Electrical contractors from three ECA member companies have just been recognised as the very first ‘ECA Energy Efficiency Advisors’, during a ceremony held in Sevenoaks, Kent by global energy management specialists Schneider Electric and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). The ECA is the UK’s largest trade association representing electrical, electrotechnical and other engineering contractors, at regional, national and European level.
The first to achieve the new ECA EEA accreditation are Phil Hamblett from N. Smith Electrical, Chris Arnold from Jascom, and Garry Evans from AS North (see attached photograph).
The Energy Efficiency Advisor accreditation began on September 1st this year, and is being run by Schneider Electric alongside the ECA across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The essential aim of the new ECA Energy Efficiency Advisor scheme is to help ECA members, many of whom already have extensive practical expertise with cost-effective energy solutions, to be able to project that capability more easily to clients.
The EEA badge, which is awarded to individuals within the company, will give clients more confidence that they will benefit from talking to their EEA about how to boost energy efficiency in their company, and how to save money. EEA advisers will also be able to show domestic consumers that they know their way around modern energy efficiency measures.
Bill Wright, ECA head of energy solutions said: “We are delighted to be working alongside energy experts Schneider Electric on this potentially game-changing Energy Efficiency Advisor scheme.
“The EEA will now be able to show that contractors have formal training and knowledge that allows them to give practical and often highly valuable energy efficiency advice to both commercial and domestic customers.
“Our aim is for the first wave of pioneering ECA Energy Efficiency Advisors to show the way and help us to build a strong cadre of ‘energy aware’ electrical contractors.
Louise Smith, customer marketing manager at Schneider Electric added: “This partnership reinforces Schneider Electric’s commitment to supporting customers in making the most of their energy in the UK and making cost savings for clients. We have worked closely with the ECA for many years and through this initiative we are looking forward to supporting ECA members’ energy efficiency knowledge, skills and recognition.”
The ECA accreditation is being delivered via the Schneider Electric web-based ‘Energy University’ platform, which provides excellent training material for professionals from all organisational levels and backgrounds. The course is free to individuals employed by ECA members and participants must complete 12 online modules from the online library. Each module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, with another 10 minutes required for the assessment.
