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npower Launches New Wallace & Gromit Ad – Hand Of Dog

While many England fans still bear the scars of the fateful game where Maradona proclaimed that the ‘Hand of God’ knocked England out in 1986, Wallace and Gromit exact their revenge in the new npower TV ad.

npower Launches New Wallace & Gromit Ad - Hand Of Dog

The new TV ad supports the Back the Bid 2018 campaign for England to host the FIFA World Cup(TM). As an official supporter of the bid npower is getting behind England 2018, as hosting the World Cup would provide a huge boost for British businesses large and small.

In one of the funniest football ads to be shown on British TV for many years, Wallace & Gromit, the eternal entrepreneurs, are all set to profit from a tournament in England with their madcap pie-making business – “WAG’s Pies Ltd”. As usual, their best-laid plans are threatened when Wallace’s latest invention – a pie-delivery machine – threatens the game with an errant pie.

Gromit sprints through the stands and onto the pitch making a leap for the runaway pie. As he flies through the air and catches hold of the pie, his other paw accidentally makes contact with the football sending it hurtling past the goalie and into the goal.

The advert ends with Wallace smugly viewing the success of his small business venture and Gromit enjoying a read of the local rag. The front page carries a photo of a very familiar dog scoring a goal under the headline “Hand of Dog”.

Via EPR Network
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npower Assists Companies With The CRC

npower has launched a new service to help organisations manage compliance with the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC), and benefit from the incentives it offers.

CRC Assist offers a full service provision to organisations affected by the carbon reduction commitment It provides support to help businesses understand the CRC; assists them with the development of an energy management strategy; and manages their participation in the scheme.

Dave Lewis, head of business energy services at npower, said: “We believe it’s crucial that organisations understand the CRC and the management strategies they should implement to succeed within it. The scheme has been developed to offer significant incentives for the most successful participants and we have developed CRC Assist to ensure organisations are best placed to benefit from these.”

CRC Assist offers support for businesses across the full scope of the CRC legislation and provides an understanding of the CRC. It’s vital that all of the expected 5,000 full participant organisations, and the additional 15,000 participants who will need to register, understand the scheme and what is required of them. CRC Assist promises to cut through the complexities and help businesses understand their involvement in the scheme.

As part of CRC Assist, npower will help participants develop energy management strategies. In the longer term, it will also assist them with managing their performance in the CRC’s league table, which will detail the best and worst performers in terms of emissions reduction. Through effective energy management, organisations will be able to achieve a higher position on the league table.

CRC Assist also offers businesses advice on carbon allowance purchasing, helping to make the ‘cap and trade’ element of the scheme easy. In addition, npower will also support organisations with their records and submissions within the scheme.

The CRC Assist proposal from npower will be specific to the size, scope and strategic objectives of each organisation it works with and is available to all organisations affected by the CRC – whether current, former or prospective customers of npower.

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npower Pledges To Continue Boiler Scrappage Scheme

npower has become the first energy supplier to pledge to continue its boiler scrappage scheme once the Government scheme closes.

The Government’s boiler scrappage scheme launched in January and in the first six weeks alone, over 50,000 households benefited from the initiative*, from a total allocation of 125,000.

npower became the first energy supplier to launch its own boiler scrappage scheme when it promised to match the Government’s £400 grant. The combination of the two scrappage schemes means customers could be eligible to receive as much as £800 towards the cost of a new boiler, when replacing a G rated boiler with an energy efficient A rated boiler.

Kevin Miles, CEO npower retail, said: “The scrappage scheme has proven to be extremely popular and if take-up continues at the same rate, we expect the Government’s scheme to close in April. However, there are still approximately four million households with G-Rated boilers in the UK, which is why we are pledging to continue npower’s boiler scrappage scheme.”

npower’s scheme differs from the Government’s scheme in that customers only have to have a boiler that is over 10 years old to be eligible to receive a £400 discount on a new boiler installation from npower hometeam.

Via EPR Network
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Brit’s Nasty TV Habits Revealed Due to Lack of Family Shows

Millions of Brits are wasting energy by watching one of their three household televisions alone while housemates or relatives watch the same TV show in another room*, according to new research by energy supplier npower.

Lack of family friendly programmes has led to this division in the home showing that the days of family bonding over a favourite television show are sadly long gone – and 46% of Brits have absolutely no idea how much energy they are wasting as a result of this fragmented viewing.

The poll of 2,000 people showed that the reason behind the nation’s disjointed viewing habits seems to have come down to what’s on the box. Last year there were only two shows which brought the family together for communal viewing and both are thanks to Simon Cowell – X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

With three televisions on average per household and no shared preference regarding what’s on, it’s no surprise that the overall energy consumption in homes is responsible for over a quarter of all UK emissions of carbon dioxide. Cutting out certain behaviours like wasteful TV consumption can reduce carbon emissions and save households over £300 a year.

Further figures showed:
– 47% of Brits put the telly on just to keep them company
– 42% of the nation is glued to the screen for approximately four hours a day
– 19% of Brits have a TV dinner every night of the week
– 15% of Brits put the telly on while they’re getting ready in the morning even though they don’t watch it

Reassuringly, the poll revealed that people are not happy with this state of affairs. 32% of the population think television should be a sociable activity and 21% of viewers would prefer to watch television in the company of the rest of the household.

