The Microbusiness energy market is worth up to £3.5 billion at present, but several smaller firms are facing augmented issues, which has led to Ofgem launching a review. The regulator is concerned that these businesses are struggling to engage with the current market, and are paying more for their energy than they should be.

Firstly, it’s useful to establish what a microbusiness actually is. A business is classed as a microbusiness if it employs less than 10 members of staff and has an annual turnover of nothing greater than £1.7 million. Furthermore, they are only classed as such if they use no more than 100,000kWh of electricity per year, and no more of 293,000kWh of gas.

Last year there were more than five million microbusinesses in the UK, which accounted for a third of employment and a vast 21% of overall turnover. They paid, in total, a figure of £3.5 billion in gas and electricity bills, which is a further indication of just how big the market is, and the impact they have on the overall working population.

One of the key current issues for microbusinesses is that there is limited accessible information, meaning it can be extremely difficult for them to find a better deal. This is something that Ofgem is looking into.

It is not all negatives however, as following the Competition and Markets Authority’s recommendation in 2017, it has become clearer for microbusinesses when they are looking for price information. This is through quotation tools on suppliers’ websites, and on price comparison sites. Despite this improvement, the level of engagement has barely moved and it has still failed to address many of the fundamental issues that have been found within the market.

This has led to this further review being undertaken, details of which will be released in the latter stages of the year, following a period of information and evidence, which runs until the end of June.

Anthony Pygram, who is the Director of Conduct and Enforcement at Ofgem has also stated that “Microbusinesses are the backbone of the country’s economy. Yet too many are still finding it hard to navigate what is a complex and at times opaque market to get a better energy deal and are suffering significant consumer detriment as a result.

“Our review announced today, combined with our continued work with the government and industry, aims to deliver a properly functioning competitive retail energy market which works for all microbusinesses.”

This is the clearest indication yet, that things are now being done in order to address the clear issues at hand for microbusinesses and their use of energy.

Utility Trade Group offer a procurement service for microbusinesses in the UK. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you save money on your utility bills.

Leisure centers see huge benefits from Solar PV.

The take up of Solar for any commercial site is beneficial, at Utility Trade we pride ourselves in tailor making installations around the clients consumption to ensure they are getting the best deal and the system that’s correct for the business.

Centers that are open six or seven days a week can especially benefit as the consumption of the solar electricity they produce can get up to 100%, maximising their savings and reducing their reliance on the grid.

A recent case study of an install from this year (2017) shows a site in Cambridgeshire that will generate 44,615kWh of solar electricity in the first year from it’s 50kW array. Again the SolarEdge embedded system will assist in production over the years and improve the its safety and ease of maintenance. This will increase the generation and therefore subsidies provided by the government for the Leisure Centers contribution to the green energy generation in the UK.

More and more companies based in the UK and internationally are calling on the EU to prioritise tackling climate change, which continues to be an ever growing problem. This includes the likes of popular supermarket IKEA, who want to see a decarbonisation strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

There has been a push of signatories from several industries such as energy, chemicals, retail, automotive, farming and food and drinks – which collectively represents in excess of 1.5 million employees from across Europe. This is a positive step as large businesses are the most important when it comes to tackling climate change, as they can make the biggest impact.

The approach has also been pushed by thousands of workers at Amazon, who signed a letter to CEO Jeff Bezos and the board of directors. They called for more action to be taken by the company on climate change.

It is also good news in Britain who have set a new record as it goes coal-free for a week!

This was passed last week and was the first ever week of the electricity system being ran coal-free. This was confirmed on the 8th May by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO). The ESO is now pushing to have reached a zero-carbon power grid by 2025. This shows great progression in recent years when it comes to tackling coal power production.

Fintan Slye (Director of ESO) has also stated that coal-free electricity generation is now going to be a far more “regular occurrence”, as more renewables come onto the electricity grid. He has also predicted that a coal-free week will become the new normal within the near future. Another hugely positive step for the UK.

This push for a zero-carbon operation of the electricity system by 2025, will mean a change to how the system was initially designed to operate. This means the likes of domestic scale solar panels and large-scale offshore wind. Also using new smart digital systems is a new approach that helps to control the system at all times.

