At a free public event in Mountrath, Minister Pippa Hackett hosted a panel of speakers focusing on managing energy costs for individuals, businesses and communities.
MABS Regional Manager, Michelle O’Hara, Mark Clancy from Laois Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and SEAI Communities mentor for Laois, Laurence O’Reilly shared their experience and the supports available.
Minister Hackett said: “We are in a time of extreme energy costs, and while we covered many aspects at this evenings event, for me the resounding message for individuals and businesses is ‘know your energy usage’ and act early to access support.
“For many it may be the first time they have looked at a utility bill in detail.
“You don’t have to do this alone, the message from tonight is that MABS offer a free and impartial service to individuals and LEO have the ‘Green for Micro’ energy consultancy service for businesses.”
The event was attended by financial, grant aid services and retrofit contractors including St Canice’s Credit Union, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Electric Ireland Superhomes.
During the discussion, which was opened to the floor, topics ranged from the viability of small business, on-farm energy options to the reopening of Shannonbridge.
One contributor reminded people the savings in changing utility companies.
“I clearly heard the need for timely intervention for small businesses and the need to communicate the supports that are available. Thank you to everyone who came this evening – this is a very important conversation to have” the Minister concluded.
The event ‘Energy, Costs and You’ is being held again on Monday 17th in Dooley’s Hotel, Birr with Expo from 6pm and panel discussion at 7:15pm.
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