In response, npower has launched its smartpower campaign to encourage the public to watch TV programmes as a unit again and then monitor the difference in their energy consumption and bills via a free smartpower electricity monitor.

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Wallace & Gromit Get Smart With npower On The Small Screen

Fans of Oscar-nominated Wallace and Gromit are to be treated to another dose of the favourite duo as they appear in npower’s new TV advert.

The nation’s favourite animated characters are up to their usual ‘inventive’ mischief in delivering npower’s message of sensible energy consumption in the home. The loveable duo soon learns a valuable lesson in monitoring energy, as another invention goes wrong.

The new advertising campaign created by VCCP for npower is in a 30 and a 40 second format and breaks on 29 March until 7 May on ITV (Mid West & North) and Channel 4.

The 30 second advert opens in a darkened room where Wallace is in a state of panic. Hidden behind a cushion he watches a horror movie on his latest invention, a homemade widescreen TV. Wallace’s widescreen TV defies convention, consisting of multiple TV’s taped together.

However, a scary movie is not the only thing poor Wallace has to worry about when the penny finally drops that his pile of TV’s has in fact become an energy consuming monster.

Luckily, the savvier Gromit saves the day when he receives advice from customer care advisor Penny on how to cut energy consumption.

Our heroine informs Gromit about the npower smartpower electricity monitor, which allows customers to keep an eye on how much energy is being eaten up by all household appliances.

The 40 second advert actually shows the viewers what movie is scaring the life out of Wallace – Revenge of the Killer Watts – as well as having an additional scene of Gromit creeping up on Wallace and passing family photographs of Frankenwallace and Dracuwallace along the way. The end of the advert cuts straight back to the ominous pile of televisions ‘sparking’ to life.

The new Wallace & Gromit advert is part of the energy supplier’s smartpower campaign to help customers monitor and reduce energy consumption in the home with the offer of free smartpower electricity monitors when existing and new customers sign up to an online account.

Kevin Peake, marketing director at npower, commented: “We’re all guilty of being like Wallace and Gromit and wasting too much energy in the home, but we want to show that there are ways where we can help our customers save energy and money.

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npower Urges Businesses To Make CRC A Board Level Priority

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npower has launched a plea for businesses to make the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) a board level concern and develop a strategy to manage participation to avoid financial loss and reputational damage.

npower Urges Businesses To Make CRC A Board Level Priority

This is the message of a new film – Understanding the CRC from energy firm npower, designed to help businesses prepare for the scheme and avoid potential pitfalls. npower’s film provides guidance on qualification for the CRC, the importance of managing energy and carbon emissions to succeed under the scheme, and the reputational implications of the CRC league table that will name and shame those participants failing to reduce emissions.

It also points out the potential financial benefits of the scheme. DECC calculates that the CRC will stimulate £1bn of cost savings for participants through better energy efficiency.

A further message coming through loud and clear from the film is the importance of having a board member responsible for the CRC. Annual ‘evidence packs’ detailing participants’ energy consumption must have board level sign off. The CRC will also require enterprise-wide investment and behaviour change to improve energy efficiency, which typically can only be sanctioned at the highest level.

Dave Lewis, head of business energy services at npower said: “A lot of businesses are turning to us for advice on the CRC and it’s clear that many are still unclear on the obligations it places on them, and the opportunities and challenges it presents. Our film answers these questions and will hopefully go some way in addressing the concerns that some organisations have. Those affected by the scheme only have until the end of September to register, so it’s important they understand what they need to do and how they can make the CRC benefit their business. This must be driven from the very top if businesses are to realise all the advantages the CRC offers.”

npower helps companies monitor and manage energy consumption to bring commercial and environmental benefits. To help achieve this, npower has developed a monitoring and targeting (M&T) tool – encompass. A web-based system, encompass gives businesses accurate and timely information on their energy consumption, providing them with the data they need to implement cost and CO2 reduction policies. The system automatically collects data from half-hourly and smart meters, providing a detailed report on a business’ energy consumption behaviour, and the related cost and environmental impacts of this. With this data, benchmarks can be set and consumption tracked, alongside mapping of carbon use and cost.

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npower Reports Solar Energy Boost From Cashback Scheme

npower has reported that, thanks to a new government cashback scheme, those who use solar power to generate their own electricity could soon earn approximately £960 per year.

npower Reports Solar Energy Boost From Cashback Scheme

Introduced by the government in April 2010, Feed in Tariffs, or FITs, as they’re more often referred to, offer homeowners with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels a payment of up to 41.3p for every unit of electricity they generate.

James Morgan, solar expert for npower, commented: “This is great news for homeowners. Put simply, owners of solar photovoltaic panels, which produce electricity, will be paid for all the energy they generate – regardless of whether they use it themselves or sell it back to the grid. So not only will your energy bills be reduced, but you will also be receiving a regular income from the energy you generate.

“Consequently, there’s never been a better time to be installing solar panels on your home. Since the introduction of the scheme, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people interested in going solar, as the extra financial benefit offered by FITs means that the payback period has been reduced to around 15 years for a typical installation costing around £12,000.”

