Welcome to the Autumn 2024 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 Strategic Utility Management in a Changing Landscape
Including articles on the B&UU Live Autumn Conference and the importance of MEUC membership, flexible power demand and Ofwat’s draft price decisions for 2025-30, a review of the Government’s first month and the public sector’s shift toward sustainability. From Net Zero challenges and water efficiency trials to National Grid’s DFS scheme changes, water supply safeguards, and the future of energy reform, key strategies for reducing costs and carbon footprints, ESOS compliance, and overcoming financial barriers in decarbonisation ….
Strategic utility management in a changing landscape
Page 4
As energy and water sectors evolve, this event is vital for
utility buyers and users to navigate complexities and seize
opportunities. Robin Hale, Chief Executive of MEUC, outlines
why the comprehensive agenda and expert sessions are crucial
for enhancing your energy strategies and networking effectively.
How flexible does your demand need to be for Net Zero?
Page 6
Eddie Proffitt, Technical Director at MEUC explores the critical role of flexible power demand in the UK’s pursuit of 50-60GW offshore wind capacity by 2030. He examines the challenges and
opportunities presented by this transition.
Ofwat’s draft price decisions for 2025-30 allow an average 21 per cent bill rise to fund bumper water spending, reports MEUC’s Water Adviser, Karma Loveday.
New powers to unlock flexibility
revenue from GB wholesale electricity markets
Page 10
Paul Troughton, Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, Enel X, looks at how adjusting energy demand can be far more cost-effective than modifying output of centralised generators, and the role of the upcoming P415 modification to
the Balancing and Settlement Code to open wholesale markets.
Promises, declarations of intent, and first
measures
Page 12
Geoff Davies of WWAM Writers Ltd. describes the new Government’s first month in energy
and water sectors.
Managing the complexities of the green energy transition
Page 14
Katie Rees, Head of UK Corporate, Power and Green at SEFE
Energy looks at the challenges and opportunities that will define the ways in which companies manage the green transition.
Could you transform your Legionella Risk Management strategy?
Page 16
Every business seeks strategic, cost-effective, and innovative ways to manage utilities and reduce operating costs. Wave’s Head of Water Efficiency Services, Oli Shelley, presents a new trial designed to save resources, time, money, and water, with the potential to revolutionise your Legionella Risk Management
(LRM) strategy.
Are you up to speed with key sustainability regulations impacting the public sector?
Page 18
EDF Business Solutions are committed to helping MEUC members navigate the latest industry developments. This article, by EDF’s Let’s TalkPower team, is designed to educate public sector organisations on the upcoming sustainability rules and regulations that will shape the future.
Demand Flexibility Service to flex in winter 2024-25
Page 20
National Grid recently launched a consultation
proposing adjustments to the DFS scheme. Daniel
Starman, Energy Market Lead at Drax Energy Solutions,
examines the suggested changes and what they might
mean for businesses.
Why contingency planning is critical to your water management strategy amid UK shortages
Page 22
Experiencing a water supply disruption might seem unlikely, but
it can happen, especially with increasing water scarcity. It’s crucial
to have a plan in place for your business. Scott MacIndeor, Head
of Advanced Services at Water Plus, offers strategic steps to
safeguard your water supply.
Well, we know where we’re going
Page 26
Arthur Probert, Carbon and Consultancy Director at Ameresco,
considers the next steps required by the Energy Savings
Opportunity Scheme and the consequences of likely changes.
The last portion conundrum
Page 28
Amid rising energy demands and regulatory changes, achieving
Net Zero is now crucial for businesses. David Kipling, CEO of
On-site Energy, examines the complexities of utility management
and highlights how energy efficiency and on-site generation can
reduce costs and carbon footprints.
Why the voice of business will be crucial to energy policy success
Page 30
2024 has undoubtedly been a year of change, from movements in the energy markets to welcoming a new Labour Government into Number 10 Downing Street. Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer, npower
Business Solutions shares his perspective.
A fast-changing landscape – what do large energy users need to know?
Page 32
Jonathan Briggs, Head of Strategic Innovation at IMServ, examines the crucial aspects large energy users must monitor in the coming months and years.
Addressing the financial constraints in the Consumer Packaged Goods CPG) industry
Page 33
Robert Brown, Senior Director, Sales & Marketing and Stéphane Rapoport, Managing Director, Sustainability Solutions at ENGIE
Impact examine how CPG companies can overcome financial
barriers to decarbonisation and meet their sustainability targets
with innovative solutions and strategies.
Supporters Directory Page 35
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.
Upcoming Events
Buying and Using Utilities Live
Wednesday 16 October 2024
The AMTC Ltd, Ansty Park, Coventry
Powered by MEUC, this event offers a deep dive into the strategic and practical aspects of utility management, offering attendees the latest information and a roadmap for implementing trends and innovations.
Engage with industry experts, policy makers, and peers as we explore actionable strategies for energy and water procurement, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
Energy Update Webinar
Thursday, 12 September 14:00 – 16:00
Partner Webinar: SEFE Energy – Navigating the future with SEFE Energy: Industry insights
Wednesday, 6 November 11:15 – 12:15
Partner Webinar: npower Business Solutions – What’s behind rising industry charges – and how to limit the impact on your bottom line
Wednesday, 6 November 14:00 – 15:30
Partner Webinar: Innova – Navigating the renewable PPA landscape in GB: Everything you need to know
Thursday, 7 November 10:00 – 11:30
Partner Webinar: Drax – How accessing carbon markets can help businesses counter hard-to-abate scope 3 emissions
Thursday, 7 November 14:00 – 15:30
Partner Webinar: ENGIE Impact Wednesday, 20 November 10:00 – 11:30
Northern Ireland Update
Thursday, 5 December 14:00 – 15:45
Thursday 14 November 13.00-17.00
10-11 Carlton House Terrace London
A face to face meeting in London for MEUC Members and invited guests, covering regulatory and market updates, strategies and discussion for both Energy and Water.