The Welsh government wants its public sector bodies to use energy performance contracts (EPCs) in a bid to free up savings for other public services. It has launched a programme called Re:fit Cymru which is co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme of the European Union.
The scheme will see energy service companies (Escos) bid for work and guarantee energy savings over an agreed payback period. If savings are not being met, they will be obliged to install more energy saving equipment or refund the difference.
Public sector organisations may be unfamiliar with EPCs, so the Re:fit Cymru support unit has been set up to guide them through the process. The Welsh government says the unit will provide professional support and help secure best value. Standard services include:
- stakeholder engagement to secure organisational buy-in
- strategy and project development
- procurement and legal support
- technical advice
- access to a UK wide public sector framework
- support during project delivery and benefits monitoring
Re:fit Cymru says it will subsidise 90% of those services but public bodies have to put in £20,000 of their own funds to access the service, £10,000 of which will be refunded upon project completion.
The Welsh Government is also offering zero percent interest finance to implement the energy efficiency measures.
See further details here.
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