October 16, 2006 This news release issued by National Energy Action (NEA)

Members of the House of Lords and Commons together with industry and community representatives will meet on October 24 at the House of Commons during ‘Energy Saving Week’ to hear about the ExxonMobil Energy Challenge.

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

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, 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 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 reception is being hosted by Tim Loughton MP and other speakers include Lord Levy, Malcolm Wicks MP, Minister of State for Energy, DTI, and representatives from the partner organisations.

“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.”

William Gillis, chief executive of NEA, said: “NEA welcomes this initiative which will help to reach older people and other vulnerable households who are struggling to pay their energy bills. It will help them to gain access to grants and services that will make their homes more energy efficient.

“Too many people are unaware of how they can reduce energy use in their homes and the ‘Energy Challenge’ Volunteers will support householders at risk in some of the poorest wards in London.”

In England, the programme is operating initially in Greater London:

• 2006: Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Camden, City of London, Brent (Stonebridge)

• 2007: Barnet, Greenwich, Haringey, Lambeth

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.

Roberta 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
The reception will take place in the Members’ Dining Room at the House of Commons from 4pm-6pm on October 24 - members of the press are welcome to attend by contacting David Bootle, NEA Press Officer on 0191 2615677 or 07984993579.

‘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.

National Energy Action (NEA) and Energy Action Scotland (EAS) 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.

An event to launch The Energy Challenge in Scotland is to be held on Thursday, 26 October in the Scottish Parliament - contact Energy Action Scotland on 0141 226 3064 or eas@eas.org.uk for details.