Alternative Fuels, Clean Energy, Energy, Green Energy, Hydrogen Power, Renewable Energy, Services

Dr. Edward Lovelace Has Been Appointed By Free Flow Power as Executive VP of Engineering

Free Flow Power Corporation announced today that Dr. Edward Lovelace has joined the company as Executive Vice President of Engineering at its wholly-owned subsidiary, Free Flow Power Technology LLC. Dr.

Lovelace will also be joining Free Flow Power Technology’s board of directors. Free Flow Power is a hydropower and hydrokinetic technology and project development company with offices in Gloucester, Massachusetts, New Orleans, Louisiana and Bellingham, Washington.

Dr. Lovelace was formerly Director of Engineering Development at Satcon Technology Corporation (NASDAQ CM: SATC), a market leader in power inverters that aggregate electricity from large-scale solar installations and synchronize it with the grid, and a developer of machinery and controls technology for propulsion and power conversion.

Prior to his nine years with Satcon, Dr. Lovelace spent six years with General Electric, where he was a Senior Control System Engineer in the Aircraft Engines Business Group. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, and a minor in Technology and Policy, all from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received the three-year Eisenhower Doctoral Fellowship award and has published and presented several papers primarily in the field of permanent magnet machinery and controls, including a first-prize paper for the IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.

In announcing the new hire, Daniel Irvin, the CEO of Free Flow Power, commented“This is a key position for us. Ed is the perfect guy to optimize utility scale systems that bring output from many variable speed generators to the grid or a large industrial consumer.”

Dr. Lovelace remarked, “I have followed Free Flow Power’s developments since last year and became captivated by their whole approach from the product technology to the business strategy. I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to put my skills to work driving the engineering development plan through successful commercialization, and joining a team that has everything we need to succeed in this environment. Hydropower has been undervalued as a clean renewable resource, which is truly amazing given how significant the opportunity is in this arena.”

Free Flow Power Corporation is a hydropower and hydrokinetic generation company operating through two subsidiaries, Free Flow Power Technology and Free Flow Power Development. Free Flow Power Technology has developed the SmarTurbine Generator hydrokinetic technology to extract energy from moving water without building new dams or diversions or causing other adverse environmental impacts. The company is developing projects to deploy its hydrokinetic generators and to install hydroelectric generators on existing dams. Most of these projects are on the Mississippi River.

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Baffling Utility Bills Leave Consumers Confused, Bemused And Definitely Not Amused

Consumers are being left confused, badly informed and potentially vulnerable to debt because of the poor quality of some major household bills, according to uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service. The warning comes after new research revealed stark differences in the standard of bills being issued by different industry sectors. While some are simple and straightforward for people to understand, others are leaving consumers totally confused.

Energy suppliers, water companies and home telephone and broadband providers are responsible for the most confusing household bills. Of these, energy bills appear to be the most complicated – three quarters (75%) of consumers find them confusing. Other utility providers are not doing much better either – 59% of consumers find their home telephone, broadband and DTV bills confusing, matched by those left confused by water bills (59%).

Worryingly, 68% of consumers find energy bills harder to understand than other household bills. On average households are spending £1,243 a year on energy bills, but only four in ten consumers (40%) find it easy to work out how their energy company has calculated their bill. Suppliers also seem to be failing to communicate on a basic level with their customers – only 39% of people think that their energy bills are written in plain English. Less than half (45%) think that the name of their energy plan is easy to understand.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are banks and building societies, where almost three quarters (72%) of consumers find their bills and statements simple and straightforward to understand. Personal finance companies generally seem to be issuing customer-friendly information in a format that most people can understand – just 41% of consumers find credit and store card bills confusing.

The findings suggest that the energy industry is lagging behind other sectors in being able to communicate simply and clearly with customers. This could leave consumers disadvantaged as energy bills account for a sizeable chunk of the average annual household budget. Experts also predict that energy bills will quadruple within the next 10 years. If consumers are to be able to manage this aspect of their budget, and be able to make an informed decision when switching, they need to be able to understand basic information such as their consumption, spend and tariff details.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: “Nobody likes bills, but they do play a fundamental part in the relationship between a company and its customers. A well-written, clear and concise bill should leave consumers feeling empowered and in control, not bemused. This is why it is so worrying to find that three quarters of us are confused by our energy bills.

“Ofgem has signalled its intention to work with suppliers on improving energy bills. This is a vital piece of work if we are to see well-informed consumers taking full advantage of the competitive energy market. If Ofgem is to succeed in making energy bills simpler, clearer and easier then it has to look outside of the energy industry for ideas on best practice. Judging by our research, it could do far worse than look to banks and building societies, which seem to be leading the way in providing consumers with bills and information they can easily understand.”

About uSwitch:
uSwitch.com is a free, impartial online and telephone-based comparison and switching service, helping consumers compare prices on gas, electricity, water, heating cover, home telephone, broadband, digital television, mobile phones, personal finance products and car insurance.

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Electricity, Energy, Energy Distribution, Energy Saving Appliances, Projects, Services

npower Achieve A Coveted Big Tick Award For Spreading Warmth

npower achieve a coveted Big Tick Award from Business in the Community (BitC) in the Marketplace Impact category, for its ‘Spreading Warmth’ programme, which is helping to alleviate fuel poverty across the UK.

npower

npower, has helped more than 150,000 customers benefit through the programme; providing financial support, including npower’s social tariff and help with outstanding energy debts, as well as energy saving advice over the phone and in the home which has helped change consumer behaviour to use energy more efficiently.

npower has trained its staff to identify and assist its vulnerable customers, promote assistance available through a range of marketing campaigns and through engagement with external stakeholders developed a targeted programme which provides meaningful help to its customers most in need.

