Resource
26 Jun 2025
Navigating the world of energy procurement can be overwhelming – full of jargon, volatility and uncertainty. Whether you’re managing a single school or a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), understanding how to buy energy smarter is essential for keeping costs down, reducing risk and supporting your journey to net zero.
That’s why we’re inviting Norfolk schools to a free, straight-talking webinar tailored to your challenges. Join us on 23 September at 10:30 a.m. for “Smarter Energy Procurement: A Guide for Norfolk Schools”, where we’ll share practical insights, clear guidance and proven tips to help you take back control of your energy strategy.
Choosing between a fixed or flexible energy contract can have a significant impact on your school’s budget and risk exposure. We explain the key differences, the pros and cons of each approach, and the situations where one may be better suited than the other. This will help you make decisions based on your school’s size, risk appetite and financial priorities
Understanding and using your school’s energy data can uncover inefficiencies, highlight usage patterns and help you identify the best time to buy. We show you how to use your data effectively and highlight common mistakes to avoid when interpreting the numbers.
Billing errors are more common than many realise, and they’re often missed. By validating your energy bills against your contract and actual usage, you can identify mistakes, recover overpayments and prevent future overspend. We explain how bill validation works and the real savings it can unlock for schools and Trusts.
Energy markets are influenced by a complex mix of global events, seasonal trends and regulatory changes. We break down the current market conditions, explain what’s affecting prices, and share strategies for managing uncertainty. This will help you plan your budgets with more confidence and less guesswork.
Achieving net zero can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We explore practical, achievable steps that schools can take right now to reduce emissions and begin building a more sustainable future. This includes smarter procurement choices, planning ahead and exploring funding opportunities.
We know you wear many hats as a School Business Manager. We're here to take one of those big issues off your desk. Our aim is to free up your time so you can focus on what truly matters in your building."
Ashley Williams
Energy Solutions Consultant
Zenergi
In today’s unpredictable market, it is more important than ever to make informed energy procurement decisions that balance cost, sustainability, transparency and efficiency. This session invited school business leaders and facility and estates managers from schools across Norfolk to hear clear guidance on navigating the complexities of energy procurement.
Our expert speakers, Ashley Williams and Alex Payne, brought deep industry knowledge to the discussion. With extensive experience supporting and advising schools and Trusts, they offered practical strategies and answered common questions about energy purchasing, budgeting and planning for a net zero future.
The full recording and presentation of our webinar are now available, so you can access all the insights shared during our live webinar. Whether you are watching for the first time or revisiting the session, we hope the content supports you to make smarter, more sustainable energy decisions for your school.
Missed our last webinar? Here’s the recording.