The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) was introduced in January 2020 to replace the Feed in Tariff scheme.
The SEG pays customers for any excess electricity supplied back to the grid when generated by the customers own renewable solutions.
Renewable energy solutions such as Solar Panels, Wind Turbines and Biomass Energy are at the forefront of the UK’s journey to Net Zero. Compared to Q3 2022, renewable power generation increased by 12%. Proving that the UK is keen to move away from relying on fossil fuels and actively working towards reducing our Carbon footprint.
Solutions that are approved by the SEG:
Wind Turbines Solar Panels Hydroelectric power Micro combined heat and power Anaerobic digestion
Are you unsure if you qualify for the SEG? Give one of our experts a call today!
According to a report by EnAppSys, renewable generation hit a record high in the European electricity market for the third quarter.
Compared to Q3 2022, renewable power generation increased by 12%. Driven mainly by wind generation which reached 95TWh compared to the same quarter the previous year of 84TWh.
Prices recently remained generally stable until there was a surge in pricing late August, mainly due to the announced strike by Australian LNG workers. In more recent news, the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to impact the market with prices 25% higher than before the conflict started.
With uncertainty in the market, it is important to future proof your business’s operations.
Get on board with the rise of renewables, give us a call today for more information on the energy efficient solutions we offer.
This year’s theme is ‘The Big Recycling Hunt’, which focuses on “missed capture”: the items that can be recycled but are commonly missed or forgotten about in the home.
Don’t forget to recycle the below!
Cardboard Egg boxes Cardboard fruit and veg punnets Cereal boxes Toilet Roll tubes Magazines / Newspapers Books Aluminium foil Glass bottles and Jars Plastic milk bottles Toiletries & Shampoo bottles
Did you know, in the UK alone, recycling saves about 10-15 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year. The equivalent of taking 3.5 million cars off the road!
October is a month for recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of black people to British society.
2023 is all about saluting our sisters and celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women who have too often been overlooked or forgotten.
There is an extensive list of black scientists and campaigners who are tackling climate change. It’s hard to narrow it down to just two today but we’d like to highlight the excellent work of these women.
Fatima Ibrahim – Fatima is the co-founder of the non-profit organisation Green New Deal UK. Campaigning to transform the UK economic system to fight climate change and social inequality, she is at the forefront of the climate change movement.
Mikaela Loach – Based in Edinburgh, Mikaela is a climate justice activist and best-selling author of ‘It’s not that radical: Climate Action to Transform our world. Loach highlights how younger generations are heavily involved in fighting for a greener and fairer world.
Let’s use this month to learn, reflect and celebrate the past and current achievements of black woman across the world and support all future endeavours with the attention they deserve. 🙌🏻
Moving in or out of a business premise can be a stressful time. Factoring in the energy contracts as well can feel time consuming however, our below guide will help streamline the process.
Moving out?
When you move out of a property your energy contracts end on the day you move.
On the day you move out, take a photo of the meter reading from both your old and new property and give them to your old and new suppliers. Providing the suppliers with meter readings will ensure the final bill at your old property is accurate and the contract at the new property commences on correct readings. You might be owed a credit at your old property if you’ve been overpaying on previous bills, providing accurate meter readings will ensure you receive any refund that you’re due.
Business energy contracts are linked to the supply point, when you move out your current deal doesn’t transfer with you to the new site. You can give your current supplier at most a month’s notice of your planned moving date to ensure everything goes smoothly when you do move out. However, the supplier will process the change of tenancy on the day you move out or when they receive your final meter reading, so they bill you accurately.
Moving in?
In some cases, the current supplier at your new property might need to see documentation that proves you are the new tenant. This can involve contacting the previous or new tenant to request proof of the move, this can be in the form of a lease agreement.
When moving into a new property you are not at the mercy of the current supplier at the site. You are flexible to do as you please, you can stay with that supplier, or move to a new one. Sometimes the current supplier at the new site isn’t always the best option for you, here at Utility Trade we can help determine that for you.
Deemed rates
When you move into a new property without signing a new energy contract, the supplier will move you onto deemed rates. These rates can be at least double the cost of a contracted rate, so in most cases they are exceptionally expensive for your business. It is extremely important that you act quickly with your new contract to ensure you are not hit with high bills.