The initiative received the P&G Responsible Marketing and Innovation award for the second year running, and involves training employees to recognise those most at risk, including identifying customers who pay more than 10% of their income on energy bills.

In addition to the Big Tick award, npower has achieved Platinum status in the BitC’s Corporate Responsibility Index, the UK’s leading voluntary benchmark of corporate responsibility.

Paul Dear, programme manager at npower, said: “Being acknowledged in both BitC’s Big Tick awards and Corporate Responsibility Index is a huge achievement.

“In total, we have received three Big Tick Awards throughout the company, and protecting vulnerable and fuel poor customers’ is at the heart of our business ethos. The Spreading Warmth programme demonstrates how, as one of the UK’s largest utility companies, we operate responsibly and seek to develop personal relationships with customers.

“Our advisors are trained to offer sensitive advice to customers, with a specific focus on recommending the correct tariff and suitable repayment methods.”

The Big Tick is awarded to businesses which are able to demonstrate significant impact and high quality management of their responsible business practices, as Stephen Howard, chief executive at Business in the Community, confirmed: “The Big Tick is now recognised as both a valuable and difficult award to achieve.

“Those who achieve the Big Tick are leading companies, ones that run their businesses aware that they depend above all on the talent, innovation and loyalty of their people. They know that they cannot build a successful sustainable business without constantly showing their commitment to being a better business,” he added.

About npower:
RWE npower has been awarded the prestigious Community Mark from Business in the Community (BitC). npower is the only utility business, amongst 21 other companies in the UK, to receive this accolade. The Community Mark is a new BitC standard, created to recognise companies that are good investors in local communities and who have brought about real and positive changes

- npower received three awards in the 2009 Big Tick Awards for its impact in the workplace, community and marketplace.

– BitC’s Corporate Responsibility Index is the UK’s leading voluntary benchmark of corporate responsibility. This year, 141 businesses participated, with seven companies achieving the new Platinum Plus level

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Household Energy Bills to Hit Almost GBP5k in 10 Years Time

Consumers are being warned today that they could be facing annual energy bills of almost £5,000 a year by 2020. The shock forecast from uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service, is based on pricing trends over the last 5 years and takes into account the huge investment programme shortly to be undertaken by the energy industry and Government. The investment, expected to total £233.5 billion, will secure the country’s longer-term supply and enable the roll-out of smart metering into all homes, but will add £548 a year onto household energy bills for the next 15 years.

uswitch

Looking at pricing trends alone, consumers could expect energy bills to reach £4,185 by 2020. This strips out the cost of investment, but factors in inflation and volatility in the wholesale markets, as seen by suppliers over the last 5 years. Since 2004, global demand for energy and volatility in wholesale prices have contributed to a 114% increase in household energy prices, including a 42% or £381 increase last year. The overall effect has been to see household energy bills more than doubling from £580 in 2004 to £1,243 today.

Volatility is expected to continue to be a dominant theme in the energy market going forward. Although the current world-wide recession is dampening demand for energy, the recession is due to end by 2011/12, when global demand for energy can be expected to start climbing again. Power hungry economies, such as China and India, will be returning to strength, resulting in an upward pressure on wholesale energy prices. At the same time, North Sea oil will start to run out adding greater pressure on the market. Wholesale energy prices account for around 50% of a household bill so continuing volatility will have an impact on the amount consumers will pay.

As well as upward pressure on household energy bills, there will be downward pressure too. The Government’s drive to make British households more energy efficient will start to pay dividends. But, instead of reducing bills it will serve to counterbalance other factors pushing energy usage up, such as the growth in single person households, Britain’s ageing population and growing reliance on electrical gadgets.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: “This is a wake-up call for us all. The £5,000 a year energy bill may seem like an outside possibility, but we have to remember that energy bills doubled in the last five years alone and that the huge investment needed just to keep the lights on in Britain will alone add £548 a year onto our bills. The fact is we are entering a new era of high cost energy and households will have to adapt their behaviour accordingly.

“The Government has been banging the drum for energy efficiency for a while now, but consumers have been reluctant to spend money on these measures. As a result, energy efficiency has been massively underperforming even though it is one of the biggest defences we have against escalating energy costs. We also have a competitive energy market, and yet less than 5% of consumers are on the most competitive energy plans – most people are paying far more than they have to for the energy they use.

“This has to change. My advice to consumers is to invest in making your home more energy efficient, reduce the amount of energy you use and make sure you are paying the lowest possible price for it. Big projects such as a new energy efficient boiler or home insulation can be expensive, but the savings you make through cutting the price of your energy could be re-invested into energy efficiency measures so that you reap even greater rewards in the future.

“Don’t be put off. If cost is an issue, speak to your supplier to see if they can help – they have a pot of money available to help households with energy efficiency. Or contact the Energy Saving Trust for advice. The key thing is to start future-proofing yourself against higher energy bills now.”

About uSwitch:

uSwitch.com is a free, impartial online and telephone-based comparison and switching service, helping consumers compare prices on gas, electricity, water, heating cover, home telephone, broadband, digital television, mobile phones, personal finance products and car insurance.

