Welcome to the Spring 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 Navigating a Net Zero World: The Future of Energy and Water.
Articles include: navigating a Net Zero world, the water price landscape for the years ahead, new nuclear and the government’s energy planning, the recent dynamics and challenges faced by the energy sector, a spotlight on smart water meters and our water resources, insights on a strategic approach to the power purchase agreement (PPA) market, reducing Scope 3 Emissions, investing in renewable energy and a empowering your utility management journey – a preview of our Spring Conference, Buying & Utilities Live
Navigating a Net Zero world
Page 5
MEUC Technical Director, Eddie Proffitt, says choosing to address this topic has proved to be a far from simple task, particularly when our government has not given clear guidance so far.
Empowering your
utility management
journey Page 8
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting regulatory landscapes, Robin Hale, Chief Executive of MEUC, outlines why strategic foresight has never been more crucial.
MEUC Water Adviser, Karma Loveday, surveys the water price landscape for the years ahead.
Parliamentary Insights
Page 12
New nuclear features strongly in government’s energy planning. Geoff Davies of WWAM Writers Ltd. outlines some current plans and consultations.
Finding stability in the storm
Page 14
Andrew Crabtree, Optimisation Desk
Manager, at npower Business Solutions (nBS) looks at the recent dynamics and challenges faced by the energy sector. He provides insights and guidance for businesses in adapting their strategies to the current energy market landscape.
Keeping up progress to Net Zero…
Page 16
… may get tougher. With gas forward prices sinking below the 2p/kWh milestone and realistic ‘all-in’ electricity pricing seeing 15-16p/kWh, David Kipling, CEO at Onsite Energy, says we can already hear the collective sigh of relief from the peaks of 2022/23. But is there a dark cloud within this silver lined exterior?
Are smart meters the answer to looming water shortages?
Page 18
Wave’s Head of Operations, Oli Shelley, puts a spotlight on smart water meters and discusses what their roll-out will mean for business customers as well as our water resources.
How Drax Electric Vehicles and FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) are revolutionizing EV charging infrastructure, enhancing tenant experience, and driving sustainability in commercial properties.
Water – Navigating Net Zero
Page 22
Water can be an untapped source to drive carbon savings, supporting UK businesses on the road to Net Zero. Jenny Owen, Key Account Manager at Water Plus shares how switching your approach to sustainable water management can help you bring down energy consumption and carbon emissions at business sites.
Navigating a net zero world for the energy and water sectors
Page 24
Insights on a strategic approach to the power purchase agreement (PPA) market. Robert Brown, Senior Director, Sales & Marketing of ENGIE Impact highlights how companies can forge deals that will
withstand long-term variables.
Reducing Scope 3 emissions…
Page 26
…Getting your value chain involved in decarbonisation. In the fight against climate change, Shirin Shah, Decarbonisation Principal at Urbanomy, emphasises the paramount importance of reducing carbon emissions.
Power Purchase Agreements – a strategic choice
Page 27
Revisiting the case for Power Purchase
Agreements (PPAs) and their place in a risk management strategy, Kath Chapman, Managing Director at Ameresco, offers valuable insights.
Investing in renewable energy for now and …
Page 28
… in the future. Jamie Maxton, Head of External Relations (GB), SSE Renewables, discusses the ambitious targets set by Government, and the role that SSE will play in reaching
Net Zero.
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.
Register now for Buying and Using Utilities Live
This premier event, powered by MEUC, brings together industry experts, policy makers, and major energy users to explore the latest trends, innovations, and strategies in utility management.
Our next event
Buying & Using Utilities Live
Thursday 25 April 2024
IET Savoy Place, London
Our Spring Conference and Exhibition 2024 – empowering you on your utility management journey.

























