Will you win or lose on your water bill?

Check your electricity meter for savings

UIA helps make the right connections

NEW CARBON FOOTPRINT MEASURES – ACT NOW

Changes at Energywatch

Don't be branded an energy waster

UTILITY AUDITING JOINS FORCES WITH ENER-G GROUP

ONLINE ANSWER TO SOARING COSTS

DON?T GET LOCKED INTO EXPENSIVE ENERGY CONTRACTS

Important news on Eledor Ltd

Warning on new energy directive

Act now to beat autumn electricity price rises

Go green

Business has critical role to play in Kyoto Treaty

More choice on water

Energy smart funding

Chamber Fuels latest prices




Will you win or lose on your water bill?

Changes in the way United Utilities calculates its surface water drainage charges could bring either a smile or a frown to the face of metered business users this financial year.
    Previously, the charge was linked to rateable value, but the water company has introduced  bands of payment based on the ‘chargeable area’ of a site, equating to the site area which benefits from the drainage service.
New meter customers were introduced to the new charging system last financial year, while existing customers will see the changes phased in over the next two years.
     According to Jeff Wealands of Utility Auditing: “This means that city centre businesses with high rates, but small premises could pay less, while organisations in the non-prime locations, such as schools and factories,  with big sites and relatively low business rates may pay more.”  
    “There will be no financial benefit to United Utilities as a result of the changes, whose overall revenue will remain unchanged, but there will be ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ among their business customers which should be prepared and budget accordingly.”
     Utility Auditing offers a raft of specialist services to help businesses minimise the cost of waste water and may be able to assist some organisations in reducing the new liabilities from the changed charging structure. 
     Utility Auditing has years of experience in environmental and wastewater management solutions. Savings can be made by increasing efficiency of wastewater processes, reducing pollution, and identifying recovery value for recycled waste product.
      Additional benefits flow from the separation and recovery of by-products, which have a commercial value. Added Jeff Wealands: “Water used to be a relatively low overhead but it is now an expensive surcharge.  It is becoming increasingly important to understand the charges incurred for water supply and waste water disposal and how they can be reduced. The control of resources in your operation, including water and the control of what remains as waste is vital to cost minimisation.”

Utility Auditing can advise businesses on total water management and leak detection, as as well as checking meter size to ensure users optimise efficiency.

Larger organisations using half-hourly electricity meters could be wasting thousands of pounds on their meter rental charges, warns energy management business Utility Auditing.

Previously, customers had to use their local meter operator because there was no other choice, but since the market was relaxed, they have been able to shop around for a new supplier – typically saving 50% per year.

“Organisations are paying up to £600 per year to lease a single half-hourly meter,  says Jeff Wealands, Technical Director for Utility Auditing Ltd. “We can usually halve the cost of the lease, so that over a ten-year contract and with multiple meters, the savings can run into thousands of pounds.”

Adds Wealands: “The other cost-cutting option we sometimes recommend is to buy the meter outright and arrange a separate maintenance contract, which can deliver even higher savings.”

Utility Auditing, which is part of the Ener-g group of companies, buys £175 million worth of energy on behalf of UK business each year and can use its national purchasing power and expertise to negotiate competitive contract rates on gas and electricity.  By monitoring the markets, Utility Auditing can minimise exposure to the risks of buying in a highly volatile commodity market to ensure customers buy energy at the most advantageous time and price.

It is estimated that companies are wasting around one fifth of all their energy and, under the Carbon Trust programme, Utility Auditing can provide free on-site energy efficiency surveys for eligible organisations, as well as helping them to implement recommendations. Companies doing so are typically saving 10 to 20% on their energy bills, with minimal investment.

Organisation can also make use of Enhanced Capital Allowances and gain access to 0% interest Carbon Trust loans of up to £100,000 to help implement energy efficiency measures.

The Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA) (www.uia.org.uk) is involved in The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and consumer watchdog energywatch’s Make the Connection campaign - designed to give help, advice and guidance on some of the energy-related pitfalls that small businesses can encounter. 

