News Article
Renewable Response In North West UK
Development agency staggered at consumer interest in renewables
4,000 homeowners from across the region have contacted their local Energy Saving Trust advice centre to find out more about renewable energy. This follows a campaign funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to demystify renewable energy technologies and inform those in the North West on the financial initiatives available. Of those 4,000 homeowners, interested residents are being referred to their local installers to find out about specific technologies, with some already installing the technologies in their home.
The marked trend towards renewable energy is not unusual. A UK-wide study by the Energy Saving Trust released to mark Energy Saving Week in October, revealed that 73% of North West householders are looking to cut their fuel bills, citing financial hardship as the main reason. 39% North West householders would now consider a home survey to see if renewable energy could be installed in their property. Of those householders surveyed 60% would be interested in buying a house already fitted with renewable energy.
By working in partnership with Envirolink Northwest and providing support to over 100 businesses, the Energy Saving Trust ensure that local suppliers can meet the demand for these renewable technologies, and that customers receive a high standard of service from certified installers.
David Hunt, Business Development Manager at Eco-Environments commented, "Envirolink Northwest has helped us significantly as a business. We have also found the Energy Saving Trust to be a great source for consumers to find independent advice and recently, we have started to see customers contact us following on from the Energy Saving Trust marketing campaign. The awareness raising and referrals from the Energy Saving Trust have certainly resulted in a number of installations for us, and I'm sure for others too."
Mr H. Moss, householder in Penrith, Cumbria, said: "I found the service from start to finish really helpful and informative. I have been interested in Solar Thermal for a while so when I received the mailing information it pointed me in the right direction to make a start. Now I am almost at the stage to install. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Energy Saving Trust to anyone."
Catherine Monaghan, Head of Energy Saving Trust North West said, "This marketing campaign has proved to be an excellent mechanism to reach householders in the North West, removing one of the key barriers for the uptake of renewable energy technologies: the lack of independent advice. Through our partnership with Envirolink Northwest we are also developing the local supply list which results in local jobs being safeguarded and created"
Dan Griffiths, from the Northwest Development Agency, commented, "An increased number of household renewable energy installations will be crucial for the Northwest to meet its contribution to national renewable energy and carbon reduction targets. This pilot campaign has demonstrated the high level of interest from householders, an interest which will help to build a thriving microgeneration industry in the region"
