The National Electrical and Communications Association’s (NECA) Lean and Green initiative, is a business support program that aims to tackle rising energy costs, which was launched this afternoon in the Tropical North Queensland city of Cairns.

the launch was attended by the Federal Member for Leichardt, The Honourable Warren Entsch MP, Deputy Mayor of Cairns Regional Council, Councillor Terry James, well known TV host, social entrepreneur and author of the Energy Cut Book, John Dee and NECA’s Chief Executive Officer, Suresh Manickam.

Lean and Green is an initiative for small businesses that combines energy audits, the EcoSmart Electricians training program and low interest finance to help owners identify how to become more energy efficient and save money on energy bills.

NECA CEO Suresh Manickam said that further opportunities exist to educate business and consumers about the importance of clean energy initiatives.

“With electricity prices likely to rise, industry and consumers are keen to explore more efficient and effective ways to not only reduce their power bills, but be a part of a more sustainable future.”

John Dee, the host of Smart Money, a live weekly prime time program on the Sky News Money and Business Channels said that ‘Energy efficiency is a guaranteed way to improve the profitability, resilience and value of your business. The Lean and Green initiative is a great opportunity for Cairns business owners’.

Mick Logan, Executive Director of NECA Queensland said the Lean and Green initiative differs from other energy efficiency programs because it has been industry developed, uses independent auditors and connects business owners with Eco-Smart trained electricians and low interest finance for energy efficiency investment back into the business.

“Wasted energy is lost profit, so let’s get lean and green” Mr Logan said.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews

Barry Jackson – National Marketing and Communications

E barry.jackson@neca.asn.au

D 02 9962 6904

M 0457 767 328

Notes for editors

1. NECA is the peak industry body representing the interests of electrical and communications contractors Australia-wide.
2. NECA is run by electrical contractors, for electrical contractors.
3. We have 5,000 contracting companies as members – and they in turn employ over 50,000 people Australia-wide.
4. NECA employs almost 350 people across its seven chapters (Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia).
5. The chapters provide NECA members with a range of services including: Industrial Relations, Health & Safety, Legal, Technical, Training, business-support services, product discounts and advocacy representation in Canberra with Government, Industry bodies and Training bodies.
6. NECA wholly-owns its Legal firm, Group Training and the NECA Colleges (in WA) and EcoSmart Electricians – and has joint ventures with a superannuation company (NSW) and one of the national cabling registrars (ACRS).
7. NECA also employ around 2,000 apprentice electricians and provides training to a further 2,000.
8. For further information go to www.neca.asn.au.