Renewables consultancy to help hundreds of North East SMEs slash energy costs

Renewable energy consultancy Narec DE has secured a deal to help more than 250 SMEs in the North East slash their energy costs.

The contract with five of the region’s local authorities will see Blyth-based Narec Distributed Energy deliver the Business Energy Savings Team (BEST) project, which will help small- and medium-sized firms across Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Sunderland identify and implement energy saving measures.

BEST will provide a fully funded energy audit designed to highlight ways a firm can reduce energy use in its day-to-day operations, potentially saving money and cutting carbon.

Grant funding for around 100 SMEs will be available to help cover the costs of the improvements.

Adam Stewart, senior project manager at Narec, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract by Newcastle City Council and are very much looking forward to working with hundreds of SMEs across the region to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions.”

Narec DE was formed as an independent business in 2012 after spinning out from the UK National Renewable Energy Centre.

The firm carries out renewable energy and grid-connection activities including bespoke training, strategic consultancy, feasibility and design services.