March 23, 2006 This news release issued by National Energy Action

ExxonMobil is recruiting volunteers to provide practical advice to low-income householders on ways they can reduce their fuel costs.

Community Service Volunteers (CSV) is working with ExxonMobil and two energy efficiency and fuel poverty charities  - National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland - to identify and train 150 volunteers from CSV’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP). The volunteers plan to visit some 3,000 vulnerable households and 450 community venues, offering tips on ways to conserve energy and to keep homes warm. They will also help people to apply for available grants and benefits.

In England, the programme will be piloted in Greater London and, in Scotland, in the areas around Edinburgh and Stirling, with a view to extending it to Aberdeen later in the year.

Commenting on The ExxonMobil Energy Challenge, Robert Olsen, chairman of ExxonMobil International Limited, said: "ExxonMobil recognises that global energy demand is growing and that informing people now about energy efficiency will help meet the challenges ahead. This initiative aims to be a sustainable response by helping those most in need to become more energy efficient. It will ensure they have information on benefits, subsidised energy-efficiency programmes and government grants."

Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, executive director of CSV, said: "CSV is delighted that ExxonMobil are making possible this exciting new initiative to combat fuel poverty. The creation of opportunities for older people to assist others in distress will be a further demonstration of how senior volunteers can make a difference to their communities."

The success of the project is also dependent on the provision of specialist training, advice and mentoring support for the volunteers, which will be provided by the national energy efficiency charities, National Energy Action and Energy Action Scotland.

Norman Kerr, director of Energy Action Scotland, commented: "A strength of the project is the partnership approach, with each organisation contributing specialist skills and resources. It is also essential that the volunteers, as 'trusted intermediaries', are able to make the links between those who can provide assistance and those members of our communities who need it most."

William Gillis, chief executive of National Energy Action, said: “National Energy Action welcomes this initiative which will help to reach older people and other vulnerable households who are struggling to pay their ever increasing energy bills. It will help them to gain access to grants and services that will make their homes more energy efficient."

Under ExxonMobil's direction, The SMART Company will evaluate and monitor the programme. Findings will be shared with decision makers.

Notes to editors
ExxonMobil is the world’s premier petroleum and petrochemical company, with a presence in some 200 countries and territories. It is the parent company of the Esso, Mobil and ExxonMobil companies that operate in the UK.

Community Service Volunteers (CSV) was founded in 1962 and works to reconnect people to their communities through volunteering and training. Its Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) helps those over 50 to get involved in their communities, and has over 10,000 volunteers throughout the UK. For more information on CSV, see www.csv.org.uk

National Energy Action (NEA) and Energy Action Scotland (EAS) are charities which develop and promote energy efficiency services to tackle the heating and insulation problems of low-income households. They work in partnership with central and local government, fuel utilities, housing providers and health services to help those who are poor or vulnerable. For more information, see www.nea.org.uk and www.eas.org.uk

The SMART Company is a consultancy specialising in Corporate Responsibility (CR), community investment and related public policy issues. It provides tailored solutions for clients in the private, public and voluntary sectors in all aspects of CR practice, from strategy and reporting through to auditing, benchmarking and evaluation. For more information, see www.thesmartcompany.net