British Gas Business Launches Their 'CRC Manager'

LEICESTER, England, May 20, 2010 - British Gas Business has launched 'CRC Manager' ahead of the
implementation of the Government's Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC)
(www.britishgas.co.uk/business/energy-efficiency/legal-obligations/carbon-reduction-commitment.html)
Energy Efficiency Scheme on 1st April 2010.

Over the past 12 months British Gas Business has been listening to its
customers and conducted a wide-ranging CRC education initiative in both the
private and public sectors to help companies and organisations understand the
impact of the legislation, and how best to take advantage of the early action
metric.

Responding to feedback from customers who are concerned about the
impending legislation, with many in need of support around CRC, the new
service was created and will be delivered by the Energy360 (
www.britishgas.co.uk/business/products-and-services/energy-360.html)
team from British Gas Business. CRC Manager will make it easier for
businesses not only to comply with the new CRC legislation, but also to use
it as an opportunity to drive cost efficiencies from within.

CRC Manager will assure compliance with the regulations, in the context
of a business energy reduction strategy. The service provides:

    - Collection and recording of all emissions data

    - Quantification and monitoring of energy usage and CO2 emissions
      throughout the year

    - Forecast annual carbon emissions (electricity, gas and fuels used on
      sites)

    - Clarity on the complexities associated with organisational structure
      issues

    - Creation or refinement of carbon and energy strategy

    - Tailored recommendations on how to reduce energy and carbon usage and
      help to implement them

Jeff Whittingham, Director of Energy Services at British Gas Business,
said: "There is confusion amongst many UK businesses and public sector
organisations around the CRC energy efficiency (
www.britishgas.co.uk/business/energy-efficiency.html) legislation and
how the different variables will impact their business - from understanding
league table metrics to the number of allowances they will need to purchase,
making compliance difficult. Often there isn't even an individual within the
business who is tasked with monitoring and adhering to these regulations. By
allowing companies to plan their energy reduction strategy, based on accurate
results and forecasts, CRC Manager both helps with compliance as well as
using the opportunity to commercial advantage."

"The service forms part of a wider package of energy management services
providing advice and support on energy and fuel efficiency, and puts
companies back in control by helping them comply with the new Government
scheme."

According to the Government, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is expected
to affect up to 20,000 UK organisations - specifically businesses with an
annual electricity bill of over GBP500,000, all of whom must make individual
commitments towards reducing their carbon emissions.

Alongside the requirement to reduce their carbon emissions, the annual
October publication of a CRC performance league table will put the spotlight
on the best and worst performers. As the legislation comes into effect, this
will create both reputational benefits and risks depending on businesses'
position in the league table.

For more information about CRC Manager, please visit
www.energy360.co.uk/crc

About British Gas Business

British Gas Business offer a range of products and services tailored to
the business market, including fixed price energy contracts, boiler and
central heating services, an online business insurance comparison service,
and a connections and metering service for new energy supplies, conversions
and upgrades.

For tips on reducing your business energy (
www.britishgas.co.uk/business/) consumption and for more general
energy efficiency advice
(www.britishgas.co.uk/business/energy-efficiency.html), customers can
visit www.britishgas.co.uk/business.

    Contact
    Kate Saner
    katesaner@bluerubicon.com
    +44(0)20-7260-2700

Contact, Kate Saner, katesaner at bluerubicon.com, +44(0)20-7260-2700