Catholic schools in fuel plea

CATHOLIC schools across Halton are being encouraged to sign up to a scheme to provide low-cost renewable energy.

A national energy-buying group for schools is being set up thanks to the partnership between Churchmarketplace (CMP) and Interdiocesan Fuel Management (IFM) Limited, the two Catholic organisations that already supply clean energy to the vast majority of parishes and dioceses of England and Wales.

Catholic institutions in Runcorn and Widnes which wish to join the scheme are encouraged to send their contract end dates to CMP by Thursday, June 15.

CMP director Jenny Williamson said: “We are delighted that IFM Limited now has an EU-compliant contract that schools and academies can access.

“By using IFM schools and academies will be using a trusted organisation with 20 years’ plus experience in the energy market – and one whose only interests are to serve the church and to maximise the collective buying power of the Catholic estate.

“By using IFM schools will never need worry about energy again.”

The partnership keeps the price of renewable energy low because, compared to other energy brokers, IFM does not seek to protect profits by changing quotes to take account of possible ‘risk factors’ in a fluctuating market.

Instead, IFM gives buyers the live cost of energy on a given day.

IFM Limited director Carol Lawrence said: “Our alliance is already saving Catholic parishes tens of thousands of pounds each year while providing them with clean, renewable energy in keeping with the vision of Pope Francis for the care of creation.

“By joining this new initiative, Catholic educational institutions now have a wonderful opportunity to serve the Church and wider society.

“They will also be able to keep their own energy costs down and attain greater financial stability at a time when there is so much pressure on local funding.

“We strongly advise all Catholic schools and academies to register an interest with us by June 15.”

Runcorn is covered by the Diocese Of Shrewsbury.

Widnes meanwhile is part of the Archdiocese Of Liverpool.