Enigin

Enigin In Florida II

2009-11-06T16:55:00+00:00

Enigin's Ben Willcocks, Ken Cheyne and myself (Steve Hill) complete their visit to Enigin Distributor Ekon Energy Management Group in Daytona Beach, Florida.

I briefly reviews the highlights of the visit and hints at what is to come...

Enigin In Florida

2009-11-02T04:45:08+00:00

Enigin's Ben Willcocks and Steve Hill are in Daytona Beach - what are they doing there?

Watch the video to find out...

Enigin Off To Oz

2009-10-26T00:27:00+00:00

Tim MacMahon, Enigin PLC's Commercial Director, talks about his trip to Australia as part of the Government's UK Trade and Investment department's mission.

Tim will meet businesses and Enigin distributors in Australia as well as announcing some exciting news on innovative Enigin energy saving products.

Tim will highlight how Enigin can help Australian commerce and industry save money through energy efficiency.

In this video Tim talks about his forthcoming trip...

Is This A Good Time To Start An Energy Saving Business

2009-10-23T22:53:43+01:00

The world maybe creeping out of recession but is this a good time to be starting your own energy saving business?

Many entrepreneurs around the globe are doing just that with the help of Enigin Plc.

Watch the video below and listen to what some Enigin Distributors said in September about starting their own Enigin energy saving businesses:

UK CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

2009-10-15T11:43:33+01:00

How many UK businesses know of the Carbon Reduction Commitment or its Energy Efficiency Scheme?

Apparently 40% of UK business is unaware of the CRC scheme and 60% haven’t done anything to get ready for the carbon reduction cap-and-trade scheme that comes into force in six months.

If you are a UK business owner you need to find out about this scheme today! Particularly as the government have now changed the scheme from just the CRC to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, which will start in April 2010.

The details from the Department of Energy and Climate Change were firmed up last week and it is predicted as many as 5,000 businesses will be forced to apply the binding legislation. These businesses will have to audit their carbon emissions and hence pay for carbon allowances to offset these emissions.

The government have produced what is expected to be the last draft of the CRC scheme before its implementation next April. The purpose of the scheme is to focus commerce and industry to use energy efficient technology and methods to reduce energy waste.

The latest and probably last draft of the scheme saw the name change to the “Energy Efficiency Scheme”, which clearly shows how and where they want the business world act. One major feature change is the Early Action qualification, which benefits businesses that have already started installing energy efficiency products or methods.

There are other changes from the latest draft; businesses will be spared the costs of buying emissions allocations in the first year of the scheme, but they will not be required to bid for credits in the first year, only to report their carbon emissions.

Businesses will eventually require companies to buy the carbon allowances they need each year, returning the cash with penalties or bonuses depending on whether they have cut emissions.

Businesses who may be affected can contact Enigin to find out how they can become energy efficient through advanced metering, energy auditing and installation of the most effective energy saving products - from motor controllers through to energy efficient lighting – take advantage now ahead of the new legislation.

Utility Bills Up 60%!

2009-10-09T12:20:00+01:00

I got a bit of a shock this morning when I switched on to watch the morning news, the BBC reported that UK utility bills could rise by as much as 60% over the next 10-15 years according to UK government regulator Ofgem (Office of gas and electricity markets) in their “Energy Market Scenarios” report.

This maybe a UK story but the implications are that worldwide everyone faces the same problem and it highlights how all of us, households as well as commerce and industry need to act now to become more energy efficient. This is one aspect that Ofgem, at brief review of their report, do not seem to have factored in to possible outcomes.

The report considers four scenarios that the UK could face over the next 10-15 years. The worse case scenario, and the headline grabbing one at that, is a 60% rise in utility prices but what seems the more likely scenario is somewhere between 15-25%!

That’s better than 60% but still a huge jump.

The problem is being able to supply what is needed, the same situation faced by practically every nation, with many countries facing the problem already.

Energy efficiency can have a major impact on reducing the impact of these challenges.

Ofgem claim that the UK will need to invest £200bn in power plants and other energy infrastructure over the next 10-15 years to avoid energy supply shortages and meet climate change goals. Consistencies of supply and energy security form the major concerns.

