Believ secures £300M of funding to add 30,000 public EV charge points across the UK

Believ, the Electric Vehicle (EV) charge point operator (CPO), has secured a £300 million investment facility to install at least 30,000 charge points, boosting access to public EV charging across the UK.  

The funding, which makes the company one of the UK’s best-backed CPOs, is led by Believ’s joint owners Liberty Global and Zouk Capital, Europe’s leading private equity investor in EV charging, alongside four retail and infrastructure financing banks – Santander, ABN Amro, NatWest and MUFG.  

Believ’s latest financing marks a pivotal step in the further expansion of its public charging network which is needed to persuade drivers to switch to electric vehicles. The Government has a target of 300,000 public charge points by 2030; currently drivers have access to just over 80,000. 

Long-term reliability and financial certainty directly affect the successful roll-out of EV charging infrastructure and the £300m investment facility cements Believ’s industry-leading position as a commercially sustainable business. The financing reinforces Believ’s reputation as a dependable and durable long-term partner, giving further confidence to its existing and future local authority and business partners. 

Believ will be partnering with both public and private sector organisations to deliver the right charging solutions in the right locations, demonstrating how private sector investment can be used in partnership with local government and businesses to bolster public transport infrastructure. The investment will help local communities throughout the UK by encouraging EV uptake, which will in turn improve air quality and cut transport carbon emissions. 

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, states that this funding signifies a major commitment from private industry: “It recognises the scale of investment required and the urgency of the need,” he says. “Confidence in EVs will continue to grow as drivers see more infrastructure going into the ground. At Believ, we are very proud to be at the heart of this journey.” 

Jonathan Pearson, Chairman, Believ and CFO, Liberty Growth at Liberty Global, comments: “The funding announced today demonstrates the potential of partnering with the public sector in the UK to create the critical EV charging infrastructure required for a greener future. With Virgin Media O2 on board as a delivery partner and leveraging Liberty Global’s financing expertise, we look forward to Believ rolling out much-needed EV charge points throughout the UK.” 

“This landmark investment is a major moment – not just for Believ, but for the UK’s electric future,” says Massimo Resta, Partner at Zouk Capital. “The EV market is at an inflection point. EV penetration is expected to accelerate driven by the arrival of new mass-market vehicles at attractive price points. The EV charging rollout required to support the transition needs long-term private investment with strong partners. With this level of funding, Believ has the commercial strength, operational expertise, and local insight to deliver what communities and landowners need – on-street, town-centre, destination, and on-route charging – at real scale and pace. We are very excited about the opportunity in front of us and are proud to support Believ as it helps build the infrastructure backbone of a net zero Britain.”  

Zouk Capital is the manager of the UK Government-anchored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF). With seven successful EV investments to date, Zouk is the leading private equity investor in the European EV charging space. 

The government has pledged £2.3bn to help industry and drivers make a supported switch to EVs, with a £200m budget to help expand public charging and a dedicated Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund of £381m for local authorities in England. Combined with the billions of pounds being unlocked from private investors, demonstrated by Believ’s latest financing, the UK’s public charging network will continue to see record growth and will help to ensure that EV drivers can charge their vehicles conveniently. 

Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads at the Department of Transport, comments: “We’re working hard to ensure all drivers can charge easily and conveniently – no matter where they are. Believ’s investment is a brilliant vote of confidence in the transition to electric and another fantastic example of Government and industry working together to roll out tens of thousands of chargepoints across the country. 

“We’re delivering our Plan for Change by investing over £2.3bn to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to EVs, alongside securing international trade deals and backing British carmakers to drive investment, protect jobs and put money in the pockets of working people.” 

For Believ much of the investment will be dedicated to on-street, residential locations designed to help drivers without off-street parking transition to EVs. Significant funding will also be allocated to rapid and ultra-rapid charging hubs as well as rural, underserved locations, ensuring that the switch away from petrol and diesel cars leaves no one behind. 

Recent contract wins for Believ include Suffolk County Council, the first awarded and signed LEVI contract. In the private sector, Believ has a strong pipeline of agreed projects to be announced soon. 

Last Mile delivers first phase of the UK’s largest low-carbon water-source heat network at Welborne Garden Village

The Last Mile group of multi-utility infrastructure companies is delivering a water-source ambient heat network at the mixed-use Welborne Garden Village development in Hampshire, England.

