Tag Archives: Energy

Npower Wins Best In Sector For Its Call Centres In The North East And Around The UK

Npower has announced success for its North East contact centre workers when the energy company’s call centre was named one of the top 50 in the UK.

Awarded top spot in the prestigious ‘best in sector’ class for utilities and the silver medal position in the ‘large contact centre’ category, overall npower was awarded 21st spot in the league of 50.

Julie Jaglowski, customer services director at npower, said: “This is a really proud moment for everyone who works in our contact centres. It’s external recognition of what we already know: that we are dedicated and passionate about helping our customers and making sure that they experience a first class service.

“It’s testament to the hard work that everyone puts in. This year we’ve worked really hard on continuing to improve our service and keeping our focus as we strive for a five-star service. This reward shows that it’s paying off.

“Everyone in our team should feel very proud of this award. Whether it’s battling through harsh winters or re-training on our new Atlas systems – our teams have remained committed to serving our customers with outstanding commitment. Well done to everyone – it’s a great achievement”.

The award culminated in three months of mystery shopping carried out by independent researchers, measuring npower against a range of criteria including: knowledge; personalisation; professionalism and timeliness.

The calls reflected all types of enquires at various times of the day – including customer account queries and those wanting to know more about the products and services.

Collecting the award on behalf of npower, Chris Rainsforth, quality manager said: “I was really honoured to collect the award on behalf of everyone who has worked so hard over the last 12 months.

“I shall be bringing the award back very carefully this afternoon – and promise not to leave it on the train.”

Kevin McCullough, npower’s chief operating officer, added: “This is superb news – and well deserved. As part of my Undercover Boss filming just a few weeks’ ago, I experienced first-hand just how challenging working in a contact centre can be, so I am full of admiration for the great work that the teams have achieved.

“Customer Service remains a priority and this award has given us the recognition of the great customer experience we’re striving to achieve. Well done to everyone involved”.

Via EPR Network
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Maureen Winters Joins Free Flow Power Corporation

Free Flow Power Corporation, a developer of clean renewable energy, welcomes the addition of Ms. Maureen Winters to the company as a Vice President of Project Development.

Ms. Winters brings 26 years of experience in regulatory and environmental affairs. For the past 16 years she has worked exclusively in the hydroelectric industry providing FERC licensing, due diligence and project development services. She has held positions as a FERC licensing project manager at three major consulting firms in the hydroelectric industry, and as Northeast Regional Manager for Devine, Tarbell and Associates.

Ms. Winters currently serves as co-chair of the National Hydropower Association’s Small Hydro Council, and previously chaired its Public Affairs Committee for three terms. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Unity College.

Dan Irvin, CEO of Free Flow Power, commented, “Maureen’s deep experience in project development immediately strengthens our core business. Shehas a proven record of delivering value to the organization and we’re thrilled she decided to join the FFP team.”

Ms. Winters remarked, “FFP is a leader in the development of new hydro and I look forward to a busy and rewarding time ahead. Joining FFP provides me the opportunity to work alongside an outstanding management and technical team, and to see our industry from a new perspective as a developer and owner. I’m pleased to be able to bring my consulting regulatory and project management experience to support FFP’s projects.”

Via EPR Network
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Paul Denison Jacob Joins Free Flow Power Corporation

Free Flow Power Corporation, a developer of clean renewable energy, welcomes the addition of Mr. Paul Denison Jacob to the company as an Executive Vice President of Marketing and Trading.

Mr. Jacob brings 20 years of energy market experience to the company with a track record of driving growth in the asset management, sales, marketing and proprietary trading. Mr. Jacob was most recently, President of Edison Mission Marketing and Trading, a subsidiary of Edison Mission Energy, a leading Independent Power Producer.

Mr. Jacob also brings deep experience in identifying new business opportunities, and building commercial capabilities in energy and related product markets, including the establishment of one of the first independent electricity marketing and trading organizations in the US.

Dan Irvin, CEO of Free Flow Power, commented, “Paul has tremendous experience in critical sectors and the entrepreneurialspirit we value. He will be an important member of our management team focusing ondeveloping our role and offerings in power markets. We are enthusiastic about the immediate impact Paul will make and delightedhe decided to join us.

Mr. Jacob remarked, “I am excited to be a part of the team, and looking forward to contributing to the continued growth of the dynamic platform at Free Flow Power Corporation.