The UIA is a not-for-profit trade association for third party intermediaries (TPIs), such as Utility Auditing Ltd, which facilitates energy purchasing contracts between suppliers and consumers - helping to regulate the industry and drive up standards in energy brokerage and consultancy. Utility Auditing was one of the inaugural members of UIA and is represented on the organisation’s elected Council. 

Welcoming the role of the UIA, energywatch said:  “The UIA is the first and only initiative at this time where third party intermediaries come together and regulate their own activities. In addition, some suppliers are becoming members and are currently working with the Association on a Supplier Code of Practice which will address Supplier / TPI relationships and business best practice. 

“It is early days, but it is to be hoped the UIA will drive higher standards across the sector as they are already requiring members to prove their market knowledge, solvency and provide both customer and supplier references.  Should a consumer feel dissatisfied with an accredited UIA Member, encompassed within the Code is independent redress through the Association’s disciplinary procedures.”

Said Jeff Wealands, Technical Director for Utility Auditing and a UIA council member: “Energy, water and telecommunications are now some of the most expensive business overheads, which is why the vast majority of businesses use TPIs to help them find the most competitive deals.  Now they can have confidence that if they do business with a UIA member they will receive a professional and transparent service and access to a process of redress should the consultant not deliver acceptable performance standards. Always look for the UIA ‘boat mark’ when selecting a consultant.”

Start preparing now for a new carbon emissions trading scheme, which will hit up to 5,000 UK organisations – starting next year, advises Utility Auditing.

The government’s proposed Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) will be implemented in stages from 2010 to 2013, it will affect businesses much sooner because charges are likely to be based on consumption from January 2008 to December 2008.

Other initiatives in the CRC proposals are incentives for organisations that take early action to reduce emissions; a charge for energy consumers that exceed their carbon allowance; and a carbon league table with cash rewards for star performers and stiff penalties for under-achievers.

Explains Paul Backx, managing director of Utility Auditing: “The regime will affect any organisation whose annual mandatory half-hour metered electricity consumption is more than 6000MWh. These organisations should avoid the pitfall of not taking action until 2010, because measures implemented now will reap considerable benefits, not only in terms of immediate energy savings, but also significantly reducing costs when the CRC bites.”

Typical organisations affected are large services sector businesses such as retail chains and financial service providers, as well as a wide range of public bodies including hospitals, local authorities, and prisons.

It was thought that schools might be exempt, but indications from the Defra consultation suggest that this will not be the case.

The CRC will mean any organisation consuming more than 6000MWh of electricity annually must buy allowances on top of its utility bill for all energy it uses, not just electricity.

“The price has not yet been fixed, although Defra officials say it will range from £8 to £15 per tonne,” commented Backx.

He believes the emissions league table will be especially important to large retailers whose green credentials are critical to success in the marketplace.

“Although there will be bonuses and penalty payments relative to your position on the table, public perception will be an equally powerful driver for large services organisations and retailers,” added Backx.

There will be no legal requirement for organisations affected by the CRC to take action until 2010, however Defra’s ‘early action metric’ scheme will encourage the implementation of carbon reducing initiatives sooner rather than later.

“Organisations that voluntarily install non-mandatory automatic metering equipment before 2010 will receive bonus points when the CRC enters the statute books,” explained Backx.

The CRC will hit organisations hardest after 2013 when a cap-and-trade system will be introduced, enabling the government to tighten carbon emissions every year. However, organisations will still need to buy CRC allowances in the initial phase, even though the limit is not capped.

He continued: “There is every incentive for business and public bodies affected by the CRC to get their act together now, rather than wait until action is forced on them by legal requirements.”

Services offered by Utility Auditing and its parent group Ener-g enable organisations to make the transition cost effectively and efficiently.

“For example, combined heat and power (CHP) equipment means that emissions are significantly lower, so fewer CRC allowances will have to be purchased, delivering a new beneficial effect on bottom-line performance,” said Backx.

“This becomes still more attractive on the balance sheet when combined with the utility bill savings resulting from greater efficiency, not to mention the environmental benefits reflected in an organisation’s annual report,” he added.

