News

14 Dec 2021

Essex School Energy Basket: Understand the benefits of group purchasing

Essex School Energy Basket: Understand the benefits of group purchasing

Time: 11.00am

In this webinar we detailed the arrangements of Zenergi’s group purchasing option (Essex Basket) that we have designed for Essex schools. Our basket is a hassle-free option for schools looking for best value energy contracts following the termination of the Essex County Council offering.

We discussed the benefits of our group purchasing arrangement and summarised what schools can be doing now to ensure a smooth transition at the end of the existing contract. Don’t miss this session to understand more about your energy procurement options.

Speaker: Chris Jermy

 

 

If you missed our live webinar, not to worry, you can access the full recording by clicking the link below, and we have also collated the audience questions into a brief Q&A. Should you have any questions that have not been addressed below, please email Chris Jermy directly at chris@zenergi.co.uk, and he will respond as soon as he can.

Watch the recording here.

 

FAQ

 

If our current contract expires in, say, September, do we need to wait for next March to join?

Our cut-off for this Essex school basket is 1 March 2022, which allows us some time to compile the tenders, obtain prices and build a purchasing strategy.


Is it possible to get a copy of the slides from the webinar presentation to share with the governors?

Please email chris@zenergi.co.uk to request a copy of the presentation.


Do we pay invoices direct to suppliers or through Zenergi?

All payments are made to the selected suppliers, we simply undertake the procurement and check the supplier invoices and then e-mail them over to you for your records/ payment.


You said that you currently supply 375 Essex schools, but there are 22 in this basket is that correct?

We currently have 375 schools in Essex to whom we provide services, as well as a further 22 that have opted to join our basket.


If we sign up to Zenergi, are we then committed to purchase fuel through Zenergi?

By signing the ‘Zen-sign Basket Letter Of Authority’, you are committing to Zenergi entering you into a contract on your behalf. Conversely, if you only complete a basic customer Letter Of Authority then you are not committing to use Zenergi, we will provide you with tender documents and contracts to sign off as a follow on to this different process.


How many schools do you need to sign up to get best value for schools, and is this guaranteed?

From a supplier perspective, at least 5 schools would make the basket set up worthwhile. We cannot guarantee the price will be cheaper in the basket, however, it is highly likely that on the same day it will be due to the purchasing power delivered by the group buying mechanism.


Is there any news that the government is going to help schools?

We have seen some documentation around further educational colleges, but not schools at this time. Keep an eye on our Latest News page where we will aim to share funding information when we become aware of it.


Our school installed solar roof panels which will be fully activated in half term. Therefore, our bills will not reflect usage. Does this affect our option to join the basket?

Many customers have solar PV and are free to change suppliers without any repercussions. If the solar PV system is owned by a third party, then we recommend  you contact them for confirmation on whether you can change supplier just to be sure.


Are we able to change our mind?

The deadline to opt-in is 1 March, no site additions will be allowed after this date unless there is no detrimental effect to the process timelines. Likewise, once you’ve opted in, you are committed to Zenergi  entering you into legally binding contracts.


Are you able to help us find a grant for LED lights?

We are not aware of grants available at this time, however, we are aware of operating lease models with well-established companies that will be able to support you. Simply let us know if you would like any further information (chris@zenergi.co.uk)


By signing and sending the LoA, does this mean that we would be signed up to Zenergi?

Please see response to question 5.


The government is talking about increasing the Price CAP for Gas bills. Is that domestic only or does that also impact business energy?

This is domestic only.


Is this basket you talked about a combined gas and electricity contract?

No, we separate the contracts into gas, non half-hourly and half-hourly mini competitions with different suppliers with relevant expertise bidding for each individually.


Re solar panels, does it make a difference if you didn’t pay for them (one of my schools is currently being surveyed for panels via ECC)?

Generally not, however, if it’s a company that has a ‘supply linked contract’ then you should consult with them first. If the panels are being installed with no operating agreement in place, then you will remain free to choose your supplier for your conventional mains electricity.


How do you know if meters are half-hourly (HH) or non-half-hourly (NHH) for electricity?

There are a few ways, the easiest is to refer to your current invoice, you will see you have a 13 digit number starting with 10 or 27. Above this you will see 8 digits – if it starts 00 then you have a half-hourly meter.


If we had a service problem who would we contact – supplier or Zenergi?

Zenergi will deal with all the billing issues on your behalf, often we identify and rectify them before you even know there’s a problem!

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