Via EPR Network
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Local Quoter Helps UK householders Go Green

Local Quoter, one of the UK’s leading online price comparison websites for home improvements, has been doing its bit to help British homeowners make their properties more energy efficient for years.

The company makes sure people across the UK get the best possible prices on energy efficient windows and doors, and now Local Quoter has turned its attention to solar panels.

Being able to produce green energy at home has become a reality for thousands of people following the introduction of the government’s Feed-in Tariffs programme. Solar thermal panels are the perfect answer for anyone who wants to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and instead harness the power of the sun to help heat their home.

And with 25-year subsidies now available to homeowners who fit photovoltaic panels to their homes, this form of renewable energy has become a serious option for people across the country.

Local Quoter is in a position to help anyone who is considering installing solar panels on the roof of their property. With access to the UK’s leading building specialists, Local Quoter can help ensure householders get a solar PV panels quote that will leave them with a warm feeling!

Les Yates, Marketing Manager at Local Quoter, said: “Low carbon energy generation is the future – and homeowners up and down the country are already enjoying the benefits that installing cheap solar panels can bring.

Via EPR Network
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Wildcat Publishing Launches The Oil & Gas Year, India 2010

New Delhi, November 2010 – Wildcat Publishing Inc. has launched its inaugural book on India – The Oil & Gas Year, India 2010 – a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the country’s energy industry. In partnership with the Petroleum Federation of India (PETROFED) and benefiting from the assistance of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the book was produced by a team of international journalists based in the country for more than 3 months and officially launched during Petrotech 2010, in the presence of S. Sundareshan, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and R.S Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

The Oil & Gas Year, India 2010 draws together interviews, articles and resources dedicated to every segment of the country’s energy industry, including exploration and production, downstream and refining, oilfield services and banking and finance. It highlights the path of India ‘s energy industry at a time of fast development, marked by success at home and recognised international expansion. The 197-page book showcases the views and opinions of the industry’s most influential figures, including S. Sundareshan , Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Vikram Singh Mehta, Chairman Shell India, B.M. Bansal, Chairman, IndianOil, P.M.S Prasad, Executive Director, Reliance Industries, N.M Borah, Chairman and Managing Director of Oil India.

“This book comes at a turning point for the Indian energy sector,” said Gilles Valentin, Editorial Director of The Oil & Gas Year . “The country has developed its cutting edge know-how, domestic production and global reach all in parallel and in a very spectacular manner. This shows the ample potential for more success ahead.”

The Oil & Gas Year, India 2010 gives in-depth coverage on India ‘s aggressive push to reduce its dependency on hydrocarbons imports. The country’s offshore upstream successes, thanks to its New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) and the push to develop alternative sources of energy, from unconventional gas to renewable and nuclear energy are covered and explained in The Oil & Gas Year India 2010. In total, the editorial team met with nearly 100 individuals and companies featured in the book. With 197 pages of interviews, viewpoints, articles, maps, companies and project highlights, investors spotlights and other key resources, this is the most complete and up-to date book ever published on the Indian oil & gas sector.

Via EPR Network
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Uniseal, Inc. To Offer High Performance Adhesives And Sealants To The Solar Power Industry, Improving Service Life, Reliability, And Efficiency

Uniseal, Incorporated has announced it’s entry into the Solar Energy field, with its SolFusionâ„¢ family of adhesives and sealants for Photovoltaic, Concentrated Photovoltaic, and Concentrated Solar Thermal devices and racking systems.

Brandon Willis, Business Development Manger for Renewable Energy, will lead the company’s efforts in bringing advanced products that directly contribute to increased efficiency, improved service life and reliability, and lower cost per watt to the industry.

Randy Zahn, President, stated, “Uniseal is excited to bring its rich history of innovation and unsurpassed quality to the solar industry. Our expertise in the areas of multi-surface bonding adhesion and vapor and moisture sealing along with our state of the art facilities position us well to advance the capabilities of current and future generations of these devices.”

Willis noted that Uniseal’s extensive history in the automotive sector directly translates to their new market focus stating, “Uniseal has been at the forefront of many manufacturing innovations in the automotive industry, helping the OEM’s drive down costs while improving vehicle performance, quality, and safety. Solar firms are looking for similar technical innovations that will help push their technology to the forefront of the industry. We can make a substantial contribution to those goals.”