Energywatch, the independent gas and electricity watchdog, is to be replaced from 1st July 2008 by The Energy Ombudsman, which is an extension of the National Consumer Council.
    Energywatch will deal with existing cases but will take no further cases from this date.
     It appears that the Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform's ( BERR) intention is to place the onus on suppliers to be more responsible in dealing with customer complaints and queries. The detail of how this will work is still being formulated, with the Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA) helping to advise on this matter. 
     The intention is that if a case reaches deadlock between supplier and customer, the matter will be referred to the ombudsman and a charge will be levied on the supplier for dealing with the matter. Utility Auditing feels that this could be a lengthy process and could penalise smaller energy users.
 

Owners of public and commercial buildings should go on a carbon cutting diet now if they don’t want to be named and shamed once energy performance certification becomes compulsory this year.

“No building owner wants to carry the public embarrassment of an abysmal rating for their building’s energy performance”, said Liam McDonagh, Operations Manager for Manchester-based energy management company Utility Auditing, part of Ener-g Holdings. 

Liam, who is a Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) qualified Low Carbon Consultant, added: “If you want to avoid being labelled as an energy waster, you need to take urgent steps  to improve your energy efficiency now.  Buildings are likely to be rated from A-G and so for the first time, there will be real transparency of a building’s energy performance. Certification will affect property values, with the more efficient buildings attracting a market premium, so there is a powerful business case to start preparing immediately.”

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires owners of public buildings over 1,000m2 to have a display energy certificate (DEC) by 1 October 2008. The DEC will have to be displayed in a prominent place to enable the public to easily interpret how well the building performs. Other non-domestic buildings that are constructed, sold or rented will need to have an energy performance certificate (EPC), which are being phased in by building size:

* 6 April 2008  Buildings with floor areas greater than 10,000m2
* 1 July 2008  Buildings with floor areas greater than 2,500m2
* 1 October 2008    All remaining non-domestic buildings

“The good news is that businesses can take some quick and simple, low cost steps to reduce their carbon emissions, while cutting their gas and electricity bills at the same time,” added Liam.

He continued:  “Building owners can take advantage of professional support,  including funded Carbon Trust surveys for eligible organisations, which will identify the waste within your business and make fully costed recommendations for improving efficiency and saving money.  The Carbon Trust also offers interest free loans to offset the cost of investing in energy efficiency”.

Energy use in buildings accounts for 47% of total UK energy consumption. Government research has shown that organisations can reduce energy consumption by up to 20% by applying cost effective measures.

For help and advice in preparing for energy performance certification, or for access to Carbon Trust services contact Utility Auditing on 0845 120 2410, www.utilityauditing.co.uk

Utility Auditing Ltd (UAL) has become part of the international ENER-G group, which works with SMEs and multinationals  to offer proven clean and efficient energy solutions in cogeneration, renewable energy, energy management and energy from waste. 

Following the acquisition, UAL can now provide a complete end-to-end utilities management solution to help business customers stem energy waste, save money and reduce carbon emissions.

We are introducing a new range of innovative energy efficiency technologies such as building energy management systems and lighting control and equipment.  These are part of a suite of services, including utilities brokerage and bill validation, automatic monitoring and targeting, Carbon Trust energy surveys and  project management.

Using the ENER-G Virtual Energy Manager system there is also the valuable facility for customers to monitor energy performance from their own desktop.

Commenting on the acquisition, Tim Scott, chairman of ENER-G, said: “This is great news for ENER-G and for our customers. It strengthens our offer and will help us become the leading energy services company we want to be.”
 
Paul Backx, managing director of UAL, added: “Improved energy efficiency is now an imperative for all businesses and with the combined expertise of ENER-G and Utility Auditing, we have all the solutions companies need to profit both the environment and their own bottom line.”

For more information about Ener-G logo onto the Ener-g website at www.energ.co.uk

Don’t accept sharp price rises on home energy bills, says Utility Auditing Ltd, which is offering a free online service to help customers find a better deal.

“British Gas has recently announced a 25% price rise on domestic gas. This will cost the average customer an estimated £209 extra a year, taking the average energy bill up to £1,030”, says Paul Backx, managing director of Utility Auditing.

