Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) throughout Clare and Limerick risk going under if they fail to control their energy bills and establish an energy efficient manner of conducting business.

That is according to the Limerick Clare Energy Agency (LCEA), which today launched an Energy Management Certification project for SME’s in the Shannon area.

The pilot scheme, which is expected to be rolled out nationally, aims to assist participating SME's that are concerned about the security of energy supplies and the environmental impact of energy business owners with certificates in recognition of their participation in the project.

"Growing uncertainty over future supplies of imported fuel coupled with the annual 10-20% increase in domestic energy bills will eventually cripple the capability of SME's to function unless remedial measures are taken," Pat Stephens, Director of the LCEA said.

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"The situation is especially grave for the local economy considering SME’s collectively employ more than multinational companies."

Commenting further on the energy crisis now facing SME's in Clare and Limerick, Mr Stephens said: "Enterprises that choose to ignore the importance of energy efficiency, security of energy supply and CO2 emissions are surrendering control of their business to energy companies in the Middle East and Russia. Such dependence on imported fossil fuels means that when an oil or gas supply nation closes a supply valve, they will be stifling the ability of Irish SME's to operate. Ultimately, without energy there is no economy."

Mr Stephens acknowledged that the Midwest Region’s large multinationals had put in place the necessary measures to ensure that they remain functional during any potential energy crisis. He added that SME's needed to follow suit by securing an economic and efficient supply of energy.

The scheme helps participating SME's to identify the energy they need, what kind of energy they are using (electricity, oil, gas etc.) and how efficiently they are using it, whether their local and global competitors are more efficient at using energy to create work and wealth, and whether they can use indigenous energy resources to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels.

(JM)