The first phase of the multi-phase project, delivered by Buckland Development, will see up to 700 homes, a primary school and a village centre comprising shops, pubs and cafes connected to Last Mile’s new ambient heat network. This network is expected to save residents an average of £160 per year for a typical three-bedroom house, compared to an air source heat pump alternative1.

The heat network uses a unique, first-of-its-kind technology in the UK. It draws stable temperature water from Portsmouth Water’s nearby underground Hoads Hill Reservoir and feeds it to an energy centre where a heat exchanger transfers energy from the water into an ambient heat network. Individual heat pumps at each property then convert that energy into space heating and hot water. The heat network serving the properties is a closed loop system, separate from the water network that circulates water from the reservoir to the energy centre. This ensures there is no risk to drinking water quality or supply.

It can also use the reservoir as a heat sink for cooling in warmer months and facilitates building-to-building heat transfer, transforming excess heat produced by cooling in one building into heat and hot water for other buildings. This makes it significantly more efficient than alternative heat solutions, resulting in 54% lower CO2 emissions than systems using air-source heat pumps and 80% less than gas boilers.

As Welborne’s master developer, Buckland has assembled a consortium committed to innovative technologies that encourage low carbon living in connected and energy efficient homes, integrated with extensive publicly accessible green spaces.

The Future Homes Standard is anticipated to require developers to reduce emissions for new homes by 75-80% compared to current standards. While many are focused on meeting this goal, few are comfortable with managing utilities once their developments are completed as this is not their traditional business model. Last Mile Heat is a joint venture between Last Mile and the heat network’s design and build partner Rendesco. Last Mile will own and manage the Phase 1 Welborne heat network, ensuring its efficient operation for the benefit of all residents.

Robin Abram, Associate Director, Last Mile Heat said: “Ambient heat networks – whether using water or ground sources of heat – offer substantial emissions savings, and by adopting and managing the completed network we save developers significant operational expenditure. In many instances we can fund the build of the network too, reducing their upfront cost. As developers across the UK are under pressure to meet emissions reduction targets, Welborne Garden Village is a blueprint for success that many can follow.”

Last Mile Heat, a Heat Trust registered supplier, owns and operates the network and employs a dedicated team utilising 24/7 network monitoring to ensure availability and reliability of the network.

1 Internal company calculation

Wave renews contract with NEPO worth £120M

Tony March, Director of Public Sector and Industrial Customers at Wave

National water retailer, Wave, has renewed its place on North East-based procurement organisation, NEPO’s, water framework, worth over £120M.

This is a key win for Wave, as it highlights the shared commitment between Wave, NEPO and their customers to grow and enhance their strategic relationship through this framework.

NEPO works in partnership with North East councils and the wider UK public sector to procure goods, services and works of high value and strategic importance. The contract win follows a competitive tender process and will last for 3 years, with the option of a 1-year extension. The contract builds upon Wave’s 8-year relationship with NEPO.

The previous contract demonstrated the collaborative approach that Wave and NEPO have taken to improve sustainability and water efficiency for NEPO’s public sector customers, delivering annual cost savings of over £250,000. This is even more significant given the recent increase in wholesale water and waste pricing, which has been in effect since 1 April 2025.  

Both organisations have a longstanding commitment to the North East and are passionate about the value that can be generated through providing social, economic and environmental benefits, that can make a real difference to the communities they serve. This includes recent volunteering work for the Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter, which saw the teams provide much needed support to shelter staff, including cleaning and maintenance work.

Tony March, Director of Public Sector and Industrial Customers at Wave, said: “We couldn’t be happier to continue our longstanding relationship with NEPO, allowing us to build upon all the great things we have been able to achieve together.

“Working alongside NEPO, we’re focused on helping public sector organisations enhance their sustainability efforts through improved water management practices, supporting them to become more environmentally responsible while also reducing costs which is even more important given the increase in water bills for businesses and the emerging water scarcity crisis.”

Marie Forster, Energy Lead at NEPO, added: “At NEPO, we’re delighted to be renewing our partnership with Wave, continuing a relationship built on shared values and a commitment to delivering tangible benefits for the public sector. Wave’s expertise and collaborative approach play a vital role in helping our members manage water in a more cost-effective and sustainable way, a priority that’s more important than ever in today’s climate.”

