for free. npower will also replace boilers less than seven years old if they are beyond economical repair.

The product is available for any new boiler care customer, even if they do not use npower as their energy supplier.

Emily Stagg from npower, commented: “Research shows that 51% of homeowners would feel annoyed at the expense of a boiler breakdown, so investing in boiler care can offer worthwhile peace of mind should anything go wrong.*

“At npower, we’re always looking to improve our customer offering and this competitive product offers good value for homeowners looking to protect their boiler and central heating all year round. As part of the service, we’re able to offer a comprehensive 30-point boiler service and safety check with one of our Gas Safe registered engineers, which means we will ensure if your system is working properly and then be there for you all year round.

“Now is the perfect time to sign-up as it makes sense to get your system checked after the winter to make sure it’s working properly and hasn’t been put under too much strain over the colder months.”

For more details about npower’s boiler and central heating care, interested parties can call 0800 2944 989 or visit www.npower.com/boilercare.

Via EPR Network
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npower Reveal Only One in Five Young Brits Can Tie a Knot and Half Can’t Climb Trees

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npower has today unveiled research, showing that modern day youngsters are disconnected from the great outdoors, with many unable to build a camp fire (78%), put up a tent (79%) or even tie their shoe laces (45%). When asked if they cared about the environment, more than a third (37%) said no and, incredibly, half of those (52%) said that it’s because “in the future we’ll be able to live in space”.

The figures show that while young people are able to search for clips on YouTube (37%) they’d struggle to search for the local post office by reading a map (81%), and while they may be able to work a DVD player (67%), a huge 87% said they wouldn’t know how to repair a bicycle puncture.

The research indicates that today’s youths have lost their sense of adventure and lack skills which older generations take for granted. Nine out of ten youngsters (91%) are unable to recognise different types of butterfly and 43% cannot remember seeing the stars in the last month.

The lack of interest in the great outdoors is a worry for many parents, with more than seven in ten (77%) saying their child spends too much time watching TV or playing video games.

Survival expert and founder of Woodlore, Ray Mears, comments: “The latest figures are really shocking and I can’t believe our young people are so ill-equipped when it comes to practical skills.

“When I was growing up, I was told ‘You don’t need equipment, you need knowledge to survive in the wild’ and this is something that I truly believe. Simple skills like putting up a tent can teach you important lessons that can’t be learnt without doing them yourself. You learn how to work in a team and communicate with your peers; how to work under pressure and use logic and, most importantly, how to look after yourself and know your strengths.”

In response to these startling figures, npower will today announce the start of Climate Cops SOS, an educational programme which looks for Britain’s greenest young people by working with schools across the country. Working with survival expert Ray Mears, npower hopes to inject passion for the great outdoors back into the hearts of the nation’s youths. To enter the competition, they will have to devise and implement a group activity which celebrates adventure and encourages their fellow peers to go outside and enjoy the great outdoors. 100 winning students will be treated with a trip to the Lake District where they will have a survival master class with Ray himself.

To enter npower’s Climate Cops SOS, children must be aged 11 to 13. Entries should come through their school and they will need to show that they have devised and implemented a group activity, which celebrates adventure and encourages their peers to go outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

For more information visit www.npower.com/climatecopssos

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npower Enthuse day comes to Didcot

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npower recently visited students from St Birinus School, Didcot, sparking their interest in engineering by taking part in a npower Enthuse day.

Four volunteers from Didcot power stations joined 230, Year 9 students at the Enthuse day. The programme is designed to inspire and engage students aged 12-14 years old in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through a range of interactive activities which help them think about the impact science and engineering has on their daily lives.

The students were encouraged to think of ways to improve an existing electricity generation idea and product, or to design a completely new concept. They also took part in a series of hands-on activities, helping them to develop their engineering and science related skills and discussed the problem of how the country can meet and reduce the UK’s future demand for energy.

