Carbon Reduction Commitment
What is the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) energy efficiency scheme?
Aimed at improving energy efficiency in large public and private sector organisations, CRC is a mandatory emissions trading scheme starting in April 2010. It is administered by the NI Environment Agency on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Am I affected?
If you have at least one >70kVA site with a half-hourly meter (HHM), you will be required to do something under the CRC. In 2008 if, through your HHMs, you used:
- more than 6,000,000 units of electricity (6,000 MWh), you will be required to participate fully
- more than 3,000 MWh but less than 6,000 MWh, you will be required to make an 'information disclosure' providing full details of your energy use
- less than 3,000 MWh, you will be required to provide contact details and complete the appropriate online form
How will ‘emissions trading’ work?
Participants will have to buy ‘carbon allowances’ to match the carbon emissions from their energy use. These allowances will be traded in subsequent years and organisations that improve their energy efficiency performance will enjoy financial benefits while those that do not will incur financial penalties. Put simply, if you use less energy you will enjoy lower bills and be required to buy fewer carbon allowances.
How can NIE Energy help?
If you think you may be affected by CRC please get in touch as soon as possible. Initially we can provide you with a summary of all electricity you used through half-hour meters during the qualifying period of 2008. This will help you establish if you will be affected by CRC.
Going forward we can help you in a variety of ways:
- An online data service featuring graphs and spreadsheets to allow you to closely monitor your consumption going forward
- Gathering consumption data to help you prepare an information disclosure
- Energy saving advice and useful tips
- Regular special offers on energy saving equipment
- Advice on using renewable technology
Call our Customer Helpline at 08457 455 455 or e-mail crc@nieenergy.co.uk.
Click here to view a sample report.
More information on CRC
Download a timetable (extracted from CRC energy efficiency user guide).
Links:
Environment Agency
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/pollution/98263.aspx
The Carbon Trust
www.carbontrust.co.uk/policy-legislation/Business-Public-Sector/Pages/carbon-reduction-commitment.aspx