October 26, 2006 This news release issued by Energy Action Scotland (EAS)

Members of the Scottish Parliament, together with industry and community representatives, will meet on October 26 at the Scottish Parliament during ‘Energy Saving Week’ to learn about the ExxonMobil Energy Challenge.

The ExxonMobil Energy Challenge is a partnership between ExxonMobil, CSV (Community Service Volunteers), Energy Action Scotland in Scotland and National Energy Action (NEA) in England.

The project is identifying and training 150 volunteers from CSV’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP). The volunteers plan to visit some 3,000 vulnerable households and 450 community venues in Scotland and England, offering tips on ways to conserve energy and to keep homes warm. Some of the Champions and Volunteers already trained will share their experiences at the event.

The event is to be hosted by Sarah Boyack MSP. Johann Lamont, Deputy Minister for Communities, will also attend to present certificates of achievement to the first four volunteers and their development officer. Representatives from the partner organisations will also be on hand to discuss the project.

Deputy Minister for Communities, Johann Lamont, said: “This is a really interesting new initiative. The Executive is committed to tackling fuel poverty and it’s important that there is advice available to help people keep their homes warm and dry. This new service can complement the support and advice already available to vulnerable householders.

“I am particularly pleased that the Energy Challenge is tapping into the skills and experience of older people to deliver the service. We know that through volunteering older people make a significant contribution in Scotland’s communities, and this new initiative will further harness these skills for the benefit of others.

“I would like to congratulate all of those involved in developing the Energy Challenge and I’m keen to watch its successful progress over the coming months.”

The Energy Challenge will run for a pilot period – until December 2007 – and will be assessed before it is taken further afield.

Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, CSV executive director, said: "CSV is delighted that ExxonMobil are making possible this exciting new initiative to combat fuel poverty. The creation of opportunities for older people to assist others in distress will be a further demonstration of how senior volunteers can make a difference to their communities."

In Scotland, the programme is operating initially in Stirling, Edinburgh and Fife with plans to extend to Aberdeen.

Norman Kerr, director of Energy Action Scotland, added: “The Energy Challenge is important as it will help reach vulnerable householders who often struggle to keep warm in their homes or pay their fuel bills.

“Many people are still unaware of the energy advice and grants for heating systems and insulation available to them. The volunteers will provide invaluable support by signposting them to sources of help such as the Scottish Executive’s grant programmes and the network of Energy Efficiency Advice Centres.”

A project Steering Group has been appointed and includes representatives from the Challenge partners, DTI, Defra, Help the Aged, BITC, energywatch, the Home Office and the London Borough of Camden.

Roberts Luxbacher, ExxonMobil International, director Europe Gas and Power Marketing, said: “ExxonMobil recognises the world’s growing energy needs and that informing people now about energy efficiency will help meet the challenges ahead. This initiative aims to be a sustainable solution to help those most in need to become more energy efficient. It will ensure they have information on benefits, subsidised energy-efficiency programmes and government grants.”

Notes to editors
‘Energy Saving Week’ is a Government-backed campaign organised by the Energy Saving Trust.

ExxonMobil has long since recognised the world’s growing energy needs and the role it has to play in fulfilling this need while meeting ever-increasing environmental expectations. The Company is committed to improving and promoting energy efficiency at every level, from its own operations to individual households. ExxonMobil is supporting this programme as a reflection of this commitment, and to ensure that growing expertise in energy efficiency is being used to help the most vulnerable.

Community Service Volunteers (CSV) was founded in 1962 and works to reconnect people to their communities through volunteering and training. Its Retired and Senior Volunteer programme (RSVP) helps those over 50 to get involved in their communities, and has over 10,000 volunteers throughout the UK. Many of these volunteers already visit people in their homes, providing company and help around the house. These volunteers can make a real difference, as they are part of the same community as those they are visiting and are able to connect with people on a personal level. They will therefore be vital to the success of the Energy Challenge programme.

Energy Action Scotland and National Energy Action (NEA) are charities which develop and promote energy efficiency services to tackle the heating and insulation problems of low-income households. They work in partnership with central and local government, fuel utilities, housing providers and health services to help those that are poor and vulnerable. Their specific role in this partnership is to design and provide training, specialist advice and mentoring support to the volunteers.

Evaluation and monitoring will be undertaken by the Smart Company on behalf of ExxonMobil to assess the impact of the pilot and findings will be shared with decision makers.