Uniseal SolFusion™ products are available world-wide. The product line includes solutions for the fabrication, assembly, attachment, and installation of crystalline and thin film photovoltaics as well as concentrating PV and solar thermal devices. The company will exhibit at Solar Power International in Los Angeles, October 12-14, Kentia Hall Booth #5718.

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Free Flow Power Acquires Remaining Interest in 10 Ohio Hydroelectric Development Projects

Free Flow Power (FFP) is pleased to announce that it has acquired the remaining assets of Clean River Power, LLC that it had not previously owned. Clean River Power is a run of the river hydroelectric project developer based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

FFPimage.jpg (258×381)

Free Flow Power’s acquisition includes 10 subsidiary LLCs which hold preliminary permits for conventional hydroelectric projects in southeastern Ohio; nine of the projects are located on the Muskingum River and one is on the Scioto River. The projects have a total nameplate capacity of approximately 40 MW and anticipated power production capacity of approximately 250,000 megawatt hours annually. Alan Skelly, Michael Skelly, Sr., and Tim Jones of Clean River Power have joined FFP’s, New Hydro – Project Development, management team.

Alan Skelly has 26 years of experience in private utility law and development, including as past Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Clean River Power. Michael Skelly, Sr. has 32 years experience in law, utility and energy project development including as past Treasurer of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. Tim Jones has more than 20 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant with an international full-service accounting firm and as Chief Financial Officer / Controller of various construction and development companies.

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Small Wind Turbine Manufacturer Gaia-Wind Welcomes First Minister’s Drive For World’s First Floating Wind Farm

Domestic wind turbine manufacturer Gaia-Wind supports the Scottish Government’s backing of floating wind farms that will help bring the commercial viability and benefits of wind turbines to an even bigger audience.

Following discussions between First Minister Alex Salmond and Norwegian energy giant Statoil, Scotland could soon become home to the world’s first floating wind farm.

In a bid to encourage Statoil to use Scottish waters to test and develop the commercial viability of their deep water Hywind floating turbines, the First Minister has suggested locations off the coast of Aberdeenshire or the Isle of Lewis.

Scottish waters as a whole are thought to offer a quarter of Europe’s entire offshore renewable potential.

Should the project go ahead, it is estimated that offshore wind power could create around 20,000 jobs, £30 billion in investment as well as a much needed move towards energy security; a point domestic wind turbine manufacturer Gaia-Wind feels is long overdue, as a spokesperson explains:

“With the finite nature of fossil fuels becoming an increasingly pressing matter, we need to act now to create a world that can function just as easily from renewable energy as it does oil.

“The forward thinking nature of the Scottish Government shows the wheels are in motion to do so.

“One of the biggest incentives of large scale renewable energy – such as plans for a floating wind farm – is the idea that Scotland could secure and harness its own energy resources meaning the need to rely on power from other countries could become redundant. The idea of Scotland producing power independently is a very attractive prospect indeed.”

With the Scottish Government backing wind energy all the way, it’s hoped that the increasing prominence of large scale wind farms will also enlighten home owners and small businesses to the benefits of wind turbines on a domestic level.

Via EPR Network
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ENER-G Pumps Up Sustainable Heating And Cooling Operation

ENER-G has launched a new ENER-G Sustainable Technologies division – specialising in the design, installation and maintenance of heat pumps.

Through its exclusive partnership with four leading manufacturers, the company is providing one of the widest selections of ground source, gas absorption, air source and water loop heat pump technologies in the UK.

The new division expands ENER-G’s existing ground source heat pump operation into a building services focused business that can provide total heat pump solutions for all types of heating and cooling applications utilising heat pumps ranging from 1kW to 1000kW capacity.

ENER-G Sustainable Technologies has relocated its Nottinghamshire base from Ollerton into larger premises in Mansfield, which will accommodate its anticipated year-on-year growth.

Managing Director, Paul Burley said: “Our in-house expertise and resources means we can see the whole job through from initial feasibility through to project handover. We operate our own drilling rigs and offer complete in-house services from specialist design, through to complete project management, installation and maintenance of heat pump technologies. We also have the ability to supply bespoke manufactured heat pumps in a variety of sizes to accommodate complex customer briefs, particularly where space is restricted.”

