Fuel bills are soaring. This has been anticipated by Schneider Electric for many years, which is why the company has invested in developing energy-saving technology and systems for measuring, metering and controlling energy consumption.

The UK government has stated there is little it can do, and energy minister Malcolm Wicks said price changes are commercial decisions. But he also said the government recognised the effects price rises can have on businesses.

“Since 2000, we have spent £20bn on programmes including winter fuel payments and funding for low-income homes,” said Wicks.

While such emergency funds are vital, they do little to tackle an often lacklustre approach to active energy management. Perhaps alternatives such as financial incentives to industry to offset the cost of power metering and management might have greater impact.

Companies like Schneider Electric have developed affordable energy-conserving solutions that are more than capable of offsetting the latest price hikes. What is needed is the will and the way to make full use of them.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor

Postscript

Seth Townsley, Schneider Electric, Leeds