Winter gas and power both surged around 8% higher, with the ongoing problems in the Middle East and low European gas storage continuing to make the market incredibly nervous. Just to state the obvious, anyone carrying an open position into this winter should really understand exactly what they’re exposed to and have a clear plan…
Looking ahead to the proposed regulation of the Energy advisory / TPI sector by OFGEM, here is an example of why it needs to happen soon to protect UK businesses from being severely ripped off by certain players in the market. Small gas consumer, 1GWh of consumption per annum. The broker claimed ‘we get our…
In the wrong hands, flexible energy purchasing can simply be unmanaged risk with a more impressive name. Over recent months, engaging with different market participants, it has become apparent that some TPIs have encouraged traditionally fixed-price customers to adopt flexible purchasing strategies—without necessarily having the experience, capability or governance to manage the risk accepted. Moving…
Anyone who tells you they know exactly where prices are heading probably doesn’t. Markets have an inconvenient habit of embarrassing certainty. That doesn’t mean businesses should simply cross their fingers and hope for the best. It means procurement decisions should be based on risk appetite, budget requirements and a clear strategy—not somebody’s heroic attempt to…
Leaving energy procurement too late can reduce supplier choice, limit time to challenge contract terms and turn a commercial decision into an administrative rush. Starting early does not mean buying immediately. It means understanding the market, testing supplier appetite and being ready to act when the price and contract structure meet your objectives. If your…
It’s about deciding how much uncertainty your business can comfortably carry—and acting before the market makes that decision for you. A sensible strategy should reflect your budget, appetite for risk and operational priorities. For some businesses, that means fixing costs early. For others, it means buying in stages or retaining some market exposure. There is…
A long comparison table can look reassuring, but value comes from the quality and independence of the process—not simply the number of prices collected. Before going to market, the important work includes: • Validating consumption data• Choosing the right contract structure• Setting clear commercial requirements• Selecting suppliers suited to the business• Comparing every offer on…
A better first question is: “How much risk can the business comfortably carry?”Two companies with identical energy usage may need completely different strategies. One may value firm budget certainty; another may accept market exposure in pursuit of a lower cost. The right contract is therefore not simply the cheapest offer available today. It is the…
Leaving procurement until the final few weeks reduces your options and can turn a considered decision into a deadline-driven one. Starting earlier does not mean buying immediately. It gives you time to: Understand your market position naked of any embedded commissionCompare contract structuresTrack prices against an agreed strategyAct when the opportunity is right Good energy…
Volume tolerances, change-in-law provisions, pass-through charges and termination rights may not attract much attention when a quote lands. They often become much more interesting once circumstances change. Before signing, businesses should understand: * How far consumption can vary* Which charges can be amended* What happens if a site closes or usage falls* Where the commercial…