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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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Eupelix LLC Develops Low Energy, Low Emission Process Of Refining Petroleum

Scientists of Eupelix, LLC have developed an ecologically clean, energy efficient method modifying properties of crude petroleum, including braking down long molecules (cracking) into smaller molecules, at room temperature. 

First demonstration experiments were carried out recently by Eupelix staff with the assistance of researchers from the University of Illinois College of Engineering, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center and the Illinois State Geological Survey.

Eupelix personnel used high frequency, solid-state pulse generators in proprietary circuits and reactors to produce fast electromagnetic fields which affected the physical and chemical properties of crude oils in large volumes. The process decreased the content of heavy oil fractions, breaking them into more valuable, lighter fractions. There also are decreases in the viscosity and the content of toxic sulfur compounds.

For more than 70 years, traditional thermal cracking processes have been carried out by oil refineries at extremely high temperatures. Temperatures exceeding 500 °C have been used to break heavy oil fractions into lighter fractions to produce gasoline and diesel fuels.

“Using these high temperatures involves the extensive power consumption contributing to the cost of fuels and negative environmental impact,” said Eupelix CEO Dmitri Novikov.

Now important steps in upgrading oils can be accomplished without the use of heat, minimizing energy consumption and the impact on the environment, Novikov said.

Petroleum desulfurization is also an important issue for the oil industry trying to reduce the content of sulfur in the end products. This decreases the environmental toxicity of burned fuels. The new process facilitates desulfurization.

The method uses modern pulse equipment, which has been utilized in applications related to radar modulators, particle accelerators and lasers.

“About a decade ago, the project was in the nascent stage because the pulse equipment was not nearly as efficient as it has become in recent years. Hardly anyone tried applying it for processing of petroleum. ” said Igor Pyzh, Eupelix visiting engineering consultant.

Pyzh came from the Ukraine to assist with test experiments for prospective industrial partners and collaborators in the United States.

Using available powerful pulse equipment, hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day can be processed satisfying commercial-scale refining. Pyzh says, it is just a matter ofadjusting the equipment to the kinds of processed oils. This can be done in the new Euplex lab in Illinois.

“There are also other interesting, ecologically clean applications that we are exploring together with our collaborators,” Novikov said.

The major efforts of the company are focused on applying this process to large scale petroleum refining for industrial partners in Illinois, the State of Eupelix registration, and for partners in the Ukraine, the home country of the invention.

CONTACT: Dr. Dmitri V. Novikov 
dmitri.novikov@eupelix.com 
217-351-3542 Eupelix, L.L.C.

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Clean Energy, Electricity, Electricity Generation, Energy, Green Energy, Wind Power

Distributor Wire & Cable Focuses on Wind Energy Industry

Due to the increasing popularity and need for alternative energy sources, Distributor Wire & Cable has decided to stock inventory specifically used for the wind farm industry. Beyond just a business decision, DWC also viewed this as part of their efforts towards being social responsible.

wind farm

“Although we’re not a pioneer in this growing form of energy, we do believe it’s a necessity to search for alternative energy sources outside of coal and other environmentally damaging energy producers. It’s critical that every business does their part to protect our planet,” said Bryce Huett, Owner of Distributor Wire & Cable.

Major proponents of alternative energy include entrepreneur and advocate T. Boone Pickens. For decades he has been at the fore front of this battle by encouraging businesses and the government to explore a variety of energy sources. The most popular in alternative energy is wind generated power. It’s been shown that its annual growth rate is 29% which makes wind power the country’s largest source of new energy. With no byproducts such as hazardous or toxic wastes, and the fact that it doesn’t need fuel of any type, makes it an extremely green option. In addition, with no cost needed to produce wind besides in the collection of its energy, it’s a long term winner over all other energy choices.

“Wind is a free, inexhaustible energy that does not have the price volatility as the normal traditional fuels do,” Bryce goes on to say. “With the increased use of wind power it is only natural that the ripple effect caused will in time help to lower the costs of other resources such as electricity, fossil fuels and natural gas by driving down the demand.”

In order to help build and support growing wind farms, Distributor Wire is now stocking Diesel Locomotive Cable, or “DLO” as it’s commonly referred to. DLO cable is usually used to run power between Diese Locomotive Wiregenerators and transformers as well as to provide energy to various motorized devices. DWC is also carrying SOOW portable cord and tray cable for running turbine control and instrumentation. Medium and high voltage cables, along with Aluminum ACSR, are stocked for power transmission for various applications. These are only a few of the many options available to the electrical wholesaler at Distributor Wire & Cable for the wind farm industry.

To learn more about Distributor Wire & Cable, and the products they offer to the electrical wholesaler, visit www.distributorwire.com or call 888-439-2947.

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CO2 Reduction Not A Business Priority In Current Economic Climate Reports Npower

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Npower has released data that shows more than eight out of ten businesses feel that Government targets to reduce CO2 emissions are unrealistic, with many not seeing the benefit of a small carbon footprint and relegating carbon reduction measures to concentrate on managing costs.

These are among the findings of the npower Business Energy Index, an annual report tracking business opinion on energy use and carbon emissions.

In this latest index, the majority of businesses (83%) said the target to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050 was unrealistic. Attitudes on the potential commercial opportunities of a small carbon footprint are equally downbeat; only 31% think new business will occur as a result of reducing emissions, compared to 47% in npower’s 2008 index.