The NEPO311 Water Retail Services solution is available to all public sector organisations across the UK. Registration to NEPO’s Associate Membership is free and easy to complete, simply visit www.nepo.org to find out more. 

New, groundbreaking heat pump technology saves £2,000 per installation

Heat Saviour in place, situated underneath a standard hot water cylinder

Hewer, a regional leader in sustainable heating solutions, has launched Heat Saviour™, a groundbreaking technology that simplifies heat pump installations and maintenance, saving time, money and hassle.

As part of its Net Zero plan, the government aims to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028, with gas boilers banned in new homes from 2027. Yet heat pump sales fell short last year, barely hitting 100,000, according to the Heat Pump Association. In response, the government has pledged to double the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to £295m and launched a public awareness campaign to spotlight the £7,500 heat pump grant.

Stuart Hesk, Director at Hewer, said: “Installing and retrofitting heat pumps can be complex, costly and disruptive. They are often designed with non-universal parts, requiring entire heating systems to be ripped out – systems that could have years of use left in them.

“Heat Saviour™ is a much smarter and cheaper way for engineers to install and maintain a heat pump, making property management easier and improving residential satisfaction. We saw the huge amounts of unnecessary waste, cost and downtime that installing and retrofitting heat pumps was causing, and so, as a customer-first business, we set about inventing a solution to tackle these issues.”

Heat Saviour™ is a first-of-its-kind pre-assembled unit which conveniently sits underneath a standard hot water cylinder, transferring the heat fed from the heat pump through a plate exchanger, which indirectly powers the central heating system. Unlike traditional heat pump systems, which tie households into specific manufacturers’ components due to their singular loop design, Heat Saviour ™ enables the use of off-the-shelf components for quicker installation. Operating on a dual-circuit loop, the heat pump runs independently of the existing central heating, eliminating the need for system overhauls. This minimises disruption and downtime, cuts labour costs by up to 20%, and delivers homeowners savings of up to £2,000 per installation.

With glycol only in the heat pump circuit, it cuts glycol use by 80%, which is better for the environment, and allows radiator maintenance without the costly expense of having to drain and replace the glycol solution. The unit also has a built-in backup heating element, which can either be switched on manually or controlled remotely using a Vericon Systems connected solution. This avoids downtime during maintenance or pump failure – crucial for vulnerable people – and reduces how often engineers need to enter the property.

Installed in 1000 social homes

Over 1,000 social housing properties across the South West are already benefiting from Heat Saviour™ including those managed by social housing providers; Two Rivers Housing, Bromford, Green Square Accord, Rooftop Housing Group, Community Housing and Cottsway Housing Association.

Stuart continues: “There’s been no post-installation callbacks on the social housing installations since we implemented Heat Saviour ™. One of the reasons for this is due to the central heating circuit being separate from the heat pump. This helps to prevent sludge from older systems – often still present even after cleaning – from reaching the heat pump filters, which can reduce performance and affect reliability.

“Our mission was to design a cost effective, durable and sustainable solution with lower upfront costs and simple servicing, which makes the government heat pump grant go further. A design which simplifies installations from new builds to even older properties, which aren’t conducive to heat pump systems; meeting the needs of all homeowners, landlords and tenants, including social housing providers.

“A compact unit which fits into a standard 600mm by 600mm cupboard, Heat Saviour™ works with all major heat pump brands and comes with a lifetime guarantee on its parts. It ensures that the heat pump runs more efficiently, cutting energy waste and enhancing the system’s overall effectiveness. The shelf-life of the heat pump also improves as there’s no relying on manufacturers’ own parts, which can go out of production, while less glycol in the system dramatically reduces the system’s impact on the environment.”

Daniel McNally, Director of heat pump installation firm, EcoHeat Plumbing, Heating and Renewables, said: “Heat Saviour has now become a standard part of our toolkit for every suitable heat pump installation. It delivers on every front, lower installation costs, simpler maintenance and enhanced homeowner satisfaction. For us, it’s more than a product, it enables better service and advances system design.”