The introduction of the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in April 2011 is expected to stimulate further demand in the sector, providing significant subsidy payments of up to 7.5 pence per kWh for 15 to 23 years that will dramatically reduce the payback period on ground source and air source heat pump technology.

Via EPR Network
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San Diego Is ‘Almost’ A Small Wind Community!

DyoCore, a San Diego hybrid small wind/solar manufacturer on Friday July 23rd benefited from a unanimous approval by the County Planning Commission board to adopt changes in permitting to allow for the install and use of small residential/commercial wind turbines. DyoCore’s SolAir is one of the first small wind products to be allowed up to 5 units per structure anywhere under the jurisdiction of the County Planning Commission

DyoCore manufactures the SolAir, a residential / small commercial hybrid wind turbine. This small residential power house can provide about 2,000 kWh’s annually in green renewable power. For the past several years DyoCore has worked diligently in both becoming the first and only residential roof top turbine approved by the CEC (California Energy Commission) and working with municipalities on updating their building codes to allow its communities to take advantage of its technology and the state incentives that make the SolAir almost completely free to purchase and install!

SolAir is the only approved Turbine though the CEC that is virtually free. For each installed SolAir unit the state of California through the CEC, funded by major utilities companies such as San Diego Gas and Electric, will pay you up to 100% of your cost and installation within 4 to 6 weeks of final installation.

David Raine, the founder of DyoCore said “The County Planning Commission of San Diego are not the first to recognize the potential of Small Wind and DyoCore’s power generator in the state of California and not the first in the County as Carlsbad recognized the benefit of these solutions within its community only just a few weeks ago along with several other areas in California that are very friendly to renewable energy and specifically small wind”. David expects other communities to follow in these footsteps very soon but not without an uphill battle.

States and the Federal government in preparation of these new modern green technologies several years ago began adopting and outlining Green energy guidelines but these have and will continue to take time to trickle down to the community level.

Communities have not addressed these types of products since the early 70’s and most current regulations are specific to “Large” pole mounted turbines. DyoCore’s SolAir in most communities doesn’t fit into any building code category. Even though it is light weight, appealing, silent and an easy to install generator at less than 65” tall this is a completely new solution that requires new thinking in how to change existing or implement new codes that allow for modern friendly green technologies.

Via EPR Network
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Biogas Set To Power Our Homes

Biogas was once the domain of third world countries, but people at build-a-biogas-plant.com show that as energy costs skyrocket and new biogas designs come on the market, even people in a Western city can benefit from a biogas digester.

Biogas Set To Power Our Homes

Biogas is produced when organic matter is broken down by bacteria. The organic matter could be cow dung, but equally it could be the food scraps we throw away every day in our homes. Instead of these scraps going to landfill, they could be put far better use and go into a digester to produce biogas.

The biogas is made up of a large amount of methane, and methane is the important ingredient in biogas. Like natural-gas, biogas can be burned and used to heat water, create lighting or run our cooking stoves and it can even be used to run generators which produce electricity.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response to access the biogas information,” said Simon, a staffer at www.build-a-biogas-plant.com. “Our digester designs cater for individual’s household use, but larger systems are also available for communities, farms and other commercial businesses”.

In the United States alone, billions of tonnes of manure are produced each year by millions of cattle, pigs and chickens. Imagine how much electricity would be produced if all this dung was processed in biogas digesters? Not only would it replace a lot of natural gas but the residue makes a wonderful fertilizer (often better than commercially prepared products).

Via EPR Network
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Consumers Get Latest Electrical News with Specialist Site Electric.co.uk

Any consumer who wants to keep informed of the latest news from the energy and electrical industries is now able to do so thanks to re-launched website Electric.co.uk. The website is home to all the latest news updates on all the important electricity issues and details on other energy and power sources.

The website is owned and managed by leading web business stable ASAP Ventures and offers consumers news on a manner of energy sectors. The site carries all the very latest news from the electricity industry as well as all sorts of useful tips and hints on ways of cutting domestic power usage and saving energy.

With more people than ever now keen to stay aware of news on energy sources, Electric.co.uk can help them to stay on top of electrical energy news as well as other sources such as wind power, solar power, biomass energy and other renewable powers. The website was introduced by ASAP Ventures a year ago and the company recently re-launched the site with more features to celebrate its first birthday.