The findings also reveal that the economic downturn is leading businesses to prioritise finances over CO2 reduction; 97% said they are currently more concerned with reducing costs than emissions.

68% of businesses believe it is still important for the UK to take a leading role in reducing global emissions. This is a drop f r o m the 2008 index in which 88% of businesses backed the Government’s emission reduction plans.

Despite these opinions the Business Energy Index reveals a renewed focus on energy efficiency measures, with the importance attached to energy efficiency at its highest level since 2005. Furthermore 80% of businesses say they are likely to increase energy efficiency initiatives and, while this was primarily for cost benefit, the same measures would also lead to emission reduction.

Energy efficiency was also rated as the most popular action for businesses to take to reduce emissions, with 43% giving this answer ahead of changing processes (22%) or switching to a green tariff (18%). However, the Index suggests that more needs to be done to support businesses, with 51% of those questioned saying they thought the Government did not offer enough useful advice on the issues of carbon reduction and energy efficiency.

Julia Lynch-Williams, director of energy services at npower, said: “The Index shows that most businesses do not see the commercial benefits f r o m having a small carbon footprint, but we can’t escape the fact that climate change legislation and the strength of public feeling means that CO2 reduction remains important. The Government has set the UK on a path toward a low carbon economy and must now continue to stress to businesses the opportunities that will come f r o m low carbon operations.

“Energy efficiency is an excellent way to save money and it’s encouraging that many businesses are looking at this to reduce costs. While it’s understandable that businesses are more focused on the bottom-line in the current economic crisis, we would encourage them to see energy management as an effective means of reducing emissions as well as costs.

“Our advice to businesses is to make energy efficiency a priority now and in the long term.”

In-depth telephone interviews were conducted in January 2009 with a representative sample of 300 UK businesses, comprising 200 small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with significant energy usage and 100 major energy users (MEUs).

The npower Business Energy Index (nBEI) is sponsored by npower, in association with the Major Energy Users Council (MEUC) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The nBEI is designed and executed by Moffatt Associates, an independent research consultancy.

About npower:
npower is one of the top energy suppliers to the UK business market, serving over 230,000 small to medium sized enterprise sites and around 15,000 industrial and commercial customers, with over 100,000 sites.

npower is dedicated to helping UK businesses use energy more efficiently and therefore spend less money on their bills. 

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Auto Industry Veteran Joins Free Flow Power as Vice President of Manufacturing

Free Flow Power Corporation, a hydropower and hydrokinetic renewable energy company, welcomes the addition of Robert Mamo as Vice President of Manufacturing for its wholly-owned subsidiary, Free Flow 

Power Technology LLC. Mr. Mamo will oversee the manufacturing of the SmarTurbine Generator, which extracts energy from moving water without building new dams or diversions or causing other adverse environmental impacts.

Mr. Mamo was previously a Director in Lear Corporation’s International Automotive Components Group, where his responsibilities included products developed for Toyota and Lexus in North America. His experience includes 20 years at Lear, Textron, and GM where he led engineering teams that brought over 40 products from design to large-scale manufacturing.

Daniel Irvin, CEO of Free Flow Power Corporation, commented, “We are excited that Bob has decided to join Free Flow Power. High volume manufacturing is a critical part of our plans to make hydrokinetic generation cost effective. We decided some time ago that the person we needed was likely going to be from the auto industry. For all of its challenges, Detroit is the world leader in cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing. The knowledge and experience that Bob brings us from that industry would be hard to find anywhere else.”

Mr. Mamo remarked, “I wanted to move into an industry with more growth potential, but where my manufacturing experience was relevant. I looked at a lot of different opportunities, and I did a lot of diligence. Free Flow Power’s technology and its team are really exciting to me.”

About Free Flow Power Corporation
Free Flow Power Corporation is a hydropower and hydrokinetic generation company operating through two subsidiaries. Free Flow Power Technology LLC is manufacturing SmarTurbine Generators to capture energy from free flow water in rivers, tides, currents and man-made structures. Free Flow Power Development LLC is developing hydropower and hydrokinetic generation projects in the US, primarily in the Mississippi River Basin.

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Combined Cycle Performance Analysis Announces A Presence In Asia

COMBINED CYCLE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS can work more closely with its clients in Asia. Located in Central Thailand, makes it very convenient to all countries in Asia.

The company provides consulting to the Combined Cycle power industry. Services include Plant Performance Evaluations, training, and custom consulting.

With fuel prices near record levels, it is imperative that plant owners and operators focus on Plant Performance. Combined Cycle Performance Analysis will assist you in keeping your company’s plant operating at it’s best. With a combination of a plant evaluation and a dedicated on site training session, your company can be assured that the Plant Performance is optimum.

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Naugatuck Glass continues under New Flag: FLABEG Technical Glass U.S. Corporation

With a change of name to FLABEG Technical Glass U.S. Corp. the acquisition of Naugatuck Glass, Connecticut, initiated in mid-2008, is now complete. By this move FLABEG has expanded its solar portfolio with a focus on thin glass technology for solar applications.

In the field of machining and finishing of thin glass with strengths of 0.95 mm, Naugatuck Glass acquired a leading position. And now FLABEG is building on this experience to develop strategically ist future orientation as a leading supplier in the field of concentrating solar thermal power plants (CSP). Additionally, in this context, it is also pressing ahead with the development of lead-and copper-free protection and coating systems for solar energy applications.