The UK and many other countries rely on importing energy, gas and electricity, as well as, at times, exporting the same. This means that supply is reliant on other nation’s willingness to keep the flow going. This exposure meant that supply disruptions across the world could affect prices.

Ofgem highlighted that the UK's main energy suppliers faced the dual challenge of renewing old power stations near the end of their life span, while coping with increasingly volatile global gas markets, and would likely have to raise bills in order to meet future energy supply demand and carbon targets.

One way to impact on these scenarios, almost immediately, is by becoming more energy efficient. Becoming energy efficient eases demand, reducing the urgency for new power plants, allows a more consistent supply and reduces carbon emissions.

Energy efficient technology is also a far cheaper than building more power-plants, substantially reducing that £200bn.

We can all become more efficient, just switch off that light and turn down (or up in warmer climes) the thermostat but to make real impact we need to know what we are doing.

Hence the importance of smart meters, particularly with visual displays that help you to see what you are doing, why you are doing it and what you are achieving.

For commerce and industry our Eniscope takes it a stage further, allowing for very precise decisions to be made on what to do and where efficiencies can be made to reduce the spiralling energy bills.

By seeing what is going on with energy use businesses can make sound financial decisions which will help with the bottom line and reach green house gas targets.

It would appear whatever we do, energy prices will rise, but what we can do is become more energy efficient and by so doing, despite the base price rise, we can reduce our energy spend and help towards a more stable energy future and a greener planet.

Queensland Australia Probes Energy Efficiency

2009-10-07T17:04:01+01:00

The Sydney Morning Herald reports on Thursday Oct 8 that Queensland State will be focusing on the environment, but realising that energy efficiency is a key element to reach the desired goals:

The future impacts of a carbon trading scheme on Queensland and the state's energy efficiency programs will be under the microscope at a parliamentary hearing on Thursday.

Environment and Resources Committee chair Carryn Sullivan said government played a vital role in promoting energy efficiency as the community tackled climate change.

The Pumicestone MP said as much as half the savings in greenhouse gas emissions the state needed to achieve by 2050 could be met through energy-efficiency improvements.

This included making homes and offices less dependent on air-conditioning, and choosing energy-efficient lighting and appliances.

"Every level of government now has plans and strategies and funding programs in place to help," Ms Sullivan said in a statement.

"Yet many people still aren't taking advantage of the opportunities being offered to them.

"My committee would like to know why."

The committee will hear evidence from government departments at Parliament House on Thursday afternoon.

Energy Efficiency - See It To Change It

2009-10-05T11:50:24+01:00

The BBC has reported how the Energy Saving Trust in the UK has highlighted the importance of clear visual displays when smart meters are used.

The report, from the Energy Saving Trust, says that smart meters will be less effective without monitors.

This supports what Enigin PLC has provided in their Eniscope solution. The Eniscope is far more than a “smart meter” being an advanced real-time energy monitor and combined with Enigin’s bespoke powerful software it provides the most comprehensive visual energy-use display for commerce and industry.

Backing up Enigin’s view that you need to measure your energy use, before you can make the required savings, the BBC’s report stated the following:

Real-time graphics will allow people to see how much power they use and help them cut their consumption.

The Energy Saving Trust fears that without visual displays energy consumers will find it harder to benefit from the smart meters and save power.

Focus group research presented in the report, The Smart Way to Display, shows a consumer preference for simplicity in visual displays of energy use.

Graphic indicator

Most people preferred a graphic indicator of their real-time rate of energy consumption, expressed in terms of expenditure per day.

A gauge of cumulative spend was also a popular idea. Consumers thought that these features would help them track consumption and pinpoint areas of high usage.

The focus group members also felt that the ability to access historical data on consumption and compare it with current levels was essential.

The trust's energy efficiency strategy manager, Ben Castle, told BBC News that only stand alone in-house display monitors could offer the immediate, direct and real time feedback on consumption that consumers need.

He said: "It moves and it can catch your eye and it is very little hassle for you to check how you are doing. It gives a much greater certainty that people will receive this feedback.

"Other alternatives, such as online services and mobile phone technology, don't give that immediate feedback that people need to inform their behavioural choices.

"I think having good, well designed displays accompanying smart meters is key to the objective of saving energy, saving carbon, saving money."