Greg Clark (Business and Energy Secretary) has also welcomed this positive news. He stated this is a huge leap forward going a week without coal for the first time since the Industrial Revolution. Eliminating coal entirely by 2025 will help build and cleaner and greener energy system in the UK. This is as Britain continues to lead the push when it comes to tackling climate change, as they continue to break records, and are on a path to become the first major economy to legislate for net zero emissions.

Small changes to a business can make a big positive outcome on their carbon footprint

Get in touch with Utility Trade Group today and find out how we can support your business to go Green.

With most of us having driven petrol or diesel vehicles for the majority (if not, all) of our driving lives, the thought of transitioning to driving an EV could feel somewhat daunting. The thought of a large number of changes to driving style and operation is enough to put many off – but the grass could actually be greener.

 Charging isn’t as inconvenient as you might think

The flexibility of charging a modern EV is far greater than you might imagine. Plugging it in when you return for work takes a matter of seconds – and once it’s done, it’s either charging, finished, or awaiting a scheduled charge. Smart charging ensures your EV is only charging when you want it to.

Energy efficiency is key

A little-known benefit of EV’s, is the measure of how efficiently you’re driving. Clear visibility of their consumption is now mainstream in the EV world, ensuring greater efficiency and carbon reduction on a wider scale.

Charging Points are everywhere

One of the biggest kickbacks to owning an EV is – “there aren’t enough charging points.” Well, now there are. On a short journey, you won’t need to charge – that can wait until you get back home or to work. On a long journey, you’d stop at the service stations – they have charging points. They’re even available in a number of shopping venues too.

Rapid chargers aren’t needed in practice

If your range is less than 120 miles, the 50kW charger will get a lot of use. For the larger range BEVs with a range of greater than 200 miles (which is quickly becoming the norm), you’ll very rarely use the rapid charger.

Time taken to charge is almost always irrelevant

A lot of people have a vision of somebody stood next to their EV waiting for it to charge. In reality, that’s not how it is. Charging at home is done overnight whilst you sleep, at the office it’s done whilst you’re hard at work, and at the service station/shops – it’s done whilst you have a coffee or shop.

EV cars are exciting to drive

Are you fed up with cumbersome and loud ICE cars? EV’s are completely the opposite – there is a huge step change in performance, with a solid acceleration boost in the high rev range. They’re also exceptionally quiet too, and very good for the environment.

As we move towards a world without petrol or diesel engines, EV’s are becoming ever more popular in the UK. Get in touch with Utility Trade Group today to find out how EV charging points can benefit your business.

According to the British Government, their new energy efficiency scheme for small businesses could help them save up to £2.5bn per year.

They have launched a Call for Evidence, in which they have claimed that improving energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective mechanisms for businesses to reduce their energy use and associated bills, while also reducing their carbon emissions.

This Call for Evidence was issued on 13th March 2019, and it must be responded to by 8th May. It sets out some possible delivery options for the scheme and asks for views.

The rationale behind the scheme is to help small businesses in their growth. SMEs are central to the UK’s economy – at the start of 2018, there were a record 5.7 million SMEs, accounting for 99.9% of UK businesses. Overall, the number of SMEs has increased by over 1.2 million since the start of 2010, and SMEs employ 16.3 million, accounting for 60% of total UK private sector employment. It’s a fantastic Government initiative.

UK Businesses are said to have ‘very low awareness’ of the benefits of energy efficiency, due to a lack of information on the topic. Furthermore, the relatively high upfront costs of installing some measures have had financial implications – something which the scheme is looking to combat. In fact, the new scheme is geared towards helping the Government achieve their target of all businesses making at least 20% energy savings by 2030.

There are three options being put forward:

Energy efficiency auctions – a voluntary auction set up by the Government targeting measures for smaller companies. They would compete on price to win funding to deliver energy savings.
Business energy efficiency obligation – a business equivalent of the domestic ECO scheme.
Increasing finance accessibility – an initiative whereby the Government could explore support from financial institutions or partner organisations.
There is a considerable level of energy efficiency abatement potential available for SMEs, but there are significant and persistent barriers preventing action. Most SMEs do not have the time to engage with this issue, instead they are concentrating on delivering their day-to-day business. This means that energy efficiency rarely becomes sufficiently high priority – something which this initiative is looking to change.