“Even for parabolic-reflector power stations thinner glass units are interesting. The thinner the glass, the higher the degree of reflection,” explains Axel Buchholz, CEO of the FLABEG Group. Thus FLABEG is once again manifesting its role as an experienced and innovative partner for plant operators.

FLABEG, founded in 1882, is an independent company with ten manufacturing facilities in Europe, America and Asia. FLABEG is active in the commercial sectors of automotive mirrors, solar glass mirrors and technical glass, specializing in all processes of glass finishing, and sets technological standard in terms of the company‘s core competencies – bending and coating.

Mirror components, bending and the application of optical and functional layers also rank among the core competencies of FLABEG Technical Glass U.S. Corp., (formerly Naugatuck Glass, founded in 1927) so that FLABEG now virtually covers the spectrum of flat glass processing.

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Nationwide search for new energy saving inventions and ideas

npower has conducted a new study which reveals that 40% of adults are convinced they have come up with a great idea or invention that they hope could make them rich.

The study, commissioned by leading energy company npower to launch Britains Bright Ideas, a nationwide search for new energy saving inventions and ideas, also revealed that over one in four men (26%) now regularly devise new creations. A further 40% of all adults surveyed were spurred on to try inventing due the current economic climate.

npower has linked up with Wallace & Gromit in its new adverts, and it seems the British public shares the animated duo’s have-a-go approach to innovation. But, while Wallace is caught out by his inefficient boiler in the latest ad, 36% of the British public are intent on concocting contraptions that reduce household bills, saving both energy and money.

The findings also suggest pillow talk is a thing of the past, with almost half (46%) of budding British inventors generally devising their ideas in bed, while a further 16% of men have their light bulb moment on the loo.

Adults are more aware than ever of the importance of energy efficiency in protecting the planet and their pockets, with 82% agreeing that new energy saving ideas should receive more support. In response to the research, npower is urging enterprising adults to act on their inspiration by entering their top energy saving devices, gadgets and clever thoughts into the Britain’s Bright Ideas competition.

Notes to Editors:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total online sample size was 2224 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken 9th – 14th April 2009. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About npower 
npower is one of the UK’s largest electricity suppliers and has 6.6 million customer accounts across the UK. npower sponsors the 2009 npower Ashes Series in England, Women’s Test Series, the Twenty20 Cup and Village Cup.

RWE npower has been awarded the prestigious CommunityMark from Business in the Community (BITC). npower is the only utility business, amongst 21 other companies in the UK, to receive this accolade. The CommunityMark is a new BITC standard which has been created to recognise companies that are good investors in local communities and who have brought about real and positive changes.

The npower Active programme, which is run in partnership with the English Federation of Disability Sport, has been awarded a prestigious ‘Silver Big Tick’ by Business in the Community.

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Increasing Demand For Energy Efficiency Specialists

According to Hays, the specialist recruitment company, a drive to reduce carbon emissions on new and existing buildings, in order to meet energy efficiency targets, has led to an increased requirement for qualified individuals with experience and knowledge of sustainability and energy efficiency.

“Employers are keen to bring on board building services professionals with cutting-edge knowledge of new energy efficient and low carbon systems,” commented Rebecca Coen, Senior Manager at Hays Building Services.

Low Carbon Consultants (LCC) is one such group of professionals who advise on the design and operation of commercial buildings to meet the highest energy efficiency standards complying with Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPB). LCCs can subsequently qualify and attain the Low Carbon Energy Assessor (LCEA) grade.

Qualifications in this field have risen in popularity and there are a number of graduate and postgraduate degrees. These qualifications can make a significant difference to those looking for building services jobs, particularly during the current downturn.

“Achieving LCC status not only means that individuals can command better salaries but these specialsts can make a real difference to consultancies and bring in much-needed project work,” added Rebecca Coen.

LCC and Part L skills can also be easily transferred from the private to the public sector, where buildings, such as schools, hospitals and libraries of a certain size need to conform to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and have appropriate Display Energy Certificates (DECs). The regulations will affect all buildings and therefore those with low carbon and energy efficient designs will add to the property’s value. There is also demand for heating systems engineers with experience of bio-mass and bio-fuel boilers, which are practically carbon neutral. As well as the technical skills and prior experience, consultancies are looking for engineers who can come up with new ways of developing these systems.

“Contractors and consultants are thinking strategically about how they can win business and public sector investment specific for the projects they’re tendering for. They’re looking for people with MOD, NHS, schools experience – these are great selling points. There is also demand in estates teams within hospitals for electrical, M&E engineers and contracts managers,” noted Rebecca Coen.

Chartership and qualifications are now more important than ever and employers are looking for people who can demonstrate a long-term commitment to the building services industry. Employers want people to push their business forward and want to see evidence of the projects they’ve worked on, their involvement, and importantly where they can add value to their business. Prior experience of innovative examples of the implementation of energy saving technology should always be included when applying for jobs in building services.

A solid Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record is especially important in the current market, “Individuals must pay close attention to their career development. There are many monthly meetings held across the UK by organizations such as the CIBSE, HVCA and the ECA – attendance is free and individuals should take advantage and supplement their CPD,” concluded Rebecca Coen.

 

About Client:
Hays Building Services is part of Hays plc and specialises in a range of building services roles including electrical engineering jobs, sustainability jobs and project management jobs. It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. The Group employs 8,294 staff operating from 380 offices in 27 countries across 17 specialisms.