Enigin’s Eniscope will provide all this for businesses now, as the report above confirms seeing what you are using produces change in behaviour and targeted savings and efficiencies.

Original Report - BBC Website

Generate Billions Through Energy Efficiency

2009-10-02T12:29:06+01:00

Environment Northeast, a New England non-profit advocacy group, have produced a fascinating report that reveals that all the money businesses, governments, utility companies and others are spending on energy efficiency programs not only reduces energy use, but also pumps cash back into the economy – they estimate $6 - $8.50 for every $1 spent. It does this as energy efficiency helps businesses grow, creates jobs and stimulates spending.

Admittedly this range of saving would vary in different economies or areas, but the report highlights that it makes sense to become energy efficient for the whole local economy and not just the front-end impact of saving money.

To see the overall effect of such measures Environment Northeast’s report reckons that if $27.2 billion were spent over the next 15 years, that’s just in New England, on energy efficiency programs, $180 billion would be reinvested back into local economy. Almost three-quarters of that would be returned to the working population through increased income, with an estimated average of 38,000 jobs being created annually.

Derek K. Murrow, one of the authors of the report, said: “The return numbers are really impressive. A lot of states, and especially Massachusetts, have made a significant commitment to capturing energy efficiency . . . [and] moving forward with those opportunities is a real need, especially in a time of economic downturn.’’

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said in an e-mailed statement to the Boston Globe: “Some things are simple. We can reduce energy use, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and save money at the same time by becoming more energy efficient.’’

Education that energy efficiency does more than lower bills is one of the most significant issues the Environment Northeast report addresses.

The Boston Globe spoke to senior vice president of Associated Industries of Massachusetts Robert Rio, and he “believes in energy efficiency’’ but also sees some challenges.

“Cost is obviously a hurdle. Somebody has to pay for all of these investments, ’’ Rio said, adding that many often have to be persuaded into implementing efficiency measures. “The key is, it’s not sexy. People like to put windmills up, people like to put solar panels up, but in reality, dollar for dollar, energy efficiency will get you more kilowatts.’’

As Rio states, it isn’t sexy to be energy efficient as no one notices what has been done, which is why Enigin’s Eniscope and its real-time display is so popular, using large screen displays businesses can now make their invisible energy saving efforts visible to all and it’s less imposing than a windmill.

Energy efficiency, particularly replacing old for new technologies that require less energy to perform such as lighting a room, is a priority. Load-side product upgrades along with advance metering throughout commerce and industry is vital, although investment is needed the potential return is huge for local communities. Enigin distributors worldwide are able to help by providing the Eniscope advance meter and from the real-time and historical energy use data the right products and decisions can be made for the most effective energy efficient actions.

In time of economic stress there is no better time for business owners to protect the future of their businesses by saving energy and as the report has highlighted it can give a substantial return on investment for the whole local economy, giving a hidden return to the business. Plus, of course, some would say most importantly, it protects the future of the planet.

Based on original report by the Boston Globe.

UK Government Release Funds

2009-09-29T12:06:55+01:00

The clean energy technologies of the future will have access to an extra £20 million in government-backed venture capital support, Ed Miliband announced today.

New advances in technologies such as energy efficiency, wave, tidal, fuel cells and solar power are dependent on a mixture of R&D grant support and venture capital, but the flow of private money for early stage development has fallen back since the downturn started in 2008.

The allocation announced today is the latest instalment of £405 million announced in the Budget for low carbon.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“It is essential we meet our long term climate change goals. That’s why we’re intervening with support for tomorrow’s green energy technologies.

“Where market capital isn’t coming forward, we’re stepping in to plug the gap as speedily as possible.”

Simon Walker, Chief Executive of the British Venture Capital Association, said:

“Low carbon energy technologies backed by venture capitalists will play an important role in creating a sustainable energy future for the UK. In 2009 we have seen a dramatic fall in the amount invested into clean energy companies in the UK. We welcome any initiative which boosts the supply of capital into this crucial sector.”

Penny Shepherd MBE, Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance said:

“Government support now is vital to develop the UK low carbon technology businesses that we need for lasting prosperity. This commitment shows that the Government is serious about promoting a low carbon economy and sustainable investment in the UK.”