15 December 2009
Sir Nigel Broomfield has been warmly welcomed as the new honorary Chair of the Jersey Energy Trust. He takes over from acting Chair Andrea Cook OBE who remains a member of the Trust.
Sir Nigel said "I am delighted to join the Jersey Energy Trust which currently oversees the development and implementation of a grant scheme bringing energy efficiency measures to low income households. The work of this programme is important for Jersey in three ways. Firstly there are clear environmental benefits in reducing energy use, whilst improved energy efficiency will reduce the fuel bills of the most vulnerable members of our community. In addition, the scheme’s work is being carried out by verified local contractors ensuring that the money is being recycled through the local economy".
Ongoing fundingSir Nigel went on to say, "In this week of the Copenhagen talks, our minds are focussed on reducing energy use and the reduction in carbon emissions that this will bring. I am delighted that the States of Jersey has approved ongoing funding for this important initiative in this year’s budget. It shows that Members understand the importance of energy efficiency measures in a carbon reduction programme".
This yearIn its first year the project has directly targeted 1,750 homes and is carrying out a range of interventions including:
- loft insulation
- cavity wall insulation
- temperature controls
- pipe lagging
- draught proofing
Looking ahead
In the longer term the aim is to extend assistance to additional low income groups and develop the programme’s capacity to provide advice to all energy users.
The feedback we have received from participants in the scheme is that they have been delighted to be part of the programme recognising that, not only will their fuel bills drop, but that they have played a role in helping the environment. We know from the contractors that the increase in the volume of work the scheme has created has led to a growth in skills and given some local businesses confidence to expand their operations.
Sir Nigel Broomfield said "I would like warmly to thank Andrea Cook for guiding the scheme so capably thus far. Andrea has agreed to continue as a member of the Trust which is important for us as she brings a wealth of independent knowledge of energy efficiency schemes."
14th December 2009
gov.je