The benefits of fixing energy costs

Author: Sally-Ann Beaver at director of Utility Aid 

In recent years, we have all seen energy costs fluctuate significantly, making it difficult for local (parish and town) councils to budget accurately. This can be especially problematic for smaller councils that may not have large reserves to fall back on if unexpected energy costs arise. By fixing energy costs, councils can plan their budgets with more certainty and have greater control over their expenses.

Another benefit of fixing energy costs is that it can help councils to be more sustainable. Many councils are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and becoming more environmentally friendly. By locking in energy costs, councils can budget for renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, which may require a higher initial investment but can provide long-term savings and environmental benefits.

In addition to budgeting and sustainability benefits, fixing energy costs can also help councils to be more efficient. When energy prices are uncertain, councils may have to make reactive decisions, such as turning off heating or cooling systems, to save money. However, these decisions can negatively impact staff and service users' comfort and well-being, and potentially damage equipment or facilities. By fixing energy costs, councils can plan for energy usage without worrying about unexpected spikes in bills, ensuring that staff and service users are comfortable, and facilities are maintained appropriately.

Our National Charity Tender was created to group organisations (including local and parish councils) to provide the lowest possible cost contracts with a range of excellent aftercare services that are provided to organisations that use Utility Aid as their broker. At Utility Aid, we manage 'baskets' of energy. By becoming a member of the NCT, we will group your organisation with others who are in the 'basket', and by doing so, we accumulate considerable purchasing power to be able to purchase your energy contracts at a discounted rate. This then allows Utility Aid to pass these savings onto our valued customers and results in all 'basket' members benefitting from brilliant contract deals and award-winning aftercare services!

To explain this in another way (as we know it might sound a bit confusing!) is to think about household items that we all buy. Toilet paper (stay with us!), for example, if you were to go to your local shop, a pack of 4 toilet rolls could be £2.85, meaning each roll costs around 71p. But in that same shop, you would find a 24-pack of the same toilet paper for £12.50, reducing the cost per roll by 19p per roll. The principle of this saving is exactly how the National Charity Tender works. By asking suppliers to quote thousands of properties in one go, we reduce the individual cost of your energy contracts, and it really is as simple as that! Many people are aware of the difficulties organisations are facing currently with their energy contracts, and charities and not-for-profit organisations potentially have been hit the hardest. High unit prices and short-duration contracts have caused many organisations to struggle, but the good news is, with the National Charity Tender, we are currently offering 24-month contracts, and are soon hoping to be able to get back up to our 36-month contracts to be able to offer you the best deals.

So, what would joining the National Charity Tender mean for you and your council? Well, first and foremost, you would benefit from the discounted rates that are achieved through the scheme. Secondly, by becoming a Utility Aid customer, you will also gain award-winning customer service, account management, invoice validation, smart meter installation, data management with guidance on your journey to Net Zero, data visualisation tool, next-generation green, fully fixed protect pricing or SSE choice pricing (right to amend non-commodities), bi-annual pitstops, and annual consumption monitoring and reporting. If you are interested in learning more about the National Charity Tender and how your organisation can join, visit our website, drop us an email or give us a call today!

The following blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the National Association of Local Councils. Any links to external sources included in this blog post are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or approval of those websites' content, products, services, or policies. Therefore, readers should use discretion and judgment when applying the information to their circumstances. Finally, this blog post may be updated or revised without notice.