Solar photovoltaic (PV) uses energy from the sun to create electricity to run appliances and lighting in the home. Solar PV requires only daylight – not direct sunlight – to generate electricity, making it incredibly efficient. The system also generates no greenhouse gases, helping to reduce homeowners’ carbon footprint.

Ronald and Wendy Jordan from Cornwall are one couple who will benefit from Feed-in-Tariffs. They run their own beef farm and bed and breakfast near Lostwithiel and decided to invest their savings in solar PV panels while interest rates were low.

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npower Boosts Barclaycard Freedom Scheme With Reward Worth Up To £160

The reward, the first in the scheme to be paid regardless of the amount the customer spends on their card, is recorded in pounds not points, and can be spent by customers immediately with tens of thousands of participating retailers across the UK.

npower Boosts Barclaycard Freedom Scheme With Reward Worth Up To £160

Celebrating the partnership, npower is doubling its sign-up incentive to £60* of Reward Money for Barclaycard Freedom customers transferring their gas and electricity to npower before May 17th 2010. Along with the £100 annual loyalty payment for both new and existing npower customers paying by monthly direct debit for both fuels, Barclaycard Freedom holders could earn enough in a year to buy a meal out for the entire family, special treat for someone or have a shopping spree online, simply by choosing npower as their gas and electricity supplier.

Giuseppe Di Vita, Managing Director of npower Retail Markets, commented: “Our customers have told us that they would like more freedom of choice in the way that they are rewarded for joining and staying with npower. Participating in the Barclaycard Freedom scheme enables us to give our customers the choice of up to 30,000 retailers to redeem their Reward Money. Our customers will benefit from a straightforward, simple and transparent way to get more value for their money.”

Barclaycard Freedom, which launches in March, offers the concept of a rewards programme to many small and medium retailers for the first time. In addition to encompassing household names, including npower, over 30,000 retail outlets have been invited to be part of the scheme at launch. On average there will be 200 retailers within a five mile radius of where a Barclaycard cardholder lives and many more retailers are expected to join in the coming months.

Sarah Newman, Managing Director of Barclaycard Freedom, commented: “Barclaycard Freedom incorporates all of the best elements of a rewards scheme with no vouchers or coupons to collect and no points to calculate – the rewards are quite simply in pounds and pence. Offers like npower’s – the first of its kind in the Barclaycard Freedom scheme – give customers a new way that they can build up their reward balance. We hope that customers enjoy spending their Reward Money.”

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$4.8 Million Dollar Energy Efficiency Program comes to the Sierra Nevada

Local governments and businesses in 14 Sierra Nevada counties will have new access to cutting edge, energy efficient technology through a new collaboration between Sierra Business Council and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). From 2010 to 2012, Sierra Business Council, a non-profit organization based in Truckee, CA will be offering free energy audits and low-cost retrofits to commercial PG&E customers in the Sierra Nevada through a new program called the Sierra Nevada Energy Watch.

$4.8 Million Dollar Energy Efficiency Program comes to the Sierra Nevada

“During this tough economic downturn, we are excited to be able to support our local businesses and governments by offering cost-cutting energy efficiency services,” said Steve Frisch, President of the Sierra Business Council. “This project embodies our long-standing mission of demonstrating that environmental quality and economic prosperity are compatible goals.”

In addition to offering energy efficiency services and products, the program will help local governments conduct greenhouse gas inventories and develop climate action plans to help the state meet its AB32 emission reduction goals. The program takes a comprehensive approach to the region’s energy needs. “We aren’t just dropping in light bulbs,” explained Program Manager, Betony Jones, “We are looking for deep, long-term savings, and we are developing the local workforce capacity to provide clean energy services far into the future.”

The Sierra Nevada Energy Watch program is funded by California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. It offers services for municipal, special district, and non-profit facilities as well as small and medium businesses throughout the PG&E service area from Lassen to Mariposa Counties. Those interested in participating in the program or learning more should contact Sierra Business Council at 530-582-4800.

For more information about the Sierra Nevada Energy Watch Program, and to see tips on saving energy at home and the workplace, please visit www.sbcouncil.org/energywatch.

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npower Welcomes Cash Rewards For Low Carbon Electricity And Heating

npower has welcomed the Government’s announcement regarding Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) levels and urged consumers to buy now to take advantage of the Government scheme.

The scheme offers financial assistance when installing solar PV panels, potentially earning customers £986 per year.

Julia Lynch-Williams, Director of Energy Services for npower, commented: “According to Government calculations, consumers generating their own electricity from solar PV panels could earn approximately £986 per year from tax free generation payments and bill savings combined.

“The new Feed-in-Tariff arrangement means homeowners have the opportunity to earn more than ever before from generating their own electricity and together with a grant, solar is certainly a more attractive investment than it’s ever been. Given that the Government has increased generation levels since the consultation in July, now definitely looks to be the best time to buy.”

With a typical installation costing around £12,000, FITs will see the payback period considerably reduced.

npower has seen enquiries in solar panels increase by 200 per cent since the Feed-in-Tariffs were first announced in July 2009, and expects this trend to continue.

To help homeowners take advantage of FITs, npower solar offers a complete ‘one-stop-shop’ service including site survey, grant application support, installation and buy back of excess energy.

npower’s website includes guidance for homeowners on solar installations, including a suitability calculator which tells homeowners whether their property is suitable for solar installations and offers a free estimate for installation.