Anthony Jackson, spokesperson for Electric.co.uk, comments, “We believe that more people than ever now want to stay informed of all the latest developments in the energy industry, as there are massive environmental and financial implications for people. Our site can help them to remain informed on the latest green and renewable energy resources and all manner of other electric issues.”

For further information please visit www.electric.co.uk

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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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Global NES of Oregon Helping To Pave A Bright Future!

Global NES of Oregon is a world leader in providing a comprehensive 360 Degree Approach to New Energy Solutions.

Global NES of Oregon specializes in energy efficiencies methodologies and renewable energy technologies powered by clean sustainable solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal energy sources. We partner with businesses, governments and industrial clients to identify, design, finance, and build new energy solutions that deliver energy efficiency and take advantage of today’s most innovative renewable energy technologies.

We develop a custom designed system, meeting the energy needs of your company and your community. Renewable Energy solutions deliver long term financial and environmental benefits that are critical for success in today’s demanding markets.

Global NES offers a 360° Approach:
• We listen to our customers in order to fully understand our clients goals and objectives
• We complete an in-depth, state of the art energy evaluation and analysis to determine efficiency, as well as, system options that meet our client’s needs
• We propose and implement energy reduction measures reducing overall energy consumption
• We design and build innovative renewable systems that reduce or eliminate energy expense
• We partner with our clients to deliver financial options and incentives that maximize Return on Investment
• We continue our relationship beyond project completion to ensure a long-term, sustainable solution was delivered

Global NES of Oregon Helping To Pave A Bright Future!

Is Renewable Energy Right For Me?
Renewable energy has a broad-based appeal. The end-line consumer is a homeowner, landlord, retail business owner, farmer, rancher, manufacturer, school, hospital, church, apartment complex owner and virtually anyone who pays a utility bill.

Your motivation:
• Supplementing your energy needs or providing 100% of the power for your location or facility
• Renewable energy offers an opportunity to become self-sufficient
• Revenue generation by selling the energy you produce to tenants or back to the utility providers themselves.
• Reduce your carbon footprint on this planet by reducing emissions and use or dependency on fossil fuels.

No matter what your needs or desires are, we have the solutions for you.

Financing and Incentives
As part of the Global NES 360 Degree Approach, we work closely with our Clients to ensure the right financing options are presented and utilized, as well as our Clients take advantage of all state and federal incentives. The coordination of financing and incentives are critical in delivering a complete project and maximizing Return on Investment.

Financing
Global NES offers a wide variety of financing options including traditional financing packages, lease options and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). We have an extensive network of financial relationships and partners specializing in financing and investing in renewable energy solutions. Our network includes financing options from the following sources:

• Traditional Financial Institutions
• Leasing Companies
• Investment Banks
• Hedge Funds
• Insurance Companies
• Private Investors
• Venture Capital Firms

Federal and State Incentives
We work closely with our Clients to identify and present the best financial options. We then work hand in hand with our Clients and financing partners to prepare and complete a financial package that maximizes the opportunity for project completion and delivers maximum Return on Investment for our Clients.

There are currently a growing number of local, state and federal incentives designed to help companies develop and expand renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions. These incentives can dramatically help fund or offset project costs, and include some of the following:

• Government and Private Grants
• Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBS)
• Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)
• Favorable Financing Terms
• Rebates
• Tax Incentives and Deductions

With the complexity and rapidly growing number of incentives, it can be overwhelming and challenging to ensure the right incentives are identified and taken advantage of. Global NES works with corporate Clients to make sure all the local, state and federal incentives are identified and fulfilled. These incentives can play a critical role in defining a project’s overall financial outlook, determining cost savings and maximizing Return on Investment.

Energy Efficiency
As part of the Global NES 360° Approach we utilize state of the art technology to analyze and evaluate building infrastructure, systems and processes. Our expert engineering teams identify, design and implement integrated energy reduction solutions that optimize efficiency and maximize savings.

Global NES begins with an in-depth energy analysis and evaluation focusing on building construction, occupancy patterns, mechanical and electrical systems including HVAC and lighting. We design, present and coordinate energy reduction measures that improve facility efficiency, reduce operating cost and maximize shareholder value.