Enthuse, which is part of the npower’s Brighter Futures Programme, aims to inspire young people from their first day at school to their first day at work. This is achieved by helping them to develop their skills and knowledge to make their own choices and empowering them to achieve their vision of a ‘brighter future’ for themselves and for the environment.

Jim Haggan, Didcot A Power Station Manager, said: “I think Enthuse days are very important. It’s our opportunity to give young people an insight into the energy industry and highlight opportunities available. I hope we have inspired some of the students to really consider this industry as a career option for the future.”

Head teacher, Mr Alwyn Richards from St Birinus School, Didcot added: “The variety of activities gave the students an excellent insight into the diversity and challenges which might face an engineer. It was wonderful to see how students of all abilities were engaged in the activities offered. The staff and students would like to thank the people from Enthuse and npower for their enthusiasm and hard work.”

Since the start of the Enthuse programme in 2007, the educational experience has reached out to over 7,100 students across the UK.

To find out more about npower’s education programme and free resources for schools and community groups, visit www.npower.com/education.

Via EPR Network
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RWE npower retains the CommunityMark

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RWE npower has recently retained the prestigious CommunityMark from Business in the Community (BITC) for a further three years.

RWE npower first received the CommunityMark in 2008 and was the first utility business to do so. The award is endorsed by both the Government and the voluntary sector. It is a national standard and the only one of its kind in the UK, which aims to recognise and highlight the positive impact that business can have in the community, through long term commitment and investment.

The rigorous testing process meant that Business in the Community interviewed employees for their opinions about RWE npower’s community programme and their involvement. Community partners including National Energy Action, Macmillan Cancer Support, Community Service Volunteers, Football League Trust and the National Trust were also surveyed.

For over 50 years RWE npower has worked with local communities. During this time, the company has built sustainable relationships which have been recognised through the CommunityMark award. These include:
-£52m was accessed by its Health through Warmth scheme for vulnerable people since 2000.
– In 2010 14% of RWE npower employees took part in volunteering.
– 9,000 students experienced one of the company’s power station guided tours.
– RWE npower worked with over 26,000 youngsters to raise awareness of climate changeand 22 schools received No Power Hour sessions.
– Macmillan Cancer Support has been RWE npower’s charity partner since 2004. The partnership is valued in excess of £4 million.

Dame Julia Cleverdon, Chair of RWE npower Corporate Responsibility Committee added:
“This is fantastic recognition for everyone at RWE npower. I have visited several sites recently and heard from employees about the inspirational work they are doing in local communities. There’s a great spirit of wanting to get ‘stuck in’ and make a positive impact. Achieving the CommunityMark is a great accolade for RWE npower.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said: “During a considerably tough year these organisations have proved that continuing to listen, engage and respond to the needs of their communities reinforces the fact that excellence in community investment not only has a positive and valuable impact on society, but translates to real business benefits.

“Many have made a long term commitment to the areas they operate in. They work collaboratively and fostered strong reciprocal partnerships to help improve the knowledge and skills in their local communities to ensure that there are people to support the local economy and business.”

The Independent Approvals Panel was impressed by RWE npower’s continued leadership of the community investment agenda and their commitment to making a long-term sustainable difference to their business and communities.

Via EPR Network
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Church, Charity And Business Leaders Call For Community Energy Revolution

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The National Trust, along with a coalition of civil society leaders from UK organisations with over twelve million members, has called for community energy to play a substantial role in meeting the country’s climate change targets.

Leading figures from The Co-operative; the National Trust; The National Federation of Women’s Institutes; the Church of England and Campaign to Protect Rural England will today meet Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, to launch their joint ‘vision for community energy’, which supports dramatically scaling up the number of community owned renewable energy projects across the country, and to discuss how the Government can best assist.