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BPU’s Townsend and Johnson receive 2010 Black Achievers Award

Patrice Townsend, Key Account Utility Specialist for the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities and Cynthia Johnson, Superintendent of Stores, were recently named recipients of the 2010 Black Achievers in Business and Industry Award, sponsored by the Southern Leadership Christian Conference of Greater Kansas City and the Black Achievers Society. Townsend and Johnson were honored at a Recognition Dinner on January 14, 2010.

BPU's Townsend and Johnson receive 2010 Black Achievers Award

The Black Achievers Award is awarded to African Americans in middle to upper management business positions in Kansas City who display corporate accomplishment, better their community through civic and philanthropic activity, and mentor others around them to exceed and achieve.

“Patrice and Cynthia are terrific well-respected utility employees, professional in their work capacity and active within the community,” stated Don Gray, General Manager of the BPU. “Both have achieved greater responsibility within the organization, continued their education and professional development, and remained active in civic and other causes.”

Townsend, a 25-year employee with the BPU, worked her way up from a Customer Service Representative to the key position she holds today, where she acts as the primary liaison to key utility customers. In the community, she has served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Wyandotte County, is president of the BPU’s Employee Foundation, Inc., coordinates the Annual Day of Caring within the community, assists with Back-to-School Project fundraising efforts, and organizes BPU’s support for the KCK Housing Authority’s “Christmas in the City” annual event. Townsend graduated from Sumner High School , attended Kansas City , Kansas Community College where she earned an Associates Degree in Business, received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rockhurst College , and is currently working towards a Master of Arts Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.

Johnson, a 24-year employee with the BPU, has also achieved positions of greater responsibility, working her way up from Stock Control Clerk to her position today in which she is responsible for all inventory management and control of the utility’s five logistic warehouses. In the community, she is a 2009 graduate of Leadership 2000, a nine-month leadership initiative that trains area leaders in community service. Johnson also assists two faith-based community projects that assist in clothing the homeless and elderly, and assisting battered women. In her church, she serves as a key administrator for its community outreach programs that administers through theatrical productions and serves as Superintendent of Christian Education. Johnson graduated from Washington High School , and has participated in numerous training and professional development courses offered by BPU.

About BPU
BPU is a public utility that serves approximately 65,000 electric and 51,000 water customers, primarily in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The mission of the utility and its 640 employees is “to be the utility of choice and the workplace of choice, while improving the quality of life in the communities we serve.” Go to www.bpu.com for more information.

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npower Bill Gets Top Marks For Plain English And Clarity

npower is introducing new bills for its customers. The new bill, based on extensive research and feedback from customers, call centre staff and consumer groups, has received the Plain English Campaign’s Crystal Mark for clarity for its information page.

The front page of the new bill has been designed with a ‘less is more’ approach. It is extremely clear and easy to read, with the front page summary now simply showing the customer’s account details; npower’s customer service number; exactly how much the customer owes or is owed; whether the bill is estimated or based on a meter reading; and emergency contact details.

On the second page, there is a ‘jargon buster’ section, which clearly explains the unavoidable technical terms that have to be included on any energy bill, such as ‘calorific value’ and ‘correction factor’. It also talks customers through ‘what’s a watt?’ and explains exactly how npower works out customers’ bills.

The third page, detailing how the customer’s account balance has been calculated, has been amended to make the calculations clearer and also includes an energy usage graph so that customers can compare their usage over a set period of time to the corresponding period the previous year.

“Our discussions with customers and stakeholders have told us that people want their energy bills to be clearer and simpler; they want to know how much they have to pay and how that amount has been calculated,” explained Chris Johnson, managing director of npower’s retail operations.

“This is just one of the ways in which we’re working hard to improve our service to customers: we’re committed to listening to our customers, understanding what they want, and delivering products and services that meet their needs.”

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npower Encourages Homeowners To Act Fast To Save Cash

npower has announced that thousands of fast-acting homeowners will be the first in England to benefit from the new Government boiler scrappage scheme as the Energy Saving Trust posts application forms for consumers to claim the £400 discount.

First to receive the details are those who have already registered with the Energy Saving Trust. Thousands of forms are being issued on the first day alone. With only 125,000 grants available on a first come first serve basis, energy company npower is urging homeowners wanting to benefit from the scheme to register quickly to avoid disappointment.

npower was the first energy supplier to launch its own boiler scrappage scheme, matching the Government’s offer. This means consumers could be eligible to receive as much as £800 towards the cost of a new boiler when replacing one that is G rated – which could be almost a third off the cost of an installation. npower’s offer also extends to any boiler 10 years or older so even if it isn’t G-rated, homeowners can still enjoy a discount.

npower hometeam, which installs, services and repairs boilers, has already seen huge interest in the offer and it is expecting more now that Energy Saving Trust mailing has started.

Kevin Miles, CEO npower retail, said: “The scrappage scheme is great news for homeowners and the perfect opportunity to install a new energy efficient boiler to help cut your heating bills. If you want to take advantage of getting £800 off an installation, the important thing is to act fast or you could be disappointed. There’s approximately four million G-rated boilers in the UK*, but there’s only 125,000 grants available under the scheme. Our advice is don’t leave it too late, get it before it’s gone.”