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Clean Energy, Electricity, Electricity Generation, Energy Conservation, Energy Distribution, Green Energy, Power Supplies, Renewable Energy, Services

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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Npower Announces Top Engineering Award Win For Tilbury Apprentice

Tilbury Power Station is delighted to announce that Katie Lester, a third year npower electrical apprentice, has been awarded the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices.

The apprentice award is a category in the wider IET Young Woman of the Year Engineer Award, and celebrates the very best young female engineers in the UK – not only highlighting their achievements but also encouraging others to enter the profession. The Apprentice award is valued by the engineering industry and highlights Katie’s commitment to her chosen profession.

Miss Lester, currently an apprentice at npower, was given this award as a result of her flair, charisma and experience which allowed her to present engineering as an exciting career. In achieving this prestigious recognition, she will now take on an ambassadorial role in the industry, giving her a real opportunity to demonstrate what she loves about her job.

Nigel Staves, Tilbury Power Station Manager, commented: “We are so proud of Katie. She is a fantastic apprentice at the station, and has always contributed beyond the realms of her normal duties. She demonstrates real innovation in her approach to engineering, and is clearly very committed to furthering her career. Katie is a true example to her peers – and I hope that she will encourage other young women to enter into a career in this very rewarding industry.”

Katie added: “I’m really chuffed to have won the award – I was totally shocked when my name was called out! Engineering is a brilliant career and I want to inspire other people to consider it. I couldn’t have done any of this without the help of all my colleagues at the power station – they have trained me and given me guidance the entire way through my apprenticeship.”

This isn’t the first award of Katie’s career – she was RWE npower Apprentice of the Year in 2007, and Engineering Student of the Year 2008 for Rotherham College of Arts and Technology. She was also recently involved in setting up an Apprenticeship Open evening at Tilbury Power Station, with the aim of encouraging young people into applying for the Tilbury Apprenticeship scheme.

 

About npower
npower is one of the UK’s largest electricity suppliers and draws on 50 years experience in supplying electricity and gas. npower offers a range of essential home and business services to 6.6 million customers across the UK.

RWE npower has been awarded the prestigious CommunityMark from Business in the Community (BITC). npower is the only utility business, amongst 21 other companies in the UK, to receive this accolade. The CommunityMark is a new BITC standard which has been created to recognise companies that are good investors in local communities and who have brought about real and positive changes.

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npower Opens its Doors to Help Local Businesses Expand Skills Training in the North East

npower opened its doors to local businesses yesterday, to showcase their award-winning training programme and to highlight the need to build a stronger, regional skills base for the North East of England. This event was supported by Business in the Community’s Business Action on Skills campaign.

npower’s contact centres are predominantly based in East Durham and the training programme provides a comprehensive range of support for its diverse population of staff. This includes a dedicated space for employees to pursue tailor-made skills training as well as offering literacy, numeracy and vocational courses.

The Opening Doors event gave other regional employers the opportunity to see learning in action and meet some of npower’s learning team. With 63% and 85% of the local population identified as having significant needs in literacy and numeracy* respectively, the company realise the importance of making a long-term commitment to the employability of the future, as well as the present workforce.

npower firmly believes that staff training is fundamental to the on-going success of the business. npower is working with Business Action on Skills to help make the case for organisations to keep focused on the learning needs of the workforce, and not to cut training budgets at a time when many companies may be tempted to do so.

Lesley Blower, npower’s Learning Resource Centre Manager, said: “We are very proud to be showcasing our award winning training programme to local businesses in the area. The Open Doors event has given us the opportunity to highlight the importance of investing in our employees, despite the current economic climate.”

In 2008, npower won a prestigious Business in the Community Award for its efforts in upskilling its people, bringing it both business benefits whilst helping it to play a positive role in the wider community and providing opportunities for non-employees.

 

* Learning Skills Council North East figures for East Durham 2007

About npower:
npower is one of Britain’s largest electricity supplier and supplies gas, electricity and related services to 6.6 million customers across the UK. npower is a market leader in renewable energy and sources the green energy for juice directly from renewable sources, at no extra cost.

RWE npower has been awarded the prestigious CommunityMark from Business in the Community (BITC). npower is the only utility business, amongst 21 other companies in the UK, to receive this accolade. The CommunityMark is a new BITC standard which has been created to recognise companies that are good investors in local communities and who have brought about real and positive changes.

For more information about Business Action on Skills and the work it is doing to support large employers on skills training, contact Caroline Melton, Skills and Workplace Account Manager on 0113 205 8219, or email caroline.melton@hotmail.com

For more general information about the campaign please go to: www.bitc.org.uk/skills

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Brigadier General (Retired) Robert Crear Joins Free Flow Power Corporation

Free Flow Power Corporation announced yesterday that Brigadier General (Retired) Robert Crear has joined the company as Chairman of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Free Flow Power Development LLC. Free Flow Power Development is a hydropower developer that is using Free Flow Power Corporation’s proprietary technology to extract energy from moving water without building new dams or diversions or causing other adverse environmental impacts.