Stuart added: “If the government succeeds in its goal of installing heat pumps in 600,000 UK homes a year, and each property is fitted with a Heat Saviour™, that’s an annual saving of £1.2 billion for the economy. Our unit empowers more communities to adopt greener heating methods, and most importantly, offers peace of mind – delivering reliability without the fear of premature failure.”

Hewer was founded in 1965 by David Hewer, starting as a modest heating and plumbing service in Gloucester. The company now employs over 160 people at its offices in Quedgeley, offering a wide range of heating, mechanical, electrical and renewable services for both domestic and commercial customers.

Rinnai explores water neutrality: A growing concern for HVAC & construction professionals

‘Water neutrality’ aims to ensure that when new building developments are planned and completed that there is no dramatic increase in water consumption in the surrounding area. It is planned in to achieve this aim by reducing water use, reusing water, and offsetting water demand. 

To learn more about water neutrality take part in our popular free water neutrality CPD *places are limited so book today https://www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/training

Chris Goggin looks at water neutrality and the ways in which its influence will be felt across the construction and HVAC industries.

Water neutrality will become a better recognized term as localised construction projects could become cancelled due to issues relating to local water supplies.

Property construction as well as the HVAC industry is now open to a new field of criteria that could affect a new project’s viability. This new challenge is ‘Water Neutrality’ and specifically relates to the construction of developments that do not increase the amount of water being extracted from local water supplies.

An increasing population and more instances of climate change induced UK drought has created the conditions for water neutrality to become a concern for local district councils planning new construction projects. As demand for water and housing intensifies real concern is now being expressed regarding localized water supplies.   

West Sussex County Council has enforced a set of measures on property developers that protect local biodiversity and natural water supplies. The West Sussex County Council’s website provides information for individuals interested in constructing property. That information reads as:

“Development proposals within the zone area that would lead to an increase in water demand will need to demonstrate and robustly evidence ‘water neutrality’.

  • You will be required to supply a water neutrality statement with your planning application which:
  • confirms that there would be no increase in water consumption, for example, through a combination of water efficiency, water recycling and offsetting measures
  • includes a water budget showing details of the baseline and proposed water consumption, any mitigation measures proposed and mechanisms to secure them in advance of occupation or use”

A water neutral development may also have to add measures to buildings such as roof-based rainwater collection and smart meters that inform occupants of ideal water consumption levels.

A concerted effort to repel water neutrality has begun to oppose the idea that property developers should adhere to water neutrality guidelines. A consortium referred to as Houses for Homes and consisting of agents, developers, builders and the Builders Federation inside the North Sussex Supply Zone are collaborating to ensure that local developers and builders are not financially punished.

Houses for Homes believe the responsibility for local water resources rests with regional water companies – in this case: Southern Water. Houses for Homes argue that Southern Water should be responsible for demonstrating to West Sussex County Council that local water supplies are not impinged upon – not local contractors and tradesmen.  

A representative of an international water technology company commented on the lack of clarity regarding the commercial as well as ecological responsibility water neutrality encourages.

“It is clear that government policy has yet to establish a clear and workable mechanism to allow water neutral developments to proceed. The need for new housing and a climate resilient water supply are both important and a clear policy is needed to balance these two key priorities. It seems likely that this is on the agenda for the future. For now, committing to deliver a water neutral development could still strengthen the case for development, particularly in areas where water availability is constrained or likely to be in the future.”

Water neutrality is yet to be enshrined in UK policy and is therefore subject to separate interpretations from involved parties leading to a clear lack of understanding involving best practise. Technical yet-to-be established legality issues aside, the subject of water neutrality is attracting attention for more basic reasons.   

It is predicted that by 2050 the UK will have a 4 billion litre a day shortfall in water supplies, with the South-East to be the area most open to drought due to population growth and intensity. By 2050 it is also estimated that the east of England will have a daily water shortage of up to 800 million litres.

The east of England is also classified as “severely water stressed” according to the website of Water Resource East (WRE), a non-profit organization consisting of water companies and the public. WRE believe that unless action is taken, agriculture, biodiversity and the local population could suffer from water shortages in the future. To prevent this WRE has requested £15 billion investment to ensure the East of England maintains safe, clean and substantial volumes of water for people and the local ecosystem.

The industry needs to be aware of any obstacles that become apparent in the construction and HVAC sectors. Raising awareness of issues that impact contractors, specifiers and installers is a key aim of Rinnai UK. 

