VPhase wins energy saving prize
AN innovative Cheshire company which has invented a device to help combat climate change has won £30,000 from the Shell Springboard programme, designed to promote the growth of green businesses in the UK.
Cheshire-based VPhase received the financial boost for Voltage Optimisation, a product which lowers and regulates household voltage use, so that devices and appliances continue to operate as before, but by using typically around 25 volts less.
The £300 device will cut householders’ electricity bills by around 10% – so depending on electricity consumption will pay for itself in two to four years.
Voltage optimisation is widely used in industrial settings to cut energy consumption and costs, and also extend the lifespan of electrical appliances, however, it has historically been too expensive and too large for domestic applications. VPhase’s product allows the same principle to be applied to UK households.
The Shell Springboard programme has awarded over £1.6m to 50 UK small businesses since it launched in 2005.
The programme helps small businesses make an impact in the fight against climate change by providing a no-strings-attached financial boost to companies with innovative products and services that could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Rick Smith chief executive of AIM-listed VPhase said, “We believe Voltage Optimisation can make a difference in the fight against climate change and it’s incredibly rewarding that a well-established programme like Shell Springboard has also recognised its potential.
“The funding and recognition we received will allow us to press ahead with our ambitions for Voltage Optimisation, tackling fuel poverty and reducing CO2 emissions”.