General Crear retired from the Army Corps of Engineers in 2008 after a distinguished career that included service in the Pentagon as the military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, as the Chief of Staff of the Corps Headquarters in Washington, DC, as commander of the Corps Vicksburg District, Southwest Division and Mississippi Valley Division offices where he gained invaluable experience leading soldiers and civilians in large, complex operations during times of peace, combat, and natural disasters.,

• most recently as Commander of the Mississippi Valley Division and President of the Mississippi Valley Commission (a Presidential appointment, confirmed by the Senate) where he was responsible for the Nation’s water resources program in the entire 370,000 square miles of the Mississippi river valley with 5,000 employees and an annual budget of $7.5 billion.

• on the ground in Iraq as Commander of Task Force Restore Iraqi Oil in 2003, which was a first-of-its-kind mission employing 130 Army Corps volunteers, 600 contractors and 60,000 Iraqi oil workers working together to execute a $4 billion budget to extinguish all oil fires and then to restore Iraq’s oil infrastructure;

• as the organizer and leader of Task Force Hope, which employed 3,800 civilian and military personnel to restore vital infrastructure on the Mississippi and Louisiana gulf coasts after the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Of his new position, General Crear said, “I followed Free Flow Power for awhile and was impressed by their approach to the challenges they face. As I got to know the people on their team, I became really excited about being a part of what they are doing.”

Dan Irvin, CEO of Free Flow Power Corporation commented “We are thrilled that Bob has joined our company. We are building the company’s leadership team and I don’t think you can point to someone with more leadership ability than General Crear.”

Ramya Swaminathan, the Vice President of Project Development at Free Flow Development added, “In addition to his experience, which speaks for itself, Bob is an inspiring leader and a great person to work with. I’m really excited to be working with him.”

General Crear’s responsibilities will include helping to build out the management team at Free Flow Power Development and moving the project development process through important regulatory milestones. “This just seems like a very logical extension of my past service. I love big challenges that will positively benefit our nation, and the team we are building is capable of surmounting the challenges we face,” he added.

General Crear’s numerous military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal. He was inducted into the Society of American Military Engineers Academy of Fellows in November 2002. In 2006 he was awarded the Infrastructure Security Partnership award for distinguished leadership. Other awards include the 2004, 2006 and 2007 Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement in Government, Alumni of the Year and Stars and Stripes Lifetime Achievement awards (respectively), and 2006 Rock of the Year award for his contributions to the Army and the nation.

Born in Vicksburg, Miss., he graduated in 1975 from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a Regular Army commission as a second lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. He holds a master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

General Crear is currently serving as a Distinguished Visiting Lecturer of Applied Engineering, National Security and Homeland Security at Jackson State University and President and CEO of The Crear Group, LLC.

He is married to his high school sweetheart, the former Reatha Hall and they have four adult children.

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Npower’s Green Energy Fund Helps Cover Costs Of New Log-Fired Boiler

npower’s Green Energy Fund has helped fund a new log-fired boiler, which has been installed at Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire. The log-fired boiler is expected to save £5,000 a year in fuel bills.

The sustainable system – which will provide the Chalet Pavilion with hot water and heating – will also reduce the property’s carbon footprint by 10 tons a year.

Around eighteen tons of logs, which are to be cut from National Trust woodland at Wenlock Edge, will be burnt annually, as part of its ongoing woodland management scheme.

The £43,000 project was funded by several partners including the National Trust West Midlands Sustainability Fund, npower Green Energy Fund, South Shropshire District Council and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – Shropshire Development Fund.

Peter Carty, Countryside Property Manager for the National Trust, said: “This has been a major project identified in the Marches Energy Agency Energy Audit in 2006. It will save £5,000 in fuel oil and reduce our Carbon footprint by over 10 tons per year.

“Thanks to some hard work we currently have three years worth of logs cut and stacked by the trackside from where we can easily collect them. These are currently seasoning and a further five tons are cut and drying in our tractor shed at in Carding Mill Valley. A dozen volunteers and four members of National Trust staff were involved in this work which improves woodland management at Wenlock Edge.”

Robert Harper, Sustainable Technology Manager at npower, said: “The National Trust is to be applauded for the sustainable nature of this project, which will ensure that Carding Mill need not ever rely entirely on fuel oil to provide heating for the property. npower’s National Trust Green Energy Fund has contributed a significant amount towards this project and we are delighted that the project has come to fruition.”

Kathryn Warren, National Trust Environmental Practices Adviser, added: “The boiler will provide the Chalet Pavilion with all of its heating and hot water requirements. It is a sustainable source of fuel, which promotes better woodland management and results in increased nature conservation.”

She continued: “Installing the log-fired boiler will remove the need for heating oil at the property; it will significantly reduce its carbon footprint by moving to a carbon neutral fuel. The property will also be self sufficient for heating fuel and no longer exposed to increasing oil prices. More long-term sustainable energy initiatives are planned at Carding Mill’s Chalet Pavilion including hydro-electric power and rainwater harvesting.”

 

About npower:
RWE npower is an integrated energy business, generating electricity and supplying gas, electricity and related services to customers across the UK. We operate and manage flexible, low-cost coal, oil and gas-fired power stations – generating over 10.3 GW of electricity. npower serves around 6.6 million customer accounts and produce more than 10 per cent of the electricity used in England and Wales. In 2007, the company’s turnover was £5.9 billion.

About National Trust Green Energy:
National Trust Green Energy – in partnership with npower – was launched in September 2007. Through this partnership, the National Trust and npower have created a renewable energy tariff – National Trust Green Energy – from offshore wind and hydro-electric sources. When a customer signs up to National Trust Green Energy, npower makes a payment in the National Trust Green Energy Fund which is invested in small scale renewable energy generation and other carbon saving projects at Trust sites. npower’s National Trust Green Energy customers also receive an energy saving tips booklet and money off products such as insulation and PV panels to encourage them to save energy and money in their own homes.

