The introduction of the Climate Change Levy on April 1 is likely to take a number of Sussex businesses by surprise.

One of the biggest businesses based in the county has decided to take the initiative and prepare its customers for the changes.

Seeboard, the largest energy supplier in Sussex, has been given the task of billing and collecting the new energy tax on behalf of the Government.

The tax aims to reduce energy consumption and pollution to combat climate changes that have in the last decade meant four of the five warmest years in England since records began.

By introducing measures such as the Climate Change Levy, the Government hopes to reduce carbon dioxide levels by 20 per cent (on 1990 levels) by 2010.

The levy is expected to raise £1billion.

Extensive preparations have already been made by Seeboard to educate staff and business customers about the new levy, which will apply to most businesses and public sector bodies which pay VAT at 17.5 per cent.

Business customers who pay VAT at five per cent and domestic customers will not be affected.

Some businesses, including energy-intensive users and horticultural producers, can claim relief. However, most businesses liable for the new tax will see an increase of between five and 15 per cent on their energy bills.

To help businesses reduce the impact of the levy, the Government is investing £150million in energy-efficiency initiatives and capital allowances for companies investing in new energy-saving equipment.

Seeboard Energy managing director Peter Hofman said: "There has been a huge amount of activity preparing for the introduction of the levy.

"A significant amount of time has gone in to educating our staff and customers and major investment has been needed to prepare our billing systems.

"Overall, our aim from the start has been to make the introduction of the tax as smooth as possible for everyone concerned.

"In early December we identified, from tens of thousands of our business customers, those most likely to be liable for the new tax and sent them some background information in the form of a detailed, factual booklet.

"We have also used a series of articles in our Business Assist newsletter to inform our business customers and raise awareness gradually.

"All sectors of the economy must play their part in reducing emissions. Our role is to give our customers as much information as possible about the new levy and to encourage them to reduce their energy consumption to help cut emissions and reduce the impact of the new energy tax on them."

Seeboard's web site contains more information on the subject.

www.seeboard.com/businessassist