Welcome to the Spring 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.

In this issue we break down the key
developments shaping energy procurement and management, equipping you with the insights needed to make smarter, more strategic
decisions in an uncertain world. Staying ahead of energy policy changes isn’t just about
compliance – it’s about seizing opportunities and mitigating risks.

Including articles on the UK’s evolving energy
landscape, best practices for multi-site energy management the growing link between
decarbonisation and water scarcity, and a special Buying and Using Utilities Live event preview, promising expert insights into risk
management, cost control, and sustainability,
as well as valuable networking opportunities.

Conflicting views over proposed solar farm near Beverley
Page 4

Plans have been announced for a solar farm in East Yorkshire that could generate power for 100,000 homes. Eddie Proffitt, Technical Director at MEUC addresses the local and national impact of the project.

Brace for water bill impacts
Page 6

Karma Loveday, Water Adviser at MEUC, discusses how the bumper allowed investment in 2025-30 will impact business bills, with particularly steep increases expected in the first year.

A busy official energy sector
Page 8

Geoff Davies of WWAM Writers Ltd. finds the Government intent on supporting nuclear power and the pursuit of fusion.

Turning things on its head
Page 10

Arthur Probert, Carbon and Consulting Director at Ameresco, looks at some recent market and policy developments.

Hydrogen – what is the big picture?
Page 12

As decarbonisation accelerates, many businesses are being offered hydrogen supply deals. But is it the right move? David Kipling, CEO at On-Site Energy looks at key considerations and long-term impacts.

Helping businesses
drive water efficiencies
Page 14

Mark Taylor, Water Management Expert at Water Plus shares his advice to energise efficiencies in water and effluent, cut running costs and meet carbon reduction targets.

Managing energy consumption in data
centres to meet the demands of artificial intelligence
Page 16

With the booming popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) riving demand for data storage, Jodie Eaton, CEO of Shell Energy UK, explains why managing energy consumption and maximising operational efficiencies should be seen not as challenges but opportunities for data centre operators looking to take advantage of the AI boom.

Best practice for multi-site energy management
Page 18

Managing energy across multiple sites can be complex,with small oversights leading to big costs. Nathan Smith,
SEFE Energy’s UK Head of Mid-Market & Deemed Business, highlights common pitfalls and practical ways to avoid them and help businesses stay in control.

The value of data in energy management: Unlocking MHHS opportunities
Page 20

Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is transforming UK energy management. Jonathan Briggs, Head of Strategic Innovation at IMServ explains that beyond compliance, businesses can use advanced analytics to optimise energy use, cut costs, and maximise efficiency.

Your Blueprint for Managing Risks and Maximising Value
Page 21

Robin Hale, Chief Executive, MEUC tells us Energy and water management is at a turning point. With regulatory overhauls, price volatility, and intensifying decarbonisation targets, businesses must be more strategic than ever in procurement and consumption.

Event Exhibitors and MEUC Supporters Directory
Page 26

Directory listing of 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.

Real-time monitoring vs. UK consumer demand
Page 32

James Summerbell, Managing Director, and Robert Brown, Senior Director at ENGIE Impact explore the international approach for major energy users in making energy attribute certificate allocation and renewable energy procurement more transparent, efficient, and cost-effective.

Decarbonisation vs. water scarcity: The battle for the UK’s future
Page 36

Wave’s Industrial and Commercial Customer Director, Nigel Corfield, discusses how decarbonisation impacts businesses and water resources.

Driving cost stability and sustainability with Corporate Power Purchase Agreements
Page 38

SSE Energy Solutions Business Energy Director of Sales, David Holmes, highlights the role of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements in achieving energy cost stability and Net Zero in the UK.

Selling your energy: the clean power opportunity for independent energy generators
Page 42

Vish Sharma, Head of Power Purchase Agreements at npower Business Solutions, explores the role of independent energy
generators in the UK’s Clean Power 2030 plan and how businesses can benefit from Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for renewable energy.

Energy Insights: A strategic review of energy policy
Page 44

Roy Collins, Policy Manager, Net Zero Strategy & Policy at EDF explores the evolving UK energy landscape, highlighting key policy shifts and the Government’s Clean Power 2030 initiative.

The false economy of MHHS promises
Page 46

With Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) launching this October, claims of greener, cheaper energy fall short without minimum standards for energy data. Stark discusses why reliable, accessible data is key to realising MHHS’s full potential.