Welcome to the Winter 2025 issue of
Buying and Using Utilities.
Published four times a year, B+UU magazine is delivered direct to the country’s most influential corporate energy and water buyers.
The theme of this issue is ‘Winter of Reckoning – navigating the new energy reality’.
Businesses are navigating volatile prices in a rapidly evolving market where data, flexibility, and resource management are now critical.
In this issue we explore the multiple paths ahead – from the strategic role of water partnerships to innovative approaches to corporate renewables and smart supply.
Buying & Using Utilities Live:
Smarter, cleaner, leaner
At MEUC’s Autumn Conference and Exhibition, delegates turned a turbulent utilities outlook into practical action. Robin Hale, Chief Executive at the MEUC, reflects on the smarter, cleaner, and leaner decisions shaping the way forward.
With demand connection applications soaring beyond forecasts, Eddie Proffitt, MEUC’s Technical Director, examines Ofgem’s new guidance to keep the grid fair, fast, and fit for purpose.
Making smart water metering work for large customers
MEUC’s Water Adviser, Karma Loveday, shares top ten tips based on industrial and commercial experience in energy.
Different Paths to different energy futures
Geoff Davies details a wave of departmental activity and some reactions from different quarters.
The energy costs you cannot control:
How to play the game
Arthur Beattie, Senior Sales Manager at ENGIE Impact, reveals how businesses can outsmart rising non-commodity energy costs.
The power of partnership:
How Wave and Northumbrian Water are helping to tackle England’s water shortage
Wave’s Head of Water Efficiency, Oli Shelley, and Northumbrian Water’s, Water Efficiency Programme Co-Ordinator, Emily Thornton
Flexibility in focus:
Regulatory change and policy momentum in Q3
Jake Miller, Electric Assets Lead at Drax
outlines how recent regulatory and policy developments are reshaping the UK’s flexibility landscape.
The 2026 energy trends that you should know about
As the UK energy landscape evolves, Tom Parsons, Commercial Director for Good Energy, explains how political shifts, rising costs, and real-time renewable solutions are shaping
challenges and opportunities for businesses.
Can UK businesses be competitive with its’ high energy prices?
Facing rising energy costs and global competition, David Kipling, CEO of On-Site Energy, explores how energy intensive businesses can safeguard jobs and improve efficiency through on-site generation.
Managing the rise of non-commodity charges
Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer at npower Business Solutions (nBS), reflects on the shifting balance of costs in the UK’s clean energy transition – and what this means for business confidence and competitiveness.
Redefining advantage in a data-driven energy market
Oliver Bridges, Head of Data and Tasnim
Alam Nishat, Strategy Analyst at UrbanChain reveal how half-hourly settlement is redefining business advantage and how they are putting data to work for their customers.
Weathering winter:
Secure supply and budget boosts
Water Plus’ Mark Taylor, Water Solutions Lead, shares practical insights on reducing water use, mitigating operational risks, and advancing sustainability across multi-site businesses.
Half-hourly settlement: Why accurate data means better business
As MHHS takes effect, strong metering performance will be key for major users seeking greater visibility, efficiency and stronger supplier relationships, writes Emma Shaw, Head of Commercial Operations, SSE Energy Solutions.
The New Energy Cost Reality: Smarter Strategies for High Energy Users
As non-commodity costs continue to climb, Tim Foster Director of Energy for Business at Conrad Energy explains how major energy users can take control.
Powering Pilgrim’s towards a sustainable
future through solar energy
EDF Business Solutions and SAS Energy team-up to showcase a powerful case study.
Turning corporate renewable energy ownership on its head
Bruce Woodman, Managing Director of
low carbon energy specialists, Pure Energy Professionals (PEP), looks at the benefits of Corporate Renewable Energy Ownership.
Three critical success factors to realise benefits of MHHS
Stark puts it plainly: There’s a simple truth – data quality is critical to saving energy costs. Major energy users still need Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS).
Are consumers just cost-takers?
Arthur Probert, Consultancy Director at Ameresco, highlights developments that will increase costs for many and offers some ways the rules could be changed.
Supporters Directory
A to Z Directory listing of MEUC Supporters; companies that provide supply, procurement and management expertise and services. Click through for further details and to see how they can assist your energy and water strategy.
Events coming up in 2025
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