Contact us for design, implementation and managed finance options.

As Utility Trade Group continues its growth through the course of 2019, we thought it would be useful to introduce a different member of the team on regular occasions over the next couple of months.

This week, we start with Megan Spiezick.

Describe your job in three words.
Busy, Interesting, Rewarding

How long have you been with the business, and what does your day-to-day role entail?
2 years, consulting clients on energy contracts. Speaking with suppliers to get the best deals.

What do you enjoy most about working at Utility Trade Group?
Team I work with plus helping clients and winning incentives. No day is ever the same so it keeps it exciting.

What have you learnt/what has changed about yourself since working at UTG?
Understanding how business works. I’m more confident and thicker skinned.

What are the values that drive you?
I’m fair and honest. Being friendly and always happy to be of help to clients and our team.

If you could switch positions with anyone famous in the world (living or dead) for one day, who would it be and why?
Kim Kardashian – experience her lavish lifestyle just for one day.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Shopping & eating. Going for long dog walks and socialising with friends.

How would your family & friends describe you?
Loyal, caring, sassy and loud.

What’s your favourite food?
Sushi

If you had super hero powers for a day, what would it be and why?
Being invisible so I could prank my colleagues and friends.

If a film was made about your life, who would you like to play your part and why?
Margot Robbie – amazing actress, sassy & stunning.

When you were a kid, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A dentist. I have no idea why.

What would you rather, and why: go without your phone, food or internet for a day?
Phone

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Veneers

What would you most likely tell yourself at age 13?
Live for the day. Don’t be so serious.

2018 was a fundamental year in the growth of renewable energy. It saw the largest annual increase in global renewable generation capacity ever, so much so that new solar photovoltaic capacity grew at a greater rate than coal, nuclear and natural gas combined.

Climate change is a hot topic in world affairs currently, and it’s somewhat pleasing to see evidence of the Cleantech sector rising to the challenge of reducing the significant issue of global warming. Last year, the UK set new records for wind generation, and there are now plans for the UK’s largest solar farm to provide the cheapest electricity available on the grid, thanks to battery backup. Furthermore, `Tesla installed the world’s largest lithium battery in Australia, and it is forecast to return a third of its cost within just a 12-month period.

According to BP, renewable energy sources will be the world’s main source of power by 2040. They have said that wind, solar and other renewable energy sources will account for circa 30% of the world’s energy supplies by 2040. In fact, in Europe, the projections are even higher – BP are forecasting this to be upwards of 50%.

Climate change is being taken very seriously by the British Government. Climate Change Levy (CCL) rates are increasing year-on-year – with electricity CCL rates raising from 0.00583 to 0.00847 £/KWh, and natural gas CCL rates rising from 0.00203 to 0.00339 £/KWh. These are hefty rises, and represent by far the biggest increases since the scheme was introduced in 2001.

CCL rises are being introduced to recoup revenue lost from the abolition of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme. Furthermore, and to the benefit of a greener Britain, they also provide a financial incentive to those businesses who reduce gas use, saving carbon in the non-traded sector and delivering on national climate change targets.

Businesses will be required to submit their last CRC report by July 2019, and to surrender allowances for the final time in October 2019. As such, the switch towards renewable energy is moving evermore towards becoming a necessity, as opposed to a benefit.

Utility Trade Group can help your business to not only contribute to a greener Britain, but also to be financially affluent with reduced energy bills and levies. Get in touch with one of our experts today.

Electric vehicles are becoming ever more popular on Britain’s roads. Since the Government have set out their plans for a greener Britain, demand for such products has risen. Their initiatives have sought to increase the sales for electric vehicles, and they’ve declared that the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned by 2040. As such, the market for EV’s has become fiercely competitive.

By 2020, the number of EV’s on Britain’s roads is expected to top the 1 million mark. The market grew by in excess of 19% in 2018, but there is work to be done – the 16,500 charging points available needs to be increased quickly, to account for such growth. Experts have indicated that a further 80,000 charging points will need to be installed through the course of 2019, in order to match the demand.