The National Trust has been working on its low carbon villages (LCV) project which aims to tackle the disillusionment and helplessness that many people feel about climate change in two Trust owned villages, Coleshill in Oxfordshire, and Cambo on the Trust’s estate at Wallington, Northumberland. Through a process of engagement over a three-year period, LCV aimed to develop positive and practical solutions that could set villagers on a journey to low-carbon living. The energy projects the charity has undertaken across all of its places as part of its commitment to generating half of the UK’s energy from renewable energy sources by 2020 can be seen on the National Trust energy map, found on the charity’s site.

Patrick Begg, Director of Rural Enterprise at The National Trust, commented: “Many other European countries are way ahead of the UK, as we found out when visiting German communities last year. Germany produces over 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources, with communities generating about a quarter of this. In the UK, less than 1 per cent is generated by our communities, a figure this coalition wants to dramatically increase by 2020. We are asking the Government to support us in this.”

At the same time, local energy schemes will receive another boost today as The Co-operative launches its Community Energy Challenge, a competition which will result in six communities across the UK receiving support to set up their own energy projects. The Co-operative is setting aside £1 million in 2012 to support community energy. This will involve everything from mentoring for start-ups through to the underwriting of co-operative share offers in local co-operatives.

Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals at The Co-operative, said: “We want nothing less than a clean energy revolution, with communities controlling and benefiting from their own renewable energy. Talk of a new dash for gas shales, which could see up to 3,000 wells installed across the UK, highlights the choices we face – more and dirtier sources of fossil fuels or clean energy owned and controlled by communities.”

In the coming months and years, the coalition, who were brought together by The Co-operative and its partners, sustainable development organisations Forum for the Future and Carbon Leapfrog, collectively plan to meet at regular intervals to make practical steps to drive the shared vision forwards and champion community energy among their members. Late last year coalition representatives visited Germany to see examples of other successful community schemes.

Via EPR Network
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The success of the WakaWaka Solar Lamp

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In the beginning there was light for all – and a little later there was electric light for, well, only some of us: 1.5 billion people still live in darkness. Dutch startup Off-Grid Solutions makes an end to developing countries’ killing kerosene dependency. They want their high-tech, low-cost WakaWaka solar LED lamp to light up Africa ‘like a Christmas tree’.

Via Kickstarter.com, the general public is now enthusiastically pre-ordering WakaWaka´s for 35 dollars each. The minimal support to contribute to their mission is one dollar. Thanks to this innovative way of crowdfunding, WakaWaka grows at the speed of light .And with it, the dream of providing all Africans with a sustainable light solution becomes more real by the minute.

1.5 billion people live off-grid. They depend on kerosene fuel for their basic lighting needs. Annually millions of children suffer severe burns from accidents with kerosene lamps. The toxic fumes cause even more health problems. World Bank reports that each day 780 million women and children inhale the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes as a result of indoor air pollution.

Fuels for lighting take up to 20% of income of people who try to survive on less than $2 a day. This way, the poor stay poor. But there is light at the end of the tunnel: WakaWaka solar LED light.

The WakaWaka (‘Shine Bright’ in Swahili) solar lamp uses the latest in patented solar technology developed by Intivation, allowing for superior charging in any weather conditions.

Each day of free solar charging gives 16 hours of decent reading light. It has different light intensities and fits on a bottle, stimulating recycling and opening up opportunities for joint promotions. Innovative distribution methods will reach even the most remote rural areas. Various accessories (cell phone chargers, radios, etc.) are already in development, which will further enhance livelihood and help people get out of poverty.

Co-founder Camille van Gestel: ‘I genuinely believe that if you can make a difference, you must. I have never done anything with so much passion. The support and inquiries we are receiving for WakaWaka from all over the world are as stimulating as they are heartwarming. We are doing the right thing.’

Let’s hope this new bright light spreads fast, for all and everybody. LED there be light.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/229055906/wakawaka-is-the-coolest-solar-led-light

http://www.wakawakalight.com

************************************************************************

About Off-Grid Solutions
Founded in 2011 by 4 partners: sustainable entrepreneur, inspirator and guru Maurits Groen, hands-on change maker and entrepreneur Camille van Gestel, carbon emissions consultants Do-Inc, experts emerging markets and finally Paul Naastepad seasoned executive in clean tech industry.