If you need further assistance, contact one of our advisors today!
Founded in 1961, Overhead Line Fittings (UK) Ltd have been one of the leading suppliers of Overhead Transmission and Distribution power line fittings.
It’s been a pleasure working with OLF on their sustainability improvement journey. The install of our 22.5kW solar PV system will reduce their CO2 emissions by an incredible 8.1 tonnes a year! And provide them with around 18,765 kWh of green self-harvested energy per annum.
Installation details:
🔧 System size – 22.5kW 🔧 Number of panels – 54x 420w Trina Solar panels 🔧 CO2 emissions reduced – 8.1 tonnes per annum 🔧Annual energy generation – 18,765kWh 🔧 PV Panel Brand – Trina Solar Vertex S 🔧 Location – Atherstone, Warwickshire 🔧 Van der Valk Solar Systems mounting system on a trapezoidal roof 🔧 Solis Inverter with online performance monitoring
Comment from our Business Development Manager – “I originally reached out to OLF, after seeing they had no PV on their roofs, with information about the Green Belle Grant. Arthur Henton came back to me very interested, as OLF were keen to improve upon their green credentials and the grant awarded up to £10,000 towards the installation of PV systems for businesses located in Leicestershire. This cash injection from the funder dramatically increased the company’s return on investment and will bring down the overall payback year. Through the installation of the PV system OLF have been able to reduce their ongoing carbon footprint and futureproof against the rising cost of electricity from the national grid and it’s volatile and uncapped nature”
Shout out to the amazing work completed by our UT Power team and thank you to Overhead Line Fittings UK Ltd. for selecting us for this phase of their green journey!
Are you on the hunt for an award-winning reliable installer? Give us a call today!
This Sunday is world suicide prevention day, this year’s theme is ‘creating hope through action’.
If you feel that someone is at risk of taking their own life, you can help support them:
🤍Don’t feel like you have to ‘fix’ them, giving someone an open space to talk and express their feelings can make all the difference.
🤍Make sure the person is in a safe, non-judgemental environment. This encourages them to be open to sharing their thoughts and feelings.
🤍Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions ‘Are you thinking about ending your life?’. This can open conversation and reduce the persons anxiety surrounding the topic.
🤍Point them in the right direction of relevant services like your local GP. Other contacts are shown in the image below.
The cost-of-living crisis is a reminder to us all the importance of supporting your local community.
A foodbank is a great way to do this. Come together with your community to help people who need it most. Find your local foodbank here! https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/#nationalfoodbankday #community #support #foodbank
A day to remember the importance of keeping our beaches clean and thriving. You don’t have to travel far to find a beautiful beach, take advantage of what we have right on our doorstep!
The Energy Security Strategy (ESS) intends to speed up the UK’s efforts towards a low-carbon, energy independent future.
To advance the UK’s energy independence, the ESS put forward the below policies:
Utilise North Sea reserves, between the UK and Norway.
Commissioning a scientific review of shale gas extraction.
Developing four new carbon capture, utilisation, and storage clusters by 2030, including a £2bn carbon capture scheme in Selby.
40% reduction in gas consumption by 2030.
Increased targets for low-carbon power generation.
Reduced consent times for offshore wind planning from four years to one.
Delivery body for nuclear power (Great British Nuclear) to bring eight proposed new large nuclear reactors to final investment decisions by 2030.
A North Sea Transition Deal which sets out plans for necessary investment and infrastructure to aid ‘decarbonised’ oil and gas extraction.
An extension of the ECO levy, which funds improvements to the energy efficiency of social and low-income homes.
£30m heat pump investment accelerator scheme.
An extension to the boiler upgrade scheme.
A list of the first government-backed renewable hydrogen projects.
An extra £10bn for UK Export Finance, with a focus on clean energy.
ESS focuses on long term ambitions which meant it was criticised for its lack of measures for businesses now.
What are the benefits of ESS?
More clean energy:
Nuclear – By 2050, the plan is that the UK will have up to 24-gigawatt hours of nuclear energy, representing around 25% of projected electricity demand. Great British Nuclear launched a £120 million Future Nuclear Enabling Fund in April 2022.
