Suppliers may have to pay to use new Energy List logo

The Carbon Trust has redesigned the Energy Technology List (ETL) logo to include a unique number for every equipment supplier authorised to use the symbol. It has also revealed that it may introduce a licence fee for using the logo (shown below) from next year.

The ETL lists more than 6,000 energy-efficient products for which purchasers can claim tax rebates in the form of Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs). The technologies covered include variable speed drives and high-efficiency motors.

Companies with products on the List must start to use the new logo from next month, although they will be allowed to continue using the old logo on existing literature until March 2006. After that date they could face criminal or civil proceedings if they continue to use it.

To control the use of the new logo, the Carbon Trust will issue licence agreements, that will have to be renewed every year. As part of the re-issuing process next year, the Trust may introduce a licence fee.

. One of the latest companies to qualify for the inclusion in the Energy Technology List is Carlo Gavazzi, 16 of whose energy management products, including power quality analysers and energy meters, have been added to the List.