Many PCC
Treasurers will have seen significant increases over the past
year in the cost of their electricity and gas supplies. Some of
you may have changed, or are considering changing, your
supplier(s) in order to reduce costs. In the current difficult
economic climate you will naturally be keen to reduce costs
wherever possible. When considering the choice of electricity
supplier, PCC treasurers with other PCC colleagues will want to
also have regard to the green agenda alongside the issue of cost
i.e. should you go for the cheapest, or the greenest?
The
Diocesan Synod has adopted an environmental policy which,
amongst other matters, encourages us all to consider the green
agenda. It may be of interest to you to know that the Diocesan
Office at the Old Deanery buys its electricity supply from a
company that generates electricity from 100% renewable sources.
We believe this to be an important matter of principle and we
would encourage parishes to consider buying their electricity
from companies who generate from wholly or substantially from
green sources. A copy of the Diocesan Environmental policy can
be seen
here.
Aside from
the cost of the gas or electricity supply, we believe that many
parishes may not be on the correct charging tariff. The Diocese
of Chelmsford has done some research on this matter and an
independent person in that Diocese, Noel Muddiman of Charity
Funding Solutions, has been able to offer some very helpful
advice to their parishes about the correct charging tariff.
This has led to considerable savings for many churches. We
commend Noel Muddiman to you. A supporting note and contact
details are attached. Although this service is primarily
concerned with finding alternative cheaper electricity and gas
suppliers, there is also advice on offer about green energy
options.
As the
Charity Funding Solutions’ service does not involve parishes
entering into minimum term contracts, it could offer a useful
short term savings option over the next 6 – 12 months.
Representatives from the seven dioceses in the South West
recently met to discuss setting up our own South West regional
electricity supply scheme. This scheme would be for the supply
of electricity from renewable sources i.e. it would follow the
green agenda. It will take us between 6 – 12 months to
establish such a scheme and in the interim you may wish to
realise any available short-term savings and then consider
switching again to a supply in line with Diocesan policy when
you see the details of that scheme. It will be a competitively
priced scheme but, importantly, it will be for the supply of
green electricity. If your PCC does choose to use the services
of Mr Muddiman and financial savings are made, then we would
urge your PCC to devote 50% of those savings to tackle energy
improvements in your parish plant which will support both the
Diocesan policy and also may give you further savings.
If you wish
to discuss which option might be best for you then please do not
hesitate to contact me, or either of my colleagues ,
the Social Justice and Environment Adviser,
or
the Diocesan Accountant.
Yours
sincerely
Nick
Nick Denison
Diocesan Secretary The Old
Deanery, Wells, Somerset BA5 2UG
T: 01749 685109 F: 01749 674240
