More than 2500 companies in the UK could end up facing fines from the government as a new report reveals that many top-level executives, at some of the country’s largest firms have no knowledge of the mandatory CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Over 53 per cent of executives in the 5000 top UK companies have admitted they are unaware of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme in a report by a green IT consultancy firm. All of the 5000 firms would have to be registered with the scheme by the end of September and have an energy monitoring plan in place or could face hefty penalties and/or fines.

The scheme is a compulsory carbon cap and trade scheme that targets energy intensive businesses that are not covered under the EU carbon trading scheme. The scheme applies to both public and private sector companies using over 6000 megawatt hours of electricity per year. Organisations will use half-hourly electricity meters and will report figures to the government under the scheme but figures at the end of June showed that only 10 per cent of elegible organisations had already registered.

Some of the UK’s major energy suppliers have warned organisations that they must adequately understand the new challenges that the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme will bring. Mike Hogg who is the general manager of one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, Shell Gas Direct, stated:

"The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is primarily driven by electricity consumption,

"We have been working hard to explain what CRC will mean for our customers, and therefore they can position themselves effectively in preparation for what it means for their business. The best hedge against any risk for any business is to use less energy or to better understand the patterns and level of consumption. By having the knowledge of what exact consumption your business is using and when, answers many of the questions I have alluded to before."

Author:  Thomas Davies

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