Free water neutrality CPD *places are limited so book today register your interest at https://www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/training and we will contact you with the next available sessions.

This article appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

EDF supercharges Britain’s cheapest EV tariff with smart charging – saving customers over £700 a year

EDF is thrilled to launch Smart Charging, a brand-new bolt-on to its market leading EV tariffs. This new addition gives customers access to more off-peak electricity rates, by letting EDF automatically charge their car when electricity is cheapest and greenest.

Available to customers on GoElectric or the EVolve tracker tariff, Smart Charging provides customers with off-peak rates for both their home and car beyond the standard off-peak window (12am – 5am).

Britain’s cheapest fixed EV tariff, GoElectric, already offers annual savings of £489 compared to the standard variable tariff. With Smart Charging, customers can save up to an additional £239 per year, bringing the total potential savings to over £700 a year, making it even more rewarding to drive electric with EDF.

Setting up Smart Charging is quick and easy. By connecting their vehicle and setting up their charging preferences in MyAccount, drivers will receive a personalised daily charging schedule, letting them know when their off-peak hours will be, so they can plug in and enjoy cheaper electricity at home when they need it most. By simply plugging in and letting EDF automatically manage charging during cheaper and more efficient times, customers will also receive £5 off their bill each month, saving them both cash and carbon.

To register their interest, drivers need to visit the webpage, enter their car details to check eligibility, and EDF will contact them with setup instructions.

Additionally, EDF is offering a £25 bonus to the first 500 EV owners on an eligible EDF EV tariff who opt-in to Smart Charging.

Rich Hughes, Director of Retail at EDF said: “At EDF, we are proud to offer Britain’s cheapest fixed EV tariff with GoElectric, helping customers save £489 a year compared to the standard variable tariff. And now, with Smart Charging, they can save up to an extra £239 a year by letting us charge their car when demand and carbon intensity are low, and prices are cheap. That’s a potential total saving of over £700 a year – all while reducing their carbon footprint.

“We’re excited to modernise the way EV owners manage their charging needs, helping them maximize the benefits of their vehicle through automatic charging. And don’t worry, if your car or charger isn’t currently supported, we’ll contact you as soon as it is. It’s time to start charging smarter with EDF.”

EDF continues to lead the charge in supporting drivers go electric through its partnership with Drive Electric and Pod (formerly known as Pod Point), offering affordable electric car leasing deals, and fast, reliable home charging with the award-winning Pod Point Solo 3S charger. EDF also has a range of EV tariff options to suit different lifestyles, all offering five hours of off-peak charging between 12am – 5am, backed by zero carbon electricity[v].

Smart Charging customers will receive the £5 as bill credit each month, and eligible customers for the £25 introductory bonus will receive this credited to their energy bill within 30 days of successful registration.

To start charging smarter and enjoying the benefits of cheaper, greener energy, or to upgrade your EV tariff, visit EDF’s website: https://www.edfenergy.com/electric-cars/ev-tariffs/smart-charging-bolt-on

Top 5 actions to transform the energy supply globally

COPA-DATA Top 5 actions: © Shutterstock / tanit Building tomorrow’s greener energy supply demands bold steps today.

History’s greatest transformations are rarely slow and measured, they are explosive. The Industrial Revolution didn’t politely knock; it forced its way in, reshaping economies, industries and societies. Today, we’re at the cusp of another shift: the transition to clean energy. But this time, we’re moving too slowly. Here, Christoph Dorigatti, Vice President Global Business Development at automation supplier COPA-DATA, explores five steps that the energy sector must prioritize to drive the energy revolution.

Despite record-breaking growth in renewable energy, the world is dangerously off track to meet crucial climate goals.  If we are serious about securing a sustainable, equitable and resilient energy future, we must act now.

1. Empower people for an inclusive energy future

The clean energy shift will create millions of jobs — but only if workers are given the tools to transition. In the UK alone, National Grid estimates 400,000 new roles will need to be filled by 2050. However, without effective workforce planning, economic disparities will deepen. This ‘just transition’ is crucial, ensuring workers in carbon-intensive sectors have access to reskilling programs and vocational training.

