18/07/2001

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPTS FOR ‘GREEN’ ELECTRICITY

THE Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has urged businesses in the North West to follow its example in switching to environmentally friendly energy.

Together with local company Artglass, the Chamber of Commerce has signed up to Eco Energy, a new initiative from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE).

Most electricity is made from fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal, non-renewable sources which are thought to have a damaging effect on the environment by accelerating global climate change.

Eco Energy is a new option involving electricity sourced from non-polluting methods such as wind power, which NIE describe as an environmental commitment rather than a profit-making venture, with all additional profit to be reinvested in the ongoing development of renewable energy projects. This process will be overseen by an independent trust.

Commenting on the Chamber of Commerce’s involvement, Andy McCrae, NIE’s Environmental Services Manager, said: “It is crucial for businesses across all sector to look at how their activities affect the environment. The amount of energy used and where it comes from obviously has a major impact.”

Electricity produced from renewable sources is exempt from the recently introduced Climate Change Levy. (CL)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 September 2003
Minister announces £30m electricity initiative
Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson has announced plans to invest £30 million in a new initiative aimed at reducing electricity bills for Northern Ireland's businesses. It is hoped that the funding, which is part of a draft budget, will help businesses save 10% on their electricity bills.
20 June 2002
Energy Bill 'priority' for Enterprise Minister
Sir Reg Empey the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has taken the process of introducing new legislation governing the electricity and gas industries in Northern Ireland closer by launching a draft Energy Bill for public consultation.
30 August 2001
nevada tele.com ‘logs’ on to eco energy
Leading business telecommunications and Internet provider nevada tele.com have become Northern Ireland’s first ‘e-nvironmentally’ friendly telecoms and internet company by logging onto green electricity, Eco Energy.
26 May 2010
Competition Sparks NI Electricity Market
A Republic of Ireland energy firm will begin selling power to households in Northern Ireland from June. Airtricity will be the first company to compete with NIE Energy in the domestic electricity market.
16 November 2001
Energy Efficiency workshop set for Portadown
The Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme is set it launch its ‘Essential skills and techniques for managing energy’ workshops in Portadown on December 4.