For more details on the Energy Saving Trust £400 voucher please call 0800 512 012.
For further information on npower’s £400 offer please call 0800 0722 999.

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Opus Energy Launches Gas Market Service

In response to customer demand, the UK’s largest independent business energy supplier, Opus Energy, has expanded its market portfolio to offer a new gas service to small and medium (SME) businesses.

The gas service offers customers a clear alternative to existing market suppliers and includes many of the popular benefits already available with Opus’ successful electricity products. Customers will have access to competitively priced, fixed-term contracts, shielding them from gas market price fluctuations. Existing electricity customers will continue to receive the same high standard of customer care with the ease of only having one supplier.

The energy supplier currently provides electricity to over 60,000 sites across the UK and entry into the gas market is proving successful. Since the first supply went live in the middle of October 2009, sales have exceeded expectations, with over 1,000 customers already signed up.

Opus Energy has the flexibility to buy gas from a number of market sources and is therefore able to respond quickly to market price changes, and pass cost-savings directly onto customers. The gas service will initially be marketed to existing and new SME customers.

Charlie Crossley Cooke, founder and Managing Director of Opus Energy, said:

“Opus Energy has successfully been supplying electricity to the business market for seven years. We’ve experienced significant growth based on our competitive pricing, exceptional level of customer service and an incremental growth strategy. We have responded to the high level of customer demand for gas products and will apply the same principles to ensure that we become a first rate gas supplier.

“The expansion of the gas service will be developed to ensure we continue to see overall company growth and maintain the high levels of customer service expected from Opus Energy.”

Businesses can receive a competitive online quote for gas services by visiting www.opusenergy.com or calling 0845 0405810.

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Opus Energy Signs A Supply Contract With John Lewis, Leading UK Retailer

The John Lewis deal part of £20m new customer growth for Opus Corporate Solutions. Opus Energy, a leading independent electricity supplier to UK businesses, today announced a host of new supply agreements with leading UK corporates including John Lewis, White Stuff, DPD and Heritage Great Britain.

Opus Energy

Opus Energy, a leading independent electricity supplier to UK businesses, today announced a host of new supply agreements with leading UK corporates including John Lewis, White Stuff, DPD and Heritage Great Britain.

The customer wins form part of an additional £20m of new agreements, contracted by Opus Corporate Solutions in the last six months.

Opus Energy will supply 123 sites for one of Britain’s best loved retailers, John Lewis, in a two year deal worth £3.6m.

Bill Wright, Corporate Energy and Environment Manager at John Lewis said: “We look forward to forging a partnership with Opus Energy. As a dynamic company we need our suppliers to respond efficiently to our business’ needs. Opus Energy listened closely to our requirements during the tender process and offered a bespoke service at a competitive price.”

Steve James, Commercial Director and head of Opus Corporate Solutions for Opus Energy said, “We are delighted to be working with a number of high-profile UK corporates, including one of Britain’s best loved brands, John Lewis. These are important customer wins for Opus Energy and support our position as a leading provider in the energy retail industry. As the majority of our business is won off the back of our reputation and service delivery, our recent successes are a great testament to Opus Energy’s dedication to providing a first class package.”

Opus Corporate Solutions provided a bespoke, tailored tendering solution for the John Lewis Partnership Plc, collating its non half hourly sites into one simplified response. In addition, John Lewis will benefit from an Opus Energy tailored billing solution and levy-exempt renewable electricity supply.

Their flexible processes also appealed to John Lewis as Opus Energy were able to start supplying the retailer with electricity in a shorter time than standard industry practices.

Established in 2002, Opus Energy has grown to supply over 50,000 sites across the UK and is now an established electricity provider to large corporates. Opus Corporate Solutions has demonstrated that through dedicated resources and innovative solutions it continues to succeed in winning and retaining large corporate customers.

Opus Corporate Solutions provides a tailored service for each customer, this includes:

• Levy exempt electricity supply as standard, as 60 per cent of Opus Energy’s supply comes from cleaner sources

• Free Smart Meters** offered to Opus Energy customers

• A dedicated Opus Energy account manager and online account support platform

• Flexible, accurate timely billing

• The Opus Evolution platform which is a flexible purchasing solution that gives customers access to wholesale energy prices

About Opus Energy
Opus Energy is a leading independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, Opus Energy employs over 200 people. Opus Energy supplies over 50,000 UK business sites across all sectors. Large customers include: Stagecoach, Thorntons, Farmfoods, FirstGroup, Cumbria County Council and John Lewis.

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Opus Energy Urges Businesses Not To Overlook The Savings That Can Be Made Through Proactive Electricity Management


opusenergy

Opus Energy, a leading independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses, has today launched a new website offering specialist electricity advice to businesses across the UK.

The online service has been specifically created by Opus Energy to provide practical advice to businesses on issues such as being more energy efficient, measuring electricity usage and how to reduce bills.

The new Opus Energy advice site is a one stop shop for businesses to learn how to:
• Carry out a site energy review
• Make energy saving steps in the workplace
• Switch to different tariff
• Lower electricity bills

The website was launched after Opus Energy completed a poll of 500 small businesses in the UK and found that only 3% of managers would review their gas or electricity tariffs in order to make business savings in the current economic downturn.

