We have introduced a number of pioneering and long-lasting programmes to help us meet the challenges ahead.
Green energy
We are planning to invest £750 million in renewable energy and are meeting our obligation to supply a proportion of our electricity from renewable resources.
Under our Energy Efficiency Commitment, we invested £96.2 million on subsidising products such as cavity and loft insulations for around 2.5 million homes in 2006.
Climate Aware allows you the opportunity to offset your home's previous 12 months carbon emissions, giving you the peace of mind that your home is carbon neutral and that you are doing your bit for the environment and to reduce climate change.
The option for customers to receive statements online not only reduces the amount of paper we use but our paperless billing community has also planted nearly 7,000 trees in one of The Carbon Neutral Company’s specially selected woodland sites »
We provide our customers with free advice on energy efficiency and in 2005 we launched Britain’s largest energy savings initiative, offering customers a free energy efficiency report on their home and tailored advice on how to reduce their energy consumption.
Think Energy is a free curriculum-based energy education programme for schools, aimed at teaching students about different types of energy and the importance of energy efficiency.
We have three locations dedicated to re-growing native woodland. Part of our planting has been supported by our customers choosing to receive statements on line. As a result we have reduced the amount of paper we use and helped to re-grow forests for future generations.
In order to meet our environmental promises, Centrica has set out a clear vision and implemented a structure among senior management to ensure a co-ordinated approach is taken to environmental governance and stewardship.
British Gas introduced the UK’s largest social energy tariff, aimed at reducing gas and electricity bills for 750,000 of our most vulnerable customers. The Essentials Tariff provides additional help to vulnerable customers, particularly those who use Pay As You Go Energy™ meters.
By the end of 2005, this trust had paid out £657,000 in grants to individuals and families struggling to clear energy arrears and a further £650,000 to provide advice and education on debt-related issues.
British Gas and National Energy Action (NEA) have set up the REECH programme. It's aim is to help members of ethnic minority communities overcome the barriers that can prevent them from heating and insulating their homes affordably.
As part of our ‘here to HELP’ programme, we were able to identify over £11.2 million worth of unclaimed benefits. In 2005/2006, British Gas provided £45 million in winter fuel rebates for vulnerable customers.
