December 2023
Energy Update Market update Europe experienced one of the warmest Octobers on record and the unseasonably warmer weather continued into the early part of November. During this time the demand for heating was lower and allowed European countries to put more gas into storage for the colder months ahead. This combined with the arrival of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from around the globe resulted in most countries completely filling gas storage, which has prevented the panic we saw last year at the start of Autumn, regarding the fears of energy black outs due to shortages and wholesale prices rapidly increasing. While prices have certainly stabilised in recent months there are still market risks that could see wholesale costs rise again. Two key risk factors are weather related demand and geo-political uncertainty. So far, the warmer temperatures have helped stabilise markets but that could easily change at this time of year. As the conflict in the Middle East has not significantly impacted energy and oil prices as of yet, any increase in tensions that involves more countries in the region could bring supply-side risks and increase prices. To manage what could be an uncertain period the ESPO Energy team will be monitoring market conditions carefully and acquiring gas and electricity where it is conducive to do so, with the objective to limit our customers exposure to any unexpected spikes in the market.
ESPO & Total Christmas Opening Times ESPO will close on Friday 22 December 2023 at 12:00pm for the festive period and re-open on Tuesday 2 January 2024 at 8:00am. Total Energies will be open throughout the Christmas period 8.30am-5.00pm, apart from bank holidays and the 22 and 29 December 2023, as they are set to close early, the times are yet to be confirmed. Should you need to contact them during this period, please do so on 0333 005 0376. Please be reminded that in the event of a gas emergency you can call 0800 111 999, lines are open 24/7.
Invoices Due at Christmas TotalEnergies is aware that many customer bills for November consumption will fall over the Christmas holiday period. With this in mind, they are asking that any invoices due whilst your organisation may be shut are paid before you break up for the festive period. Any issues with payment, please reach out to TotalEnergies directly.
0116 265 7878
energy@espo.org
espo.org
New Electricity Framework 2024-2028 The new Electricity framework (191) starts on 1st of October 2024. If you haven’t yet renewed or terminated your contract, on this date you will go onto out of contract rates and ESPO will no longer be responsible for your energy. If you would like to discuss options, please email Rowena Reid at r.reid@espo.org.
Saving Energy during Christmas At Christmas many of your buildings will be closed for several weeks during the festive season. This is a perfect time to ensure that you are saving as much energy as possible, here is a checklist to share with your teams to try and reduce consumption to a minimum. 1.
Switch off desktops and screens do not leave on standby.
2. Switch all appliances off at the plug that do not need to be left on don’t forget the TVs in meeting rooms. 3. Close windows/doors. 4. Adjust all thermostats to account for buildings being unoccupied.
Electricity Meter Operators (MOPs) and Data Collectors/Aggregators, what are they, when do you need one and what do they do? An Electricity Meter Operator (MOP) is responsible for the installation and maintenance of your electricity meters (half hourly and non-half hourly). They install new meters and exchange, maintain and repair existing metering equipment. A Data Collector/Aggregator (DC/DA) collects data from your half-hourly meters every 30 minutes, validates the data and sends the consumption data to your electricity supplier. For non-half hourly meters, they send the registered reading to the electricity supplier and manage the electricity consumption settlement performance on their behalf. MOP and DC/DA services can be provided by the same or different service providers. For ease of management, most customers choose to appoint the same service provider to provide both services. If you possess a half hourly meter, it is a legally mandatory requirement to have a MOP and DC/ DA contract in place. Your electricity supplier will normal-ly appoint a MOP and DC/DA for you; however, you can choose your own service provider, which we would recommend. You simply choose and ap-point your MOP and DC/DA service provider and inform the electricity supplier of your choice. ESPO has in place a framework agreement for the provision of MOP and DC/DA services and can assist customers with their procurement and contract-ing requirements. Please visit our website for further information on our Utility Metering Services framework 512_21.
0116 265 7878
energy@espo.org
espo.org
Major Rotacode Update to Billing
DfE-approved frameworks
What is a Rotacode?
ESPO’s range of Department for Education (DfE) approved frameworks has expanded and now covers multiple energy frameworks.
A Rotacode is the back-up code should we have a shortage of supply. This code deciphers an order of priority and the Distribution network operators have published the updated Rotacodes to appear on bills. This year’s update is significant. It reflects the lack of updates over previous years however given the ever-changing availability of energy, it was agreed in the industry that a full review was due.
The DfE offers approved frameworks as a service to help school buying professionals source goods, get value for money and comply with relevant procurement regulations. Our own frameworks are designed with the same goals in mind; we are thrilled that this is being recognised on an increasing number of our frameworks. Find out more here.
Total have been working to make the updates to their systems and as a result you may have received a new letter with your December billing. Got a question on your Rotacode or what it means for your business? Get in touch: Total energies: 0333 0050 376 Email: gp.redhill.espoelectricity@totalenergies.com
“I have been very impressed with the customer service both with ESPO and Total Energies regarding billing and more. Thank you.“ Chedgrave Parish Council We’d love to know to know more about what our customers think of our current services. Got some feedback? Let us know at energy@espo.org.
0116 265 7878
energy@espo.org
espo.org