Welcome to the Winter 2023 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 Emerging Technologies

With articles on the role of hydrogen in meeting Net Zero targets; anticipating energy price uncertainty; how to tackle water challenges and generating revenue by reducing energy use, as well as an overview of our Autumn Conference and Exhibition and a preview of our new look Spring event ‘Buying and Using Utilities Live”.


MEUC Update
Page 4


Post-Event Review:
MEUC Autumn Conference and Exhibition 2023
Robin Hale, Chief Executive, MEUC, provides an overview
of our autumn conference and offers a preview of a ‘new look’ programme for next year.

MEUC Update
Page 8


Hydrogen – the role in the UK’s energy future? Eddie Proffitt, MEUC Technical Director, says, when I was asked for our winter edition of BUU to address ‘Emerging Technologies in Energy,’ I immediately chose to examine the role of hydrogen in meeting our target of Net Zero.

MEUC Update
Page 10


Look for a silver
lining from higher
water prices
MEUC Water Adviser, Karma Loveday warns, water bills will rise
after 2025. Large users should use this as a spur to reconsider
whether they could do more to manage their usage.


Parliamentary Insights
Page 12

Steps forward and steps back for energy change.
Geoff Davies of WWAM Writers Ltd., outlines major changes for oil and gas, alongside key issues for new nuclear.

Decarbonisation
Page 14

When is the right time
to electrify? The pressure is building on energy intensive organisations who are seeking to decarbonise and achieve ESG goals
or science-based target milestones. Many are considering
electrification as the route to achieve this, according to David
Kipling, CEO at On-Site Energy Group.

Energy
Page 16

Anticipating energy
price uncertainty with
flexibility schemes: DFS2 and the Capacity Market.
Barry Hurst, Enel X Head of Sales, UK & Ireland, explains why,
just as energy markets were adjusting to the dual shocks of COVID and the Ukraine invasion, Europe is now approaching
winter 2023-24 with another potential energy crisis on the cards.


Energy
Page 18

Power Purchase
Agreements –
buyers beware.
Kath Chapman, Managing Director at Ameresco, highlights
some of the issues lurking behind securing and running a Power Purchase Agreement.

Event Preview
Page 20

David Kipling of On-Site Energy, questions whether decarbonisation and savings plans could be derailed by the grid

Water
Page 22

REDUCED: the one stop shop for innovative water
efficiency solutions.
It’s no secret the water sector is facing a number of challenges,
but what can be done to rise to them? Wave speaks to Caroline
Wadsworth, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Oliver Raud,
Principal Consultant from Isle Utilities.


Energy
Page 23

Are PPAs an attractive
option in EMEA’s volatile 2023 Energy Market?
Renewable energy production is accelerating rapidly, breaking capacity records annually despite recent headwinds, says Robert Brown, Senior Director Sales & Marketing, ENGIE Impact.

Energy
Page 24

Corporate Power Purchase Agreement: positively impacts your business and the environment.
This month sees the United Nations come together to address
climate change at COP28 and there’s no doubt that environmental
sustainability and responsible business practices will be at the
forefront of the agenda, says Pete Fear, Strategic Relationship
Manager, Public Sector, EDF Business Solutions.

Water
Page 27

Boosting water efficiency through wastewater innovations and effluent treatment systems.
Helen Murphy, Key Account Manager at Water Plus, shares how sites can get
the most from their energy and carbon savings by exploring untapped opportunities
in water efficiency, wastewater recycling, and the latest technologies in trade
effluent treatment.


News
Page 28

National Infrastructure
Commission says what’s needed for future Energy and Water

More EV charging points for Hillingdon

Water
Page 29

Seven FAQs about water leaks.
According to Graham Mann, Director of Switchwatersupplier.
com the last few months have been relatively erratic where UK weather is concerned, with the driest February for 30 years quickly followed by the wettest March for 40 years.

Reducing Demand
Page 30

How the Demand Flexibility Service
can increase your organisation’s
revenue this winter
Following the removal of the Triads, the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) gives organisations the opportunity to generate revenue by
turning down their electricity use during times of peak demand, says Jake Miller, Electric Assets Lead, Drax Customers, Drax Group.


News
Page 32

NSTA grants consent for Rosebank oil field project

Solar park helps
power the Northeast

Energy
Page 33

Buying renewable energy: why
Corporate Power Purchase Agreements are rising in popularity.
Vishal Sharma, Head of Power Purchase Agreements at npower Business Solutions (nBS), outlines why the price volatility seen in the energy sector over the past two years has led to many businesses seeking ways to reduce their reliance on the wholesale market and move towards procuring their power from
renewable energy sources.

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.



Upcoming Events

Energy Update Webinar
Thu 7 Dec (14.00-14.30/16.00)

This regular update keeps you informed of regulation, policy and market movements as well as providing an opportunity to ask questions. An extended session on Hydrogen will take place from 14.30 to 16.00.


Major Water Users’ Ideas Exchange Webinar
Wed 13 Dec (10.00 – 12.00)
This meeting of the MEUC Water Ideas Exchange Group enables Members to share experiences, raise issues and identify priorities with the Strategic Panel – a senior body comprising Defra, Ofwat, MOSL, wholesaler and retailer representatives and independents.