Benefits of Energy Reduction Measures
• Reduce operating expenses and improve cash flow by dramatically reducing energy/utility consumptions
• Identify and reduce energy waste
• Capitalize on federal tax deductions and other government incentives
• Increase the value of your facility
• Decrease maintenance time and costs
• Secure favorable interest rates and terms through Green Financing Options
• Make a positive contribution to the environment by reducing your carbon foot print and greenhouse gas emissions

Global NES also partners with our Clients to ensure maximum Return on Investment by identifying and coordinating favorable financing options and ensuring Clients take advantage of all possible rebates, grants and tax incentives. Please Feel Free To Contact Us For More Information, Or To Schedule Your Free Energy Analysis.

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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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Bristan Makes Showering Green Again

Showers have long been promoted as more water and energy efficient than baths. However many modern shower systems use more water than consumers expect. According to the environment agency, a power shower can use over 60l of water in 5 minutes compared to 70l for a standard bath. Add to this the fact that many users stay in the shower far longer than 5 minutes or have more than 1 shower per day and the green credentials of showering look rather shaky.

The good news is Bristan has extended it’s ecosmart range of water efficient products with the launch of a new Bristan Eco shower handset model No. HAND100 ECO C.

Offering excellent value for money the stylish single function handset features a built-in flow limiter that instantly reduces water usage to six litres per minute. It can be fitted with any shower hose to deliver significant water savings while still allowing for an enjoyable showering experience. Available in chrome, the eco handset features rub clean nozzles for easy cleaning.

Quote from ‘Heating & Plumbing Monthly Nov 2009’

Judith Gibbons, head of marketing at Bristan, said:

“Greater awareness of the potential problem of water shortage is driving more people to think about how they can be more water efficient in the home. Our ecosmart range has been developed to make saving water as easy as possible for consumers and, as heating water accounts for around 25% of our energy bills, the range can help people save money too.”

GW Supplies (Gurney & White Ltd)  not only stock the Bristan ecosmart range of Taps, Showers and Flow Limiters but also sell similar products from ‘DEVA’ and ‘House of Ultra’. Visit their web site at www.gwsupplies.co.uk to see the ranges of modern, stylish products that will not only enhance the look of a bathroom but will also save  money by saving water and energy thus reducing the household’s carbon footprint.

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Concentration:FLABEG pools Know-How

FLABEG, the international glass finishing specialist, now provides its customers with even more transparency. With the formation of FLABEG Deutschland GmbH the company will concentrate its key competences in the field of automotive and technical glass, in future FLABEG GmbH will focus simultaneously on the development of the solar mirror business.

“The significant expansion of our worldwide business locations made it necessary to re-organize our key competences,” said Axel Buchholz, CEO of the FLABEG Group, explaining the new structure. The automotive and technical glass divisions will operate under the umbrella of FLABEG Deutschland GmbH. The mission: to create a powerful, flexible center of competence for partners in the automotive, consumer electronics and aerospace industries.

For FLABEG customers the pooling of expertise in the solar mirror business and the automotive, technical glass has distinct advantages. FLABEG provides its partners from consulting to support up to the individual precision solution all from one source. “Even with expansion, it is important for us to retain the flexibility and structure of a medium-sized company,” said Axel Buchholz. “Utilizing the concentrated development expertise of our all locations, we are able to produce tailor-made high-tech glass products for our customers in a timely manner. A key competitive advantage for FLABEG customers.”

FLABEG, founded in 1882, is an independent company with production facilities in Europe, America and Asia. FLABEG is an expert in all types of glass processing. Precision bending and coating are among the core competencies of the company.

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20% Of The Cost Of Most Domestic Electricity Bills Is From Lighting

Although energy-saving light bulbs are more expensive to buy than ordinary bulbs they can last up to 15 times longer, depending on the type of the bulb you buy.

Changing saves energy and thus money.

The November 2009 ©Which? report on Megaman® GSU111d 11w Dimmerable® (fully dimmable with standard dimmers) had this to say:

“Test score 75%. Megaman® GSU111d Dimmerable® Warm White 11W.

Pros. One of the best bulbs for starting up, this one produces a good amount of light quickly and light output meets the manufacturer’s claim. It lasts well, too – we test bulbs for up to 8,000 hours, and every one of the Megaman® bulbs lasted the duration. It handles frequent switching on and off well and can be used with dimmer switches.”

With many traditional light bulbs disappearing from the shops for good, now is the time to change to more energy-efficient lamps & bulbs.