EV charging points could have a substantial benefit to your business, with many of those advantages not being fully recognised or appreciated. Whether you’re looking to install workplace charging stations, or indeed destination ones – there are a number of positives that such an initiative could bring:

• Increased revenue through selling electricity. If an EV driver stops at one of your charging points, your business can charge for the electricity they use. You can also retain a profit on what the driver pays.
• Bringing new custom to your business. With an EV charging point based at your office, you’ll attract drivers of electric vehicles as they’ll need to charge their cars. The amount of time they spend with you is also likely to increase too, as it takes time to charge.
• Saving on vehicle costs and tax. Benefit in Kind tax is something that many employees are subjected to. However, with EV’s – this can be reduced by up to 86% for company vehicles. Furthermore, with an EV fleet, businesses can save over 6p per mile.

In addition to these (and other benefits), the OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) offers a Workplace Charging Scheme. This scheme is designed to help businesses with the upfront costs associated with installing a new workplace charging station.

In order to be eligible – you must have off-street parking, have a need to install a charger, and have it installed by an OLEVL approved workplace charger supplier. However, once approved – the grant can be used to reduce costs by up to 75%, with up to 20 charging stations able to be claimed on the scheme.

Utility Trade Group can help you to save (and generate) money with EV charging points today. Get in touch to find out more.

The Energy Efficiency Awards are hosted in recognition of substantial contribution to the energy industry. Those recognised are companies whose business ethos is to provide sustainable energy that protects our environment.

It is with great delight that we were highly commended as Regional Solar PV Installer & Contractor, for the East Midlands.

This award is just recognition of our teams’ work in helping to protect the planet and reduced the harmful emissions produced by delivering energy.

The judges were looking at the following three areas:

• The positive impact that our work has had within the local & regional community.
• What our clients, local and regional community have to say about us.
• What level of expertise we have.The fact that we tailor the solutions to fit within the operations of our clients’ business ensuring they maximise on the efficiency generation, played a pivotal role in our success.

Furthermore, our investment in research combined with expert advice ensures our clients are fully aware of their financial ROI and their positive impact to the environment when making a change for the better.

We are extremely proud that our work has resulted in such a positive environmental impact, with an estimated 6,879 tonnes of Co2 saved from these systems, as well as a staggering 598,800 trees saved too.

The judges also felt that we are very active within our regional community, promoting our support to all, giving free advice and energy assessments that highlight how and where they can be more efficient. This proves to be a great success in delivering savings and reducing energy demand.

So, to find out how we can help you save money and reduce energy demand, get in touch today.

Total world energy consumption is expected to rise 28% by 2040. Add in rising fuel costs, and the future of traditional energy supply looks very expensive. Additionally, prices for grid electricity are unpredictable and can vary widely from month to month—making forecasting operating expenses difficult. By installing a Solar solution, you can generate electricity at a price substantially lower than from your local energy provider.

By embracing energy efficiency, businesses can significantly save money and improve their customer engagement. New connected technology, from lighting controls to smart thermostats and energy management systems, can cut energy costs and reduce maintenance headaches for years to come. Beyond operational efficiencies and savings, sustainable initiatives help businesses build stronger relationships with environmentally focused customers.

Marketing successful initiatives once they’ve been completed will help engage customers that consider a business’s environmental impact in their purchase decisions.

ESOS: Are you aware that if you are a qualified organisation and don’t meet the deadline, you can expect to receive a basic fine of £50,000, plus an additional fine of £800 per day up to a maximum of 80 days.

For more information about this and our energy efficiency solutions please get in touch.

ighting accounts for 20% of all the energy consumption in the UK, which means it also accounts for a significant chunk of energy bills.

Indeed, it can rise to up to 40% of a building’s electricity bill, meaning any way to make that lighting more efficient can dramatically cut costs.

On average, a British business will spend approximately 30% of their power bill on lighting annually. A large amount of this money is wasted due to the inefficiency of conventional lighting solutions.  Tube lighting, filament bulbs and similar solutions produce large quantities of heat and other waste products, instead of light.