The transition must also provide for everyone, not just those who can afford it. Right now, rising energy costs are hitting low-income communities hardest, with 10.6 per cent of Europeans in 2023 unable to afford adequate heating. Without targeted support, millions more risk being left behind.

Stronger social safety nets, direct financial assistance and affordability-focused policies must be non-negotiable. The EU’s Social Climate Fund is a step forward to protecting the most vulnerable, but deeper reforms are needed to avoid widening equality.

2. Drive innovation and accelerate efficiency

Innovation is the backbone of the energy transition, and without it, the transition will stall. A recent European Commission study highlights key research areas such as next-gen batteries, offshore wind and green hydrogen as heavyweights in the energy sector, but funding and policy support remain inconsistent.

Scaling up investment in these technologies is crucial. Smart solutions — like AI-driven energy optimization, analytics and automation — can also help maximize efficiency and reduce waste. Energy efficiency is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to slash emissions and improve energy security. Yet despite ambitious targets — like the goal set at COP28 to double efficiency by 2030 — progress remains slow.

Businesses must embrace smarter energy optimization technologies. Governments should introduce incentives and enforce efficiency targets to support private sector investments and accelerate progress. The technology exists — now it’s about putting it into action.

3. Modernize grids and infrastructure

The world’s energy grids were built for the energy mix of the past, not the future. Renewables require a more flexible approach. Transmission and distribution investments must increase to keep grids running reliably even with variable, and often unpredictable, renewable loads.

Smarter grids, real-time energy management, energy storage and microgrids are critical to handling this switch. Expanding transmission networks will also be essential to connect renewable-rich regions with demand-heavy areas. Without these investments, the International Energy Agency (IEA) states that CO2 emissions will soar — and climate goals will slip further out of reach.

Focusing on challenging sectors such as heavy industry, manufacturing and transport is also essential. According to the IEA, the industry sector emitted 9.0 gigatons of CO2 in 2022 alone, while transport accounts for more than a third of emissions from end-use sectors.

Scaling up investment in electrification, reducing emissions intensity, automation and clean energy alternatives is crucial. Policy clarity, financial incentives and regulatory certainty will also be key to making green technologies the norm rather than the exception in sectors that are tougher to decarbonize.

4. Rethink regulation and financing

Despite massive capacity expansion, renewable deployment still falls short. Slow permitting and continued fossil fuel subsidies are creating an uneven playing field, making it even harder for clean energy to compete and giving legacy sources an unfair advantage.

Governments must double down on policies and incentives that supercharge green energy development, cutting red tape and fast-tracking projects. Energy companies need policy certainty, predictable returns and confidence that decarbonisation pathways are bankable. Unlocking private capital starts with bold, long-term regulatory clarity.

However while investment in clean energy is booming in wealthier nations, many developing countries are struggling to keep up. Without access to financing, they risk being locked into outdated, high-carbon systems.

To ensure that efforts are inclusive, wealthier nations must step up, providing not just money, but also technology and expertise to help these regions move to cleaner energy. Developed countries and international organizations can create partnerships to further support the transition. A global, collaborative approach can accelerate clean energy infrastructure worldwide and ensure no country is left behind.

5. A united approach

The transition to clean energy is still fragmented, making it harder to integrate solutions and share knowledge effectively. Policymakers, innovators and utilities often work in silos when they should be working together — governments creating the right frameworks, utilities driving innovation and adoption and innovators providing the tools and technologies to make the transition seamless.

Working with philanthropies, finance institutions and investors can unlock much-needed funding. To overcome challenging financial barriers, public and private entities should offer competitive financing terms that offset high interest rates and support the long-term success of clean energy projects. Real-time knowledge sharing through digital platforms can further accelerate innovation and modernize the global energy system. When it comes to tackling climate challenges, taking a united approach is the only way forward.

The time to act is now

Just as the Industrial Revolution reshaped economies with bold action and innovation, today’s energy transition is our opportunity to build a cleaner, fairer and more resilient world.

This cannot be an isolated effort. Governments, businesses and innovators must unite to drive this transformation. The stakes couldn’t be higher — but with decisive action, we can revolutionize the global energy system and secure a sustainable future.

Learn more about how smart software can support these actions here.