The government reckons that UK consumers could save £1bn a year on domestic energy bills by switching supplier and installing better efficiency measures. Those who have never switch supplier could save around £100.

Despite the ease of switching suppliers, less than half of households have ever changed. A recent survey by the Direct Marketing Information Service shows that 61% of consumers are staying put and missing out on savings.

Added Mr Backx “It will take anyone logging on to our website less than five minutes to get a competitive quote for their domestic energy.  We would urge them to give it a try.

“Through our online service we can also help businesses to find the best possible deal on gas and electricity, and we can offer qualifying companies free energy audits to help them identify and implement energy saving measures.”

Further information from Utility Auditing on 0845 120 2410

With rocketing energy prices, most businesses will want to shop around for the best deal when their contract renewal is due. But some could find themselves locked into uncompetitive contracts.

Companies facing April renewals for their gas or electricity need to act now warns Utility Auditing. “Energy suppliers require between 30 to 90 days’ customer termination notice to switch contract,” says Paul Backx, managing director of Utility Auditing. “Many businesses don’t realise this and are leaving it too late to find a more competitive alternative. Energy prices have virtually doubled in the past two years so there is a clear financial imperative to test the market in an attempt to mitigate the cost increases.”

Added Mr Backx: “Some companies are panicked by the prospect of terminating their contract in the belief that their supply will be prematurely cut off. We would advise them to serve notice while they consider their options, even if the best deal at the end of the day is to re-contract with their existing supplier. At least this gives them the time to test the market without fear of being locked into an expensive deal with an uncompetitive supplier”.

Utility Auditing  offers companies a free energy assessment to identify the most cost effective solutions for energy and gas and provides guidance on the right tariffs and supply capacity to suit a company’s precise needs.. Eligible companies can also access government funded Carbon Trust surveys to help cut costs through improved energy efficiency. 

For further information contact Utility Auditing on 0845 120 2410

We are advised that Eledor Ltd went into Voluntary Administration on Friday 16 December 2005. If you have energy contracts with this supplier and you are concerned about continuity of your electricity supply and / or the cost of your ongoing electricity, please contact us on 0845 120 2410 and ask for an Eledor update.

Richmond House
Richmond Hill
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH2 6EQ

NB If you are a client of Utility Auditing and we arranged your contract with Eledor Ltd, you do not need take any action. We will be in contact with you very shortly with our recommendations for you, to minimise inconvenience and cost. Should you receive any communications direct from Eledor Ltd or any other supplier concerning this matter please refer this to Rachael Jolly, Energy Procurement Manager 0845 1202410 or email rachaeljolly@utilityauditing.co.uk

The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings comes into force on 6 April 2006, requiring owners and operators of commercial properties to take measures to improve energy efficiency, advises Utility Auditing Ltd.

“Much of the detail of how this will affect property owners and operators is still being worked out by the government, but it is apparent that there will be a mandatory inspection and certification process”, says Paul Backx, Managing Director of Utility Auditing.

“The timescale for compliance is also unknown at this stage, but, according to the Directive Implementation Advice Group (DIAG) some businesses have been approached by unscrupulous companies offering building energy rating services with the implication that there is an urgency to seek compliance before April 06”.

“If you are approached in this manner, please note that there is no legal requirement to have any building energy rated prior to 6 April 06. Furthermore, because the government has not yet approved the methodologies for the assessment process, any certificate issued prior to 6 April  is unlikely to have any legal validity and buildings will probably have to be reassessed using the nationally adopted method.”

Businesses facing autumn electricity contract renewals should  adjust budgets now to reflect the inevitability of higher costs warns Utility Auditing.

Organisations should also consider buying early and locking into longer contracts to beat the anticipated September/October price increases, according to Jeff Wealands, Technical Director for Utility Auditing.

"There have been dramatic price rises in excess of  60 per cent in the electricity market over the past 12 months, and the price of gas has risen even higher", he explains.

“Regrettably, there is little relief in sight and given market trends of 2004/05, there is every likelihood that the major autumn contract renewal round will drive further speculative forward buying - leading to a large upward price swing in September and October.”