You can expect an average ROI of just 3-12 months. In fact, we’ve got a great example with one of our clients, where they actually saved almost £12,000 on their lighting bills in 2018 alone.

Why is LED Lighting so Beneficial?

LED lighting is far more efficient than traditional lighting sources, producing more light with a greatly reduced power input.

As a guide:

• A traditional 600 lumens (Lm) bulb requires 60w to power it for an hour.
• An equivalent energy saving CFL bulb requires 15w to power it for an hour.
• A 600 Lm LED lamp only requires 10w to power it for an hour.

Furthermore, they offer great design flexibility and are ecologically-sound, too. They also last far, far longer than incandescent or halogen bulbs
 

Business Grants for LED Lighting

We can work with you and review if any grants are available. While some grants are nationally available, others are aimed at particular areas.

The Enhanced Capital allowance is a government scheme which encourages business to invest in energy saving initiatives. It’s aimed at business of all shapes and sizes, and is a perfect initiative for those wishing to invest when it otherwise might be too expensive to do so.

Businesses can offset 100% of their LED Lighting assets against their taxable profits in the first year.

Utility Trade Group can arrange for a free, no obligation, lighting survey to be undertaken for your business to help you decide on the best configuration of lights, in order to maximise efficiency and your annual savings.

We’ve got some great news here at Utility Trade Group, as we’re pleased to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for 3 categories in the Regional Energy Efficiency Awards. The awards will be held on 15th March, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport.

The categories we’ve been shortlisted for are:

Solar PV Installer & Contractor
Energy Consultant/Consultancy
Renewable Heat Installer/Contractor

We’re delighted that our hard work has been recognised by our industry peers. Details of the categories in which we’ve been nominated are as follows:

Solar PV Installer & Contractor

The 2019 Regional Solar PV Installer or Contractor of the Year Award rewards one exceptional company, in each of the 11 Regional areas around the UK, that installs, repairs or maintains solar photovoltaic systems.

This award recognises the efforts of fully qualified solar photovoltaic installers and contractors that provide excellent customer service, and demonstrate a high standard of quality workmanship or best practice within their local community.

Energy Consultant/Consultancy

The 2019 Regional Energy Consultant/Consultancy of the Year Award rewards one exceptional individual or company that advises businesses or homeowners about energy efficiency savings and measures through a Green Deal of EPC energy assessment.

This award recognises the efforts of a fully qualified energy assessor that provides excellent customer service, and demonstrates a high standard of assessment and best practice within their local community.

Renewable Heat Installer/Contractor

The 2019 Regional RHI Installer or Contractor of the Year Award rewards one business, in each of the 11 Regional areas around the UK, that is involved with the installation, implementation or maintenance of energy efficient heating systems that qualify for the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

These systems include, biomass boilers, solar water heating, ground/Air/Water source heat pumps.

In each of these categories, the judges will be looking closely at:

The impact that our work has had within the local community.
What our customers and local community have to say about us.
What level of expertise we have.
We’re delighted that our hard work and expertise have been recognised with these three nominations, in such a prestigious industry event.

If you’d like to know how Utility Trade Group can help your business, then get in touch today.

Did you know we do more than procure you the best prices available to reduce your bills? At Utility Trade Group, our account managers remember at all times that we are working for you and not the utility suppliers.

Our buying power in the market along with our specialised managed service provides you with clearer visibility of your consumption, unlocking greater control of your energy costs.

We remove uncertainty of the market by giving you advice on energy efficiency products that reduce your consumption and give you more control for forecasting against budgets.

We have built an outstanding reputation in the industry with 96% of customers saying they are fully satisfied with our service.

We’re committed to providing solutions to help the environment too and work with local authorities to deliver targets to reduce carbon emissions.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.

The energy industry saw two significant price rises in 2018 alone, so we’ve compiled five must-see ways to reduce your energy costs.

Free Energy Audit

Utility Trade Group are offering a free energy audit, which is the best way to help you become aware of ways to save energy at work.

We can visit your business and complete a full inspection of your building and recommend solutions such as efficient lighting, far infrared heating, building management apps and much more.

The audit is completely free and non-obligatory, so get in touch today to book.