Saving by switching
Energy is a widely overlooked business service that has the potential to provide vital savings for companies who want to make more of an impact to their bottom line.

Duncan Lebbern, Financial Director of RIF Worldwide, a logistics service provider, reviewed the company’s overheads after his import business was affected by the economic downturn. Money saved from switching supplier to Opus Energy helped Duncan expand his company: opening three new offices in the UK this year. He said: “We all rely on electricity to power our working days whether during a downturn or otherwise. Switching supplier to Opus Energy allowed us to run the business economically, allowing us to grow our company even during these tough times.”

Saving by monitoring
As well as identifying the savings that could be made by switching supplier, the Opus Energy advice website provides information about measuring energy and smart metering. Research from the Carbon Trust shows that by simply monitoring energy use in the workplace, companies could save over 12.3% on their bills.

Steve James, Commercial Director at Opus Energy, said: “The Opus Energy advice website has been launched to help our customers and UK businesses understand how to reduce their overheads and improve efficiency at a time when every penny counts. We’re encouraging businesses to take a proactive approach. By taking control of their tariff, monitoring their usage and taking steps to be more energy efficient, UK businesses can realise substantial financial savings and make a real impact to their bottom line in this economic downturn.”

Saving by upgrading
The Opus Energy advice site also provides information for businesses wishing to apply for a Carbon Trust interest-free loan enabling them to upgrade to more energy efficient equipment. Many Carbon Trust customers find that the energy savings they make using their new efficient equipment more than covers their loan repayments. All the information businesses need to find out about the scheme is easily accessible on the Opus Energy advice site, alongside links to carbon calculators and loan application details.

From making sure your business is more energy efficient and reducing your bills, through to how to getting your hands on interest free energy loans, Opus Energy is on hand to help offer advice.

The new website from Opus Energy can be found at
http://electricityadvice.opusenergy.com/

About Opus Energy
Opus Energy is a leading independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses. Opus Energy supplies over 50,000 UK business sites across all sectors. Large customers include: Stagecoach (LSE: SGC.L), Thorntons (LSE: THT.L), Farmfoods, FirstGroup (LSE: FGP.L), Cumbria County Council and Deloitte & Touche.

Over the last two years (between April 2006 and March 2008), over 60% of the energy supplied by Opus Energy to its customers came from cleaner, low-carbon sources – 54% from renewable generators and 8% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) produced by CHP generators. These CHP generators have been awarded accreditation by the regulator, Ofgem, for producing cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.

Opus Energy’s management team has a 50 percent stake in the business, while International Power Plc (LSE: IPR.L) holds 30 percent and Telecom Plus Plc (LSE: TEP.L) has 20 percent. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, Opus Energy employs 230 people. For further information about Opus Energy, please see www.opusenergy.com.

1. ‘Advanced Metering for SMEs’ report published by The Carbon Trust, summer 2007.
http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy/startsaving/carbon_news_summer_07_SME.htm

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Opus Energy Signs Halfords To Reach A Total Of 50,000 UK Business Sites

Opus Energy, the independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses, has recently signed Halfords, bringing 

the total number of UK business sites it supplies up to 50,000.

Now the largest electricity supplier to UK businesses outside the Big Six, Opus Energy has expanded further in the last 12 months:

  • Electricity supplied to an extra 10,000 UK business sites in the last 12 months
  • 26% year on year growth

Halfords has entered into a two year contract with Opus Energy, with the supply starting in April 2009. Opus Energy will provide 52GWh to the bicycle and motoring specialist chain, across 440 sites.

Opus Energy is attracting a growing number of large corporate customers through the development of a unique wholesale purchasing platform, Opus Evolution.

Opus Evolution gives companies control of their energy purchasing strategies, enabling them to choose how much energy they purchase and when. For example, in a volatile market companies using Opus Evolution have the flexibility to purchase a smaller percentage of their total energy demand over a number of purchases rather than being restricted to one buying opportunity per year. Opus Evolution offers an alternative to a fixed price contract for the first time to this sector,

Andy Taylor, Commercial Manager at Halfords said: “Opus Evolution will be a very useful tool for us. We can control our energy purchasing across the whole portfolio, but also monitor the consumption levels at each site using the online reporting tool. This is really key for us as a retail company with a large number of active sites to manage.”

Steve James, Commercial Director for Opus Energy said: “We’ve drawn on extensive retail sector experience to provide a tailored solution for Halfords. Opus Evolution will give Halfords control over their energy needs and projected spend, but we as a team can also help them on a day to day basis. They will benefit from a single point of contact at Opus to simplify account management, and as Halfords are a growing company we can help by quickly connecting new sites to their expanding portfolio.”

On the news that Opus Energy is now supplying 50,000 business sites across the UK,Charlie Crossley Cooke, MD and founder of Opus Energy said: “It’s fantastic to reach this landmark. Customers are our core business and we re-sign a very high number of our accounts as a result of a focus on excellent customer service. We’ve grown the Opus Energy business by listening to our customers’ needs and finding solutions. The Opus Evolution product is a great example of this – a unique answer to a market wide problem. It is this type of innovation which will help us continue to expand into 2009.”

