Energy Saving Device for the Home in Shell Springboard National Finals

Chester-based business VPhase plc has been named runner-up in the national Shell Springboard programme, after winning the regional heats and being awarded £30,000, for its pioneering eco device for the home, which cuts electricity bills by around 10

Cheshire (I-Newswire) February 24, 2011 - The ‘fit, forget and save’ eco innovation from VPhase was highly praised for its contribution to tackle climate change from the panel of prominent judges, including climate change expert Lord Oxburgh, UK Low Carbon Business Advisor Professor Julia King, technical venture capitalist Andrew Oldfield and Greenpeace Chief Scientist Doug Parr.

The innovative, low-cost VPhase uses voltage optimisation technology to reduce and regulate the incoming voltage to homes, managing it to a stable level of around 220V in the UK. This ensures electrical appliances instantly use less electricity and cost less to run – all without homeowners needing to change their lifestyle or supplier. VPhase also delivers carbon savings, which have been calculated to be around 4 tonnes during the 25+ year life of the product.

Comments Rick Smith, VPhase CEO: “The VPhase device holds wide appeal and is quickly becoming recognised as the best and most effective green investment for the home. We’re delighted to have been recognised by such an influential panel of industry experts and the funding we’ve received will help us press ahead with our ambitions to tackle fuel poverty and climate change through the nationwide adoption of voltage optimisation.”

The VPhase device, which fits next to the fuse box, is maintenance free and works immediately saving energy across a wide range of appliances throughout the home. It must be installed by a qualified electrician and comes with a 5 year warranty. With payback periods typically less than this, VPhase represents a virtually risk-free investment.

National fulfilment partner, Eaga is retailing the device for £299 (including VAT and installation), although any qualified electrician can fit a Vphase. Those who want help finding a local electrician or would like to see how much they can be saving using the interactive ‘savings calculator,’ can visit the VPhase website www.vphase.co.uk.

Visit www.vphase.co.uk or call 0845 003 8222 for more details.

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Richmond Towers Communications
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Notes to editors:
The winning entry of the Shell Springboard programme was Cella Energy for developing a technology which allows hydrogen to be stored in a cheap, practical way, bringing the prospect of hydrogen fuelled cars one step closer to reality.

The other three finalists include:
•Ashwoods Automotive Ltd, which has designed a product that regulates and lengthens the lifespan of electric car batteries, which can cost up to £50,000 each
•Cambridge Carbon Capture, which has created technology that captures and stores CO2 from the atmosphere. The product also produces CO2 free electricity in addition to carbonate which can be sold to the building industry
•Naked Energy Ltd, which has developed a solar panel which is able to generate both electricity and hot water in cool climates.

Shell Springboard provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK. Since 2005, around 130 businesses have faced independent judging panels and 54 have been awarded £20-£40,000. In total over £1.6 million has been awarded to these businesses, with no strings attached. Through Shell Springboard, Shell supports small to medium sized enterprises in the UK with innovative ideas to seize the commercial opportunities presented by climate change.

For more information, see www.shell.co.uk/socialinvestment and www.twitter.com/shell_society