Power Down Computer & Other Office Equipment

If computers are not being used when your staff aren’t working, have your team get into the habit of shutting them down before they leave?

Turning off and unplugging as many devices as possible at the end of the day is a simple way to cut back costs. This includes similar appliances such as coffee/tea makers, water coolers and so forth – just by turning these off when you leave the office could save you hundreds of pounds per year.

Turn Off Lights When Not in Use

It might seem obvious, but typically lights stay on in areas such as bathrooms, conference rooms or break rooms, as well as spaces that aren’t being used.

Something as simple as a sign above a light switch, advising people to “please switch off light after use’ can ensure that wasted energy is reduced, and bills are lowered as a result.

Reduce Peak Demand

In the UK, typical normal office hours are 9am to 5pm. You could reduce your demand of energy during this time by staggering work hours and start times.

Using energy for heavy machinery or factory equipment in the evenings and early hours means you conserve energy throughout the day. Conserved energy means reduced energy costs.

Programme Your Thermostats

Even if your team’s hours of work vary, using programmable or smart thermostats to manage temperature during non-office hours can make a big difference.

Don’t forget, you don’t need to heat or cool a workplace after everyone has gone home – something as simple as a reduced temperature out of hours can save money on your energy bills each month. 

For the first 100 people who get in touch, we’re offering a FREE energy saving pack with your FREE energy audit. So, get in touch today and see how we can help.

You may have noticed a slight change in the name that you’re used to. You’ve known us as Utility Trade for the last 9 years or so – but we’ve grown and we’re now Utility Trade Group.

Don’t worry – we’re still the same people. We’ve been investing in our organisation, and would like to introduce you to the other side of the business – UT Power.

It isn’t new – UT Power has been running for 4 years. We’re a tier 1 supplier of products and solutions, with plenty of awards and accreditations.

We’ve decided to restructure the group as a result of substantial growth, and we’re proud to enhance our offering to our clients across the UK.

Managing Director, Edward Allen, says, “These are very exciting times for Utility Trade Group and our clients. We’ve seen a significant increase in companies wanting to take control of their energy demand and cost. In an uncertain market, including concern around post Brexit, energy prices are volatile. Our experts work with companies to help deliver solutions to control usage, cost and reduction of carbon footprint”

To find out how Utility Trade Group can help you lower your energy costs, then please get in touch today.

After the UK voted to leave the EU in June 2016, much uncertainty remains as to the type of deal (or no-deal) that the UK government will secure when Britain finally leaves the EU on 29th March 2019. And this uncertainty is certainly inclusive of the energy market as, according to power firms, Brexit could drive up the cost of your energy bills.

2018 saw two significant price rises alone, which were both caused by the rising costs of wholesale gas and electricity. Any further increases as a result of a no-deal Brexit is likely to have a significant impact on British homes and businesses.

Should the UK leave with no-deal, they’d be obliged to conform to WTO trading legislation. This could have significant permutations on energy bills, as trade barriers threaten to increase the cost of gas and electricity across the border. The benefit of free movements of goods and services could be diminished, adding hundreds of pounds to energy bills across the UK.

According to The Guardian, “in a letter to Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, and UK prime minister Theresa May, they said imposing costs on the use of interconnectors – electricity cables and gas pipelines between the UK and its European neighbours – would hit consumers and set back the battle against global warming.

The free flow of energy across interconnectors was necessary to keep “a level playing field that keeps costs down and ensures decarbonisation and security of supply,” the groups said. Interconnectors currently account for 6% of British power supplies, but that share is soon expected to rise to a fifth.”

If you’re looking to hear of ways to counteract these potential price hikes, then get in touch now for energy efficiency solutions, which give you control of your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

Utility Trade Group offer an array of energy efficiency solutions, and  combined with our procurement expertise, ensure that we offer a full turnkey approach to energy efficiency.

Getting the Right Contract

It is important you are only paying for you what you need and what you use.

Our expertise in the market and our supplier partnerships, enable us to offer you energy contracts that are more suitable and bespoke to you.

Change Your Lighting

Lighting accounts for 20 per cent of all the energy consumption in the UK, which means it also accounts for a significant chunk of energy bills.

LED lighting can be more attractive, energy efficient, cost-effective and durable than existing methods.