About Opus Energy

Opus Energy is a leading independent supplier of electricity offering tailor-made solutions for the UK SME and corporate markets. Its market-leading innovations are driven by customer needs and the company is committed to helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint through procurement of energy from cleaner sources.

Opus Energy supplies 50,000 UK business sites across all sectors. Large customers include: Stagecoach, Thorntons, Farmfoods, FirstGroup, Cumbria County Council and Deloitte & Touche.

Over the last two years (between April 2006 and March 2008), 62% of the energy supplied by Opus Energy to its customers came from cleaner, low-carbon sources – 54% from renewable generators and 8% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) produced by CHP generators. These CHP generators have been awarded accreditation by the regulator, Ofgem, for producing cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.

Opus Energy’s management team has a 50 percent stake in the business, while International Power Plc (LSE:IPR.L) holds 30 percent and Telecom Plus Plc (LSE: TEP.L ) has 20 percent. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, it employs 200 people.

For further information about Opus Energy, please see www.opusenergy.com For further information about Opus Evolution, please see http://opusevolution.opusenergy.com

About Halfords
The Group employs in excess of 10,500 staff and sells over 10,000 different product lines, ranging from car parts and cycles through to the latest in-car technology, alloy wheels, child seats, roof boxes and outdoor leisure and camping equipment.

Halfords’ own brands include Ripspeed, for car enhancement and Bikehut, for cycles and cycling accessories, including the Apollo and Carrera brands. Two further premium brands were added during 2008; Boardman cycles and accessories, where Halfords has exclusive UK distribution rights, and URBAN Escape for camping equipment. Operating from 455 stores, including four stores in the Czech Republic, 25 smaller format, neighbourhood stores and six standalone cycle stores, Halfords offers a “wefit” service for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a “werepair” service for cycles. Halfords: shop in store, buy on line, or use the new “Reserve & Collect” service to acquire products on line at www.halfords.com.

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Older Generation Are More Likely To Take Energy And Money Saving Steps

Over 55s are 25% more likely to shrink their monthly bills by being energy efficient than the younger generation, according to a new survey from Opus Energy, an independent electricity supplier for UK businesses.

The survey asked over 500 people about the energy saving steps they take both at home and at work. The findings showed that when it comes to tightening belts this Christmas the “baby boomer” generation are steps ahead of younger generations. Having lived through two recessions and grown up in post-war Britain, the over 55s are well versed in making those small steps that add up to real financial savings.

The results showed that the over 55s are well versed at making efficient use of modern technology. In the workplace, the baby boomers are three times more likely than dilligently switch off phone chargers when not in use, with 43% switching of compared to just one in ten (13%) of under 25s making the effort.

The baby-boomers also have the most ‘efficient’ tea breaks at work with more than half the over 55s (55%) taking care not to boil more water than they need each time compared to under a third (27%) of under 25s.

Even though two thirds (66%) of young Brits claim they are switching to energy saving bulbs to help curb costs at home, a staggering nine out of ten (88%) over 55s said they had already made the energy efficient swap.

Under 25s were also more likely to think that making a business or a home energy efficient would increase its running costs. But as the baby boomers are clearly demonstrating, when energy costs are high and belts are tightening, small energy saving steps can be enough to equate to big savings.

Louise Boland, Director at Opus Energy said:

“It’s clear that having lived through two recessions, our older generations are more adept at taking steps to save on their energy usage to cut their bills. What is interesting is that the older generations have really embraced the energy saving benefits of modern technology, to an even greater degree than their younger counterparts.

“Technology such as energy saving bulbs can be more expensive in the short term, but over their life time will save you up to £35 in electricity costs. It’s a myth that being more environmentally friendly has to be more expensive. At Opus Energy, we source over half our energy from renewable generators and cleaner, low-carbon sources as standard. This way all the businesses we supply enjoy cleaner energy with minimum fuss and no extra cost.”

About Opus Energy
Opus Energy is a leading independent supplier of electricity offering tailor-made solutions for the UK SME and corporate markets. Its market-leading innovations are driven by customer needs and the company is committed to helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint through procurement of energy from cleaner sources.

Opus Energy has over 40,000 customers across all sectors. Large customers include: Yell Group, Thorntons, Farmfoods, Cumbria County Council and Deloitte & Touche.

Over the last two years (between April 2006 and March 2008), 62% of the energy supplied by Opus Energy to its customers came from cleaner, low-carbon sources – 54% from renewable generators and 8% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) produced by CHP generators. These CHP generators have been awarded accreditation by the regulator, Ofgem, for producing cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.

Opus Energy’s management team has a 50 percent stake in the business, while International Power Plc (LSE:IPR.L) holds 30 percent and Telecom Plus Plc (LSE: TEP.L ) has 20 percent. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, it employs 200 people.

For further information, please see www.opusenergy.com

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Sandwell Homes has signed up with Opus Energy to supply their offices with renewable and cleaner energy as part of the company’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint

Opus Energy, an independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses, won an 18 month contract with Sandwell Homes worth in the region of £1million.

Sandwell Homes, which is responsible for managing 30,000 council properties on behalf of Sandwell MBC, wanted to be proactive in becoming more environmentally responsible. Opus’s simple approach of sourcing cleaner energy for every customer appealed to Sandwell’s vision for both the company and the borough.

