Energy conservation is the focus for Encon Bermuda Ltd. — one of the most well-established companies in its field.

The business, which is based in Happy Valley Road, Pembroke and was started by Charles Batson Swan as Bermuda Energy Conservation Ltd. about 30 years ago, went full circle — initially being sold to businessman Peter Foster eight years after its launch and then returning to the Swan family on his retirement when Mr. Swan's son Michael acquired the enterprise.

Swan junior decide that he was fed up with paying over the odds for fuel and electricity bills. Having done some research and employed the services of the family firm, Batson Swan Mobile Plumbing and Heating, decided to get into alternative energy.

"I hated paying $8 per gallon of gas and the large fuel surcharge on my electric bill," he said.

The company focuses on solar thermal technology, LED lighting and BRAC — a water recycling system that is new to the Island and works by reusing shower water for toilet flushing, which with the addition of Government rebates on solar devices offers good value for money, according to Mr. Swan.

"All three products are really starting to take a hold," he said.

He said the advantage of Encon was it used qualified plumbers to install solar thermal systems for water heaters. The system, which is called Enerworks and comes from Canada, costs between $8,000 and $8,500 including the panel, 80-gallon tank and installation.

And Mr. Swan said that, depending on your water usage, on average it pays back after seven years in terms of cutting your power bill and helps to shrink the user's energy footprint.

BRAC, which retails at $8,000 for the basic residential package along with installation, has already been installed in a number of properties, as has the LED lighting, with Encon replacing the existing fluorescent tubes in several businesses, including refitting the back office of one of Bermuda's biggest hotels.

Rather than viewing his competitors as a direct threat, Mr. Swan believes that there is room for everyone in the market, as residents become more aware of the potential savings that can be made in the long-run.

Call 504-7197, e-mail info@enconbermuda.com or log on to www.enconbda.com for further information.