Consuming less than 80 per cent of the electricity of traditional incandescent bulbs, LED lights can shave pounds off electricity bills. 

Many of us already have them in the home, but the potential use for businesses is much greater – along with the savings.

Long-Term Electricity Efficient Solutions

Depending on whether you own the building you run your business from or rent it, it may be worth considering investing in solar panels. 

Although you will need to make an initial capital investment, it will save you a lot of money over time. The use of solar panels will significantly reduce your electricity bills, and they have very low maintenance costs.

Using solar panels also helps the environment as it is a truly renewable source of energy, decreasing the need for new power plants which cause and create pollution. 

Infrared Heating

Infrared heating technology really is amazing. Unlike traditional radiators, it works through radiant heat rather than convection, and therefore doesn’t waste energy heating air.

When investing in infrared, you could overhaul your heating system, wiring panels into the electricity circuit and controlling them via a smart heating system.

This allows for optimal savings, as you have total control and can also monitor your energy usage. Alternatively, you can just plug panels in to the mains wherever you want them for a boost of heat.

Solar with Battery Storage

Energy storage plays an important role in balancing power supply and demand, and is key to tackling the intermittency issues of renewable energy.

Pairing a storage system with a renewable energy source ensures a smooth and steady power supply, even when weather conditions are not optimal for energy generation. 

Batteries are the most common storage devices used in renewable energy system.

It is projected that storage will represent a core component of all new energy technologies moving into the future, as both utility-scale and domestic energy storage solutions become more price competitive, eroding the advantages of traditional energy sources.

If we can help you with any aspects of your energy efficiency or procurement, then please contact Utility Trade Group today.

As a leading energy efficiency consultant, here at Utility Trade Group, we strive to do all we can in the battle against the climate emergency. The supply and implementation of renewable energy resources, accompanied with a strong will and desire to face the issue at hand are our core fundamentals in this battle – but Government regulation is also at the forefront of change too.

The Government describes the regulation as “simple, risk based, and proportionate.” In the last decade alone, the Environment Agency alone have seen less waste going to landfill, a decline in the emissions from industry, and a 70% recycle rate from the sites that sit within their jurisdiction.

Offenders and non-compliers are being targeted more heavily, with longer custodial sentences and bigger fines being handed down – the Government are ramping up the fight against those who continue to commit so-called environmental crime. As Britain prepares to leave the EU at the end of January, the regulations won’t become laxer – in fact, they’re likely to become tougher than ever.

The theory of marginal gains is more relevant than ever – if everybody does their bit, the world will become a better place. That said, we don’t want to aim for a planet that is marginally better overall, more so one that is considerably better than it has ever been before.

Emission regulation and reducing carbon is at the heart of the over-riding objective, with the net-zero goal by 2030 at the forefront of the desire for change. Industries and businesses that are committed to green technology are being supported more than ever, and Utility Trade Group are expert s in this field – we’ve achieved a level of excellence. If we can help you with any aspects of making your business greener, including grant applications or the installation of renewable energy resources, then please get in touch today.

UT Power recently had their stage 2 audit with the British Assessment Bureau and have been successful in getting through the audit with zero non-conformance.  We are now waiting on the final sign off before we are issued our certificates. 

Since its inception in 2014, UT Power have been adding to their accreditation’s as they take on more and more ambitious projects with larger and larger clients.  Working directly with private business who own premises, landlords who need to improve the energy efficiency of their portfolio or with main contractors on energy performance contracts and new builds, UT Power have completed a number of installations from LED, Power Optimisation, Far Infrared heating to Solar PV projects.

We rarely get bad feedback but when something does go wrong we pride ourselves in being able to correct it as quickly as possible.  We use robust systems and both internal and client feedback to allow us to make continual improvements to how we work.  Helped by being a small family run business we are able to implement changes quickly and that allows us to adapt and continue to grow in a competitive market place.

Please get in touch for us to assess your individual requirements.

Feedback from a Health and Safety inspection on a Heritage Site in Leicestershire:

“From my inspection and observations I have every confidence in the Team and commend them on the site safety, absolutely spot on and a pleasure to visit.”