Sandwell Homes’ Environmental Manager, Tony Thompson, said: “This is the first step in a series of environmentally friendly measures planned for Sandwell Homes. We will be reviewing our waste, recycling and transport CO2 emissions and hope to make savings for the company and on behalf of the taxpayer in the long-term. We are committed to influencing the local community by setting the example and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Members of Sandwell Homes’ new environmental steering group signed up to the eco-challenge by painting their hands green and marking a symbolic giant footprint at the start of the group’s first meeting.

Steve James, Commercial Director at Opus Energy said: “We are really enthusiastic about supporting Sandwell Homes in their goal to be environmentally responsible. We worked closely with the team to suit the company’s individual requirements and were able to source a cost neutral renewable energy which is Levy exempt. We will also be installing smart meters at no additional cost which is a great way of monitoring and reducing electricity consumption.”

• Opus Energy will be installing over 800 smart meters at Sandwell Homes sites
• The Carbon Trust suggests that smart metering could reduce the average business’ consumption by 12.3% a year
• Other councils using smart meters include Cambridge and Cumbria City Councils

About Opus Energy

Opus Energy is a leading independent supplier of electricity offering tailor-made solutions for the UK SME and corporate markets. Its market-leading innovations are driven by customer needs and the company is committed to helping businesses become more environmentally responsible through procurement of energy from cleaner sources.

Opus Energy has over 40,000 customers across all sectors. Large customers include: Yell Group, Thorntons, Farmfoods, Cumbria County Council and Deloitte & Touche.

Over the last two years (between April 2006 and March 2008), 62% of the energy supplied by Opus Energy to its customers came from cleaner, low-carbon sources – 54% from renewable generators and 8% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) produced by CHP generators. These CHP generators have been awarded accreditation by the regulator, Ofgem, for producing cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.

Opus Energy’s management team has a 50 percent stake in the business, while International Power Plc (LSE:IPR.L) holds 30 percent and Telecom Plus Plc (LSE: TEP.L ) has 20 percent. With offices in Northampton and Oxford, it employs 200 people.

For more information please visit: http://opusevolution.opusenergy.com

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Npower Calls On Small Businesses In The UK To Be More Energy Efficient And Save Up To 20 Per Cent On Energy Bills

Small businesses in the UK are being urged to be energy efficient and save up to 20% on energy bills as the economy continues to bite.

The call comes as energy company npower completes a series of small business energy makeovers which have shown that saving energy is often one of the easiest ways of reducing costs and can be done through simple steps that together make a big difference.

npower’s energy efficiency makeovers have helped four businesses cut their energy spend by £1,200 and, at the same time, reduce CO2 output by almost 4.9 tonnes. With many SMEs facing difficult trading and financial uncertainty, npower believes these energy efficiency measures serve as examples of the cost savings that can be achieved in all workplaces.

Reducing the air conditioning temperature setting in a pub by a mere 2 degrees C will provide a cost saving of some £232 a year, while energy saving measures implemented at a printing press will be enough to cover the running costs of one of its machines everyday for nearly four months. Simply defrosting the fridge freezer and replacing lighting will contribute to cutting a car auction’s energy bill by £300, while draught proofing doors and changing light bulbs in a shop could lead to savings of £400 on its energy bills.

npower’s team of energy saving experts visited the range of businesses – including a pub , small printers, car auction and a shoe repair shop – to offer practical assistance to reduce energy consumption .

The team replaced light bulbs with energy saving equivalents; defrosted fridges and freezers; switched kettles to eco-friendlier alternatives; adjusted air conditioning and fitted reflective radiator panels; fitted timers to electrical equipment to switch if off when not in use; draught-proofed doors and even installed a wind-up radio and solar powered phone charger, substituting them for existing electric equivalents

“At times like these, every penny counts and we’ve demonstrated simple steps that small businesses in any sector can undertake to save money.” said Steve Fitzsimons, business energy manager at npower.

“Our recent survey has shown 60% of British adults believe that energy is being wasted in their businesses yet when you’re busy running your company it can sometimes seem difficult to dedicate time to cutting costs. Putting in place a range of energy saving measures for little or no cost will cut their energy bills without compromising operations,” added Fitzsimons.

Businesses wanting advice on cutting energy bills should visit npower, where they can sign-up to receive an advice pack and free Current Cost monitor, which will help them track how energy is being used.

About npower:
npower is dedicated to helping UK businesses use energy more efficiently and therefore spend less money on their bills. npower aims to have a positive impact on the communities it serves and reduce customers’ carbon footprints whilst always improving the service to customers.

npower specialises in risk management solutions, including market-leading flexible energy purchasing, energy efficiency, and broader energy management functions, tailored to every size of business. For major energy users, npower offers multi-utility management consultancy to enable organisations to improve efficiencies right across the procurement/consumption chain.

npower is committed to helping its small business customers to improve their energy efficiency. Since 2006 the ‘e3’ campaign (standing for energy, efficiency, environment) npower has offered business customers advice and guidance on reducing energy consumption. New business customers receive an energy monitor designed to improve their consumption awareness as well as access to a dedicate energy efficiency telephone helpline and website.

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