In September the phase out of traditional bulbs started with 100w clear and most pearl/frosted wattages being discontinued, all others will go over the next few years.

The humble light bulb is dead….. to be replaced by more efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps — known as CFLs, or energy-saving light bulbs.

This has caused a lot of consumer concerns. Gurney & White Ltd, stockist of Megaman energy efficient light bulbs, have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Q. For how long will I be able to buy ordinary bulbs?

A. 75W clear bulbs will be phased out from 1 September 2010, 60W clear bulbs from 1 September 2011, and all remaining clear bulbs from 1 September 2012.”

Q. Can I get energy-saving bulbs in different shapes?

A. Yes. You can get a variety of shapes including globe, golf ball, twisted and candle shapes.

Q. Do low-energy bulbs start at full brightness or do they need to warm up?

A. Some bulbs produce more than 40% of their claimed light output within the first few seconds, but others take longer to warm up. Megaman Dimmerable lamps have a quick start-up.

Q. Where can I dispose of low-energy light bulbs?

A. Compact fluorescent lamps contain a small amount of mercury, which is a hazardous material, so they must not be thrown in your domestic rubbish bin. You can dispose of used bulbs at more than 90% of civil amenity sites.

GW supplies has a wide range of energy saving bulbs and because they can buy in bulk they can offer excellent prices.

Via EPR Network
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40% Drop In Heating Cover Could Leave Consumers Out In The Cold

•Financial gamble: number of people taking out heating cover on their boilers has dropped 40% in the last year

•Safety gamble: 42% ignore industry safety advice to get boilers checked once a year, risking carbon monoxide poisioning

•No peace of mind: two thirds of households (65%) don’t have any form of emergency heating cover

•Paying the price: nearly one in three boilers breaks down within six years of being installed, cost of replacing four key boiler parts can reach £1200.

As winter bites and with people still feeling the bitter chill of recession, new research from uSwitch.com, the independent price and comparison switching service, reveals a 40% drop in the number of people taking out or renewing heating cover compared to this time last year. As a result more than two thirds (65%) of households do not have any type of heating or boiler cover in place, potentially taking a risk with their finances and their health.

Nearly one in three boilers breaks down within six years of being installed, and the cost of repair can spiral up to £1,200 to replace the four key boiler parts. In comparison, the average yearly cost of heating cover comes in at £122 or just over £10 a month.

However, this isn’t the only risk. Gas boilers should be serviced every year to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisioning, but 42% of households ignore these guidelines. Worryingly, one in ten – almost three million households – have never had their boiler serviced while the same number again have only ever had their boiler looked at when it’s gone wrong. According to the Gas Safe Register (which has taken over from Corgi), in the last year 14 people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning and 234 have suffered health problems after being exposed to the deadly gas. Recommended counter measures include having an annual gas safety check and installing a carbon monoxide alarm.

Will Marples, energy expert at uSwitch.com, says: “Household budgets continue to be stretched, but what seems like an easy saving could cost you dearly in the long term. Those who have cancelled or decided against cover might think they are just taking a chance with their money, but if they are also not getting their boiler checked they are taking a chance with their health.

Via EPR Network
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FLABEG Solar U.S. Corp. Opens New Solar Mirror Plant

FLABEG, global leader in high-tech glass and mirror applications, is opening a new production facility for solar mirrors which are used to help generate electricity at large-scale solar power plants. The new 209.00sq.ft manufacturing facility is erected in the Clinton Commerce Park near Pittsburgh International Airport.

The factory will have a annual capacity to deliver parabolic curved mirrors up to 450 MW for PT plants. This production site is therefore equipped to produce tempered solar mirrors in addition to the established monoliths, untempered mirrors.

“Our philosophy has undergone no change, nevertheless we want to be fully prepared for all possible changes in the law,” commenting FLABEG CEO Axel Buchholz on the extended production range. “We expect some federal states will introduce standards for safety glass for Concentrated Solar Power applications. Our core production will remain with untempered solar mirrors.”

Field tests indicate a breakage rate of 0.027% for FLABEG untempered solar mirrors. At such low levels breakage is not an issue.

“As always FLABEG continues to keep abreast oft he changing demands of the market,” says Buchholz. The facility will in future also be home to thinglass applications for Solar Dishes and Concentrated PV and also flat mirrors for Power Tower heliostats and Linear Fresnel power plants.

Via EPR Network
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