Offshore wind – The Government have committed to having up to 50GW of wind power by 2023 with an added 5GW from floating offshore wind in deeper seas. They have also agreed to cut planning approval times for new offshore wind farms from four years to one year.
Onshore wind – The Government will be “developing partnerships with a limited number of supportive communities who wish to host new onshore wind infrastructure in return for guaranteed lower energy bills.”
Hydrogen – The ESS intends to double the production of low-carbon hydrogen by up to 10GW by 2030, with at least half of this amount coming from green hydrogen.
Solar PV – The ESS note it will “radically simplify planning processes with a consultation on relevant permitted development rights and will consider the best way to make use of public sector rooftops.”
Due to the energy crisis, a lot has changed since the ESS was published in April 2022. The cost of energy has forced a shift in priorities for many, with homeowners and businesses putting sustainability to the side to focus on security and cash flow.
Here at Utility Trade Ltd we support our customers with all their energy requirements. That ranges from the management of their energy accounts and renewals to guiding them on their sustainability journey with our energy efficiency team.
If you would like advice on your business energy needs, get in touch.
Wholesale gas prices in Dutch and British markets spike due to the strikes in Australian LNG plants.
According to Refinitiv data, earlier this week in the UK, the within-day gas price surged by 5 pence to 84.50 pence per therm and the day-ahead contract rose by 6.50 pence to 84 pence per therm.
Contact our experts today to discuss your renewal options and cut out the risk of the market increasing further.
After an unprecedented increase in the market last year pricing has reduced significantly.
We understand how complicated energy purchasing can be. With our buying power in the market combined with our specialised managed services, we can provide you with a comprehensive audit to help you make the right choice. Unlocking greater control of your energy costs, while increasing your profits.
Our Account Managers remember at all times that we are working for you and not the utility suppliers.
If you would like a free business energy health check, give us a call!
It’s pet Friday and today we have the lovely Tess!
Likes: Puppuccino from Starbucks Long walks on the beach Chicken Cuddles
Did you know that studies have shown having a pet in the office can reduce stress, increase productivity, create a positive atmosphere, and offer health benefits?
For help with reducing your energy bills, give Tess a call! ☎
From small to large businesses and everything in between, we can help.
💡 Nonbiased – We have access to a wide range of suppliers, including the top 6, ensuring you have access to the keenest prices.
💡 Simplified – Our Account Managers remove the jargon and clearly lay out the best options for you, tailored to your business.
💡 Account Management – Our support doesn’t end when you sign a contract. Bill validation & auditing, dealing with meter reads, handling queries you have with your supplier are just some of the services we offer to free up your time.
💡 Tailored Solutions – Aligned common end dates, fully green suppliers, smart metering, new meter connections. The list goes on!
💡 Renewable Energy – Solar PV, LED Lighting, EV Charging points and more. Our sister company UT Power Limited can help you reduce your carbon footprint and save you money by reducing your energy usage.
Do you need advice from an expert in the industry? Get in touch today!
Here at Utility Trade bill validation and auditing is another important service we offer our customers.
Understanding and validating your bills is one of the first steps in reducing your energy costs. Let our Account Managers check and monitor your electricity, gas, water, and telecoms invoices to ensure your bills are accurate! 📄
The Energy Market can be complex, with many tariffs and suppliers throughout the UK. However, the same questions are still asked….
❓Are you on the best tariff? ❓When is the right time to renew my energy contract? ❓How do I manage my energy needs?
Our end-to-end service of energy procurement and energy managed services not only helps you have access to the best energy rates in the market it also helps your business run more efficiently.
Do you need advice from an experienced Energy Specialist? Get in touch!
The deadline to apply for additional support from the Government if you are an Energy Intensive Industry is this week!
Deadline: You must apply before 23rd July 2023.
What’s going on?
The government confirmed details of a new energy discount scheme for businesses, charities and the public sector, after the previous Energy Bill Relief Scheme ended in March 2023. Your energy supplier should have contacted you, but in case you’ve missed it here is some more information.
Details of the ETII scheme: The scheme will run until 31 March 2024, and aims to help energy intensive businesses locked into contracts signed before recent substantial falls in the wholesale price and provide others with reassurance against the risk of prices rising again. Businesses in sectors with particularly high levels of energy use and trade intensity will receive a higher level of support.