Via EPR Network
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npower Enthuse Day At Fawley Power Station Sparks Interest In Engineering

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Students from Hardley School and Sixth Form in Holbury, Southampton sparked their interest in engineering taking part in an npower Enthuse day.

Five engineers from Fawley Power Station joined 115, Year 9 students at the Enthuse day. The programme is designed to inspire and engage students aged 12-14 years old in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a range of interactive activities designed to help them think about the impact science and engineering has on their daily lives.

The students were encouraged to think of ways to improve an existing electricity generation idea and product, or to design a completely new concept. They also took part in a series of hands-on activities, helping them to develop their engineering and science related skills and discussed the problem of how the country can meet and reduce the UK’s future demand for energy.

Enthuse, which is part of the npower’s Brighter Futures Programme, aims to inspire young people from their first day at school to their first day at work. This is achieved by helping them to develop their skills and knowledge to make their own choices and empowering them to achieve their vision of a ‘brighter future’ for themselves and for the environment.

Nick Stockdale, Fawley Power Station Manager said: “I think Enthuse days are very important – it’s our opportunity to give young people an insight into the energy industry and highlight opportunities available. I hope we have inspired some of today’s students to really consider this industry as a career option for the future.”

Thomas Ward, a pupil at Hardley School and Sixth Form said: “I really enjoyed all the activities, especially making catapults. I learnt a lot about which careers are involved with science and engineering. This day has really made me think about my future and different career opportunities.”

Head teacher Andy Dyer from Hardley School and Sixth Form added: “The variety of activities gave the students an excellent insight into the diversity and challenges which might face an engineer. It was wonderful to see how students of all abilities were engaged in the activities offered. The staff and students would like to thank the people from Enthuse and npower for their enthusiasm and hard work.”

Since the start of the Enthuse programme in 2007, the educational experience has reached out to over 7,100 students across the UK.

To find out more about npower’s education programme and free resources for schools and community groups, visit www.npower.com/education.

Via EPR Network
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npower Urges Homeowners To Prepare For Cold Temperatures

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npower, the UK based energy supplier, has revealed that it received an 80 per cent increase in call outs to homes with broken boilers last year and as a result, is urging homeowners to properly prepare themselves in preparation for the cold winter months ahead.

With the Met Office predicting cold snaps, it looks as though winter could finally be on its way and if last year’s temperatures are anything to go by, npower has predicted that some Brits could soon be experiencing problems with their heating systems in the run-up to the festive season.

Last year, npower, which services and repairs boilers, saw call outs to broken boilers increase by 80 per cent in December alone as a direct result of the fiercely cold weather. With the possibility of this year’s temperatures plunging well into minus figures, they are urging homeowners to prepare themselves. .

Chris Thewlis, operations manager for npower, says: “Many homeowners don’t give a second thought to their boiler until the cold weather kicks in. Having your boiler serviced beforehand could detect any small problem that might lead to a major disruption to your heating during a particularly chilly period. Dealing with a potential problem before it escalates could save you time and money.”

The cold weather in Britain often has homeowners calling in to their energy supplier and asking for a gas boiler service or repair. Though people with newer boilers may have repair costs covered by their warranties, many homeowners with older boilers face steep repair bills when their boiler breaks down. As a result, npower has urged people to service their boilers before the cold weather hits to avoid potentially expensive repair costs.

Chris also urged homeowners to make sure they have the right amount of loft insulation, which can be a key tool in heating a home. Loft insulation can also be a significant energy saver, saving homeowners money on energy bills as well as helping to keep them warm.

The recommended amount of loft insulation is 270mm, but government figures released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change earlier this year suggested that more than half of homes in the UK aren’t insulated properly.

Via EPR Network
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