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After-Lite Wins Green Home Eco Innovation Award

After 14 years of research and endless trials in the field of practical photo luminescent application, a unique product has emerged, and it’s been recognized by greenhomehints.com as a product contributing to making the planet a greener and healthier place for all.

After-Lite Energy-Free Lighting performs absolutely as described. Its creator, Tim S. LeMaster, a professional inventor for the past 25 years, is no newcomer to the universe of photo luminescent technology. He has succeeded in taking what one used to think of as a glow-in-the-dark novelty and elevated it to a legitimate player in the quest for a greener, more energy-efficient lifestyle.

Here is a quick overview of what differentiates After-Lite from its glow-in-the-dark predecessors: It begins with a variety of advanced, high-grade, photo luminescent crystals. These proprietary rare earth minerals are processed under intense heat and pressure by a leading developer of unique photo luminescent safety products. The result is remarkable product that glows brightly for hours without requiring an energy source. LeMaster calls his creation a Crystal Energy Cell (CEC).

The crystal energy cell absorbs light, natural or manmade, during daylight hours or at times when a space is artificially lit. Absorbed light, in the form of photons, is stored by the crystal energy cell. Then, in low light or dark conditions, those photons are released, resulting in a soothing green glow allowing that space to be negotiated safely for hours without requiring energy to illuminate.

A CEC charged by the sun for as little as 3 minutes can be taken into a dark room and function nearly as effectively as a flashlight. Longer exposure to brighter, broader-spectrum light results in a brighter, longer-lasting illumination.

When partnered with a compact fluorescent light bulb (a proven energy-saver) the After-Lite Energy-Free System is a positive solution to generating light while contributing the the green initiative by not requiring energy to operate once it is in use.

Remarkably, the CEC will never loose its ability to recharge. Remove it from a failed light and attach it to a new bulb to provide light energy-free, over and over. Not only does the product save energy, it has positive security and safety benefits as well.

“Photo luminescence has already proved itself to be a lifesaver.” LeMaster says.

Photo luminescent paint was utilized in the World Trade Center towers after the first terrorist attack in 1993. Its widespread application provided visibility after power outages in the attack of 9/11 and has been credited for saving many lives.

“We supply helmet and tool patches to the fire departments of New York City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, to mention a few. The same process has revolutionized energy-free signage for low-light conditions, saving municipalities thousands of dollars, and boosted safety standards in other applications from stairway lighting strips to subway platforms.”

After-Lite provides safety and comfort benefits. An After-Lite crystal energy cell will illuminate a room when the power goes out allowing safe negotiation around the room; or function as an energy-free night-light.

To casually compare the cost of a package of compact fluorescent light bulbs available at a retailer to the price of a complete After-Lite system is inaccurate.

“The compact fluorescent light bulb is an energy-saving consumable product which we provide as a platform for our After-Lite product, LeMaster notes. The bulb has a predictable lifespan. But the true value of our purchase proposition lies in the crystal energy cell, which will last for eons.”

For more information on the After-Lite product, visit: http://after-lite.com/

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npower Launches Little Green Fingers

npower, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, is offering fifty schools solar panelled greenhouses in an effort to teach children about renewable energy – and research shows kids are eager to learn about the big eco issues of the day. When asked about their understanding on energy issues, savvy seven-year-olds gave heartening responses: 98% of kids know they should always turn lights off and 93% have the ‘techno-how’ to take their computers off standby to save electricity.

It was also revealed that one third (31%) of the next generation of home owners don’t understand what the term ‘renewable energy’ means and so, with the Government striving to have 20% of the UK’s power generated by renewables by 2020, there is evidently more for children to learn about energy.

npower commissioned the research to launch Little Green Fingers, an inspiring initiative designed to help four to seven year-olds learn about natural and renewable energy through the science of gardening. The programme will award 50 schools an eco-friendly, solar heated greenhouse to highlight how the earth’s energy gives plants the power to grow. Schools and families across the UK will be able to benefit from engaging teaching resources and how to guides and watch video clips which will help to bring the power of the earth’s energy to life for children in a fun, hand on way.

Former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon, who launches the campaign for npower today, says:”Making science inspirational and getting to grips with natural and renewable energy has never been more pressing. That’s why I’m out in the garden for npower’s Little Green Fingers campaign to help under-7s learn about energy and growing in the way they learn best – hands on and hands dirty!”

To bring the learning of energy to life for ‘little green fingers’ across the country, parents can contact their child’s head teacher to request entering the competition by visiting www.npower.com/littlegreenfingers.


About npower Brighter Futures:
npower Brighter Futures, npower’s education 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

npower Brighter Futures brings under one umbrella npower’s education programmes – from primary schools through to universities. Npower’s programmes focus on either environmental education, such as energy generation, energy efficiency, climate change and sustainability and npower’s commitment to increase the pool of young talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths; or meeting the recruitment challenges the energy industry face daily.

About npower:
npower is one of the UK’s largest electricity suppliers and has 6.6 million customer accounts across the UK and it sponsors the Test Match Series in England, Women’s Test Series, the Twenty20 Cup and Village Cup. The company was also recently awarded platinum status in Business in the Community’s CR Index.

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