Overwhelmed by energy procurement? The growing challenges facing UK schools

It’s clear: schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) up and down the country are feeling the pressure. At Zenergi, we work with over 3,000 schools and MATs. Every institution has its own nuance but often we can see the challenges you’re facing are all too familiar.

The big picture: policy shifts and budget pressures

If you’re responsible for energy in your school or Trust, you’re not just thinking about the bills. You’re thinking about budgets, forecasts, policies, and whether what you’re doing will stand up to scrutiny from governors or auditors. And in the current climate, every penny counts.

Many schools are having to make difficult decisions, scaling back staff, delaying maintenance, or cutting courses, just to keep the lights on. That’s why having reliable, accurate forecasts matters more than ever.

As ISBL National Lead on School Finance and Efficiency, Simon understands better than most the need for accuracy. As he puts it: “We’re always treading a tightrope. Once our budget is approved, it’s set in stone. If we’re off track, we need to know fast, because if we’re making a loss, we’re seen as incompetent.”

For those working at Academy Trusts, you’re not just focused on planning this year’s costs, you’re building a case for the next three. “I need to be able to go to leadership and say, ‘This is where we’ll end up, and here’s the methodology behind it.’ Not just numbers on a spreadsheet, but something with science behind it.”

On top of that, procurement rules are changing. The new Procurement Act is designed to simplify public sector buying, but for those on the ground, it adds more uncertainty and a steep learning curve. If you’re part of a Trust that’s merging or expanding, you might be starting again with new suppliers and systems, on top of everything else.

Sustainability targets add another layer. With deadlines for Climate Action Plans (CAP) approaching, you’re being asked to reduce emissions, cut costs, and maintain service levels, all at once. It’s a complex balancing act in a sector already stretched thin.

And despite a calmer energy market compared to the peaks of the last few years, volatility is still a risk. Simon recalls, “Just as we were coming out of Covid, the Ukraine war hit and prices shot through the roof. Forecasting became absolutely critical, but also incredibly difficult.”

Day-to-day realities: metering, myths and market volatility

The big-picture pressures are real, but so are the daily challenges. If you’ve ever tried to make sense of an energy bill, manage multiple meters across a school site, or had to explain another invoice to your finance lead, you know what we mean.

You’ve probably also heard about energy deals that sound too good to be true. Promises of big savings with little explanation of how those numbers are calculated or what kind of contract you’re really getting into. As Simon puts it, “We don’t want the risk of a fully variable contract, but we also don’t want to get locked into an expensive fixed-price deal. It’s about finding the balance that works for our Trust.”

And there’s more change ahead. By 2026, all schools will be required to use half-hourly electricity meters under the Market-Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS). That might improve data and efficiency in the long run, but for now, it means more tech, more admin, and more complexity.

“Energy bills can be incredibly confusing, almost impenetrable,” Simon says. “Especially when you’ve got multiple meters on a site that’s grown over time. During the energy relief schemes, we were getting bills one day, credit notes the next, then another invoice after that. You don’t have time to chase and question every one.”

And when suppliers don’t pick up the phone or take days to respond? That makes things even harder. “As a single Trust, we don’t carry a lot of weight,” Simon adds. “But when you’re working with a partner that places significant business, suppliers listen and problems get sorted more quickly.”

Getting a good deal isn’t just about timing the market, it’s about having the right support behind you. Someone who understands your setup, knows how you work, and can help you stay ahead of change.

How Zenergi is making a difference

With rising costs, shifting policies, and complex contracts, many schools are facing decisions that fall far outside their usual remit. The good news? At Zenergi, we understand how overwhelming that can be, and we’re here to help. Whether you need the certainty of a fixed price or the flexibility to take advantage of market dips, we’ll build a procurement strategy that works for your school. And we don’t stop at contracts. From Bill Validation and supplier management to sustainability support, our goal is to give you clarity, control, and one less thing to worry about.

Zenergi is trusted by over 3,000 schools and MATs, endorsed by ISBL and ISBA, and focused on helping you meet both your budget and carbon targets. As the sector continues to evolve, we’ll be right there with you, not just delivering better contracts, but better outcomes.