Utility Auditing can help organisations to minimise exposure to the risks of buying in a highly volatile commodity market. As a national energy management company, Utility Auditing can use its purchasing power and expert knowledge to ensure customers buy at the most advantageous time and price.

Jeff continues: “There is every indication that the market will remain volatile and continue to harden through 2006. With the depletion of North Sea gas and long delays in the availability of Liquid Natural Gas imports the cost of gas is soaring, which has a knock on effect on gas generated electricity. With the added pressure of record oil prices, our advice would be to consider a longer contract to protect against further upward swings in the market.”

It is vital that businesses take a twin pronged approach to cost optimisation, involving effective procurement and consumption reduction. As authorised consultants for the Carbon Trust, Utility Auditing can offer organisations a fully funded energy survey, which will identify any waste and identify fully costed solutions for improving energy efficiency.  The organisation also provides access to interest free Carbon Trust loans and advice on Enhanced Capital Allowances to make many of these efficiency measures cost neutral. 

For a free cost illustration on your electricity contract renewal or to find out more about the free Carbon Trust surveys, contact Utility Auditing 

Utility Auditing can now supply up to 100% green energy for businesses wishing to source their energy requirements from renewable sources.

Renewable energy is Climate Change Levy ' neutral' and sends a strong message of environmental responsibility to your customers and competitors.

The landmark Kyoto Treaty came into force on 16 February 2005 - committing 141 countries, including the UK, to cut greenhouse gases by 5.2 per cent by 2012.  

This may seem a lofty ambition, but when you consider figures from the Carbon Trust which reveal that small and medium sized enterprises are throwing away a total of £1 billion a year through wasted energy, it is apparent that every business can do its bit to combat global warming.

"Around one half of the UK's carbon emissions come from the business sector”, says Paul Backx, Managing Director of Utility Auditing Ltd.

He continues: "Even a small office can emit three to five tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, through lighting, heating and office equipment, so every business has a part to play in becoming more energy efficient to combat climate change.

"On average, businesses can save nearly a fifth of their energy bill through introducing simple energy efficiency measures. This will have a big impact on carbon emissions and can equate in monetary terms to a five per cent increase in sales for some businesses.

"Companies taking responsibility for energy conservation will profit both the environment and their bottom line, but they will also reap the benefits in terms of corporate reputation. Increasingly, it is 'green' businesses that are winning and retaining contracts from environmentally conscious larger companies and public sector organisations.

"While businesses can't reverse the damage which has already occurred, they can play their part to prevent the situation from getting worse. The simplest place to start is by reducing energy use, which will also deliver a big pay-off in cost savings. Simply by turning off machines when they are not in use and controlling lighting and heating, you will cut your business costs and cut climate change.”

Utility Auditing provides businesses with professional support to stem energy wastage and purchase gas and electricity at the most competitive prices.

As authorised  Carbon Trust consultants, the company  can carry out free energy services for eligible companies and help implement the recommendations.

Through Utility Auditing,  eligible companies can gain access to 0% interest Carbon Trust loans and advice on Enhanced Capital Allowances, which will often offset the cost of implementing energy efficiency measures, such as energy saving products or replacement equipment.

At last, businesses have more choice on water thanks to the government's decision  to lower the usage threshold for customers in England and Wales wishing to change their water supplier.

From Autumn 2005, more companies will have the option to purchase water from an alternative water supply licensee. Savings could also be made by transferring supplier, as with electricity and gas.

Interest free loans of between £5K and £100K to fund investment in energy saving technology are available  from the Government's Carbon Trust programme.

The loans are repayable over 4 years and investment in energy efficient equipment will normally pay for itself through savings achieved over this period. 

As accredited consultants to the Carbon Trust programme, Utility Auditing can help businesses  apply for funding.

The prices for fuel from Texaco for the Chamber Fuel card for the week commencing Monday 14 July 2008 are:-

Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel 110.14 pence per litre plus vat

Ultra Low Sulphur Petrol 98.87 pence per litre plus vat