POWWR Energy Barometer Reveals a Paradigm Shift for The UK Energy Market

Business now save money by renewing with incumbent supplier rather than switching

POWWR, a respected energy software provider, reveals the results of its Quarterly Energy Barometer Report that show it is now generally cheaper for UK businesses to stay with an existing energy supplier than switch. On average, UK businesses pay 5% less for their electricity than last quarter (down from £5117 to £4863). Energy usage also continues to decline.

“This is a paradigm shift for the UK energy industry, with it now being cheaper to stay with an existing energy supplier than switching. The difference may be slight – 1.4% – but it is something we haven’t seen for a long time,” explains Matt Tormollen, CEO, POWWR. “In a market that is highly competitive and homogenous, fostering customer loyalty has never been more important.”

The sixth POWWR Quarterly Energy Barometer Report provides valuable insight into just how much energy UK businesses are consuming, and what they are paying for it. The report is based upon over 480,000 separate data points covering a variety of businesses, from boutique start-ups to large industrial and commercial organisations.

The report reveals that overall UK businesses are paying 5% less for their electricity than they were last quarter (down from £5117 to £4863). There continues to be large disparities depending on where the business resides, however. Businesses in North Wales continue to pay the most (£6120) for their energy. This is almost £2000 more than those in London. The second highest bills are paid by those in South Scotland, who have seen their bills rise by 6% from £5087 to £5390.

Part of this overall reduction is being driven by energy usage decreasing quarter on quarter. The average UK business now consumes around 22 MwH of energy a year. This is over 8% less than last quarter and 12% less than the same period in 2024. Whilst the majority of businesses have seen their energy usage decrease, very small businesses that use less than 10 MwH of energy per year have actually increased their average usage this quarter by 2%.

Further, as market confidence continues to improve, longer term energy deals are increasingly being offered by suppliers. This has led to the average contract length to increase by two months to 29 months.

“Overall, the outlook for UK businesses is positive. Average bills have decreased by £250; average energy usage has reduced by 8%; and confidence has returned, with the average contract length being almost two and a half years,” adds Tormollen. “Whilst in the past, product innovation was used by suppliers to give them the edge, now it is increasingly coming down to price. This is good news for businesses as it should lead to average bills continuing to decrease this year.”

Key findings

  • It is 1.4% cheaper to remain with a current supplier than switch
  • Average bills have reduced by around £250 per annum
  • Businesses in North Wales pay £2000 more for their energy than those in London
  • Average energy usage has decreased by 8% quarter on quarter and 12% year on year
  • Average contract length has increased by two months to 29 months

To access the full POWWR Quarterly Energy Barometer Report please click here.

About POWWR

POWWR is a cloud-based software provider for the energy and utilities sector. Its advanced platforms and simple solutions help over 45 energy suppliers and more than 1,100 brokers across the United States and the United Kingdom win more deals, manage risk, and grow their businesses. The company was previously known as UD Group in the United Kingdom. For more information on POWWR, please visit https://www.powwr.com/ or contact Jo Forsdike at jo.forsdike@powwr.com.

Every person counts – How occupancy counting can support commercial facilities

The news is littered with stories of big-name employers U-turning on remote work, from JPMorgan to Manchester United. It’s one thing mandating a return to the office, but unless businesses understand how their buildings are being used, they risk high operational costs and noncompliance with capacity regulations. Here Claire Robinson, sales director at monitoring solutions specialist IAconnects, explains how occupancy tracking can help.

Last year, many large companies announced strict return-to-office policies, and we’ll likely see more firms ending their remote and hybrid working arrangements in 2025. For example, a KPMG survey found 83 per cent of CEOs expect a full return to office in the next three years.

While some organisations have already adopted strict in-office policies, others are experimenting with hybrid models. Regardless of approach, one common challenge remains — ensuring office spaces are utilised efficiently, safely and cost-effectively.

One solution is occupancy and people counting. This involves measuring the number of individuals entering and exiting a specific area using advanced sensors and analytics. This technology provides accurate, real-time data on foot traffic and occupancy levels in facilities ranging from retail stores to offices and public buildings.

Out with the old

Traditionally, occupancy tracking was manual. We all have vivid images of the dreaded clock-in cards, sign-in sheets and headcounts. These are all prone to human error, relying on outdated data and often lacking real-time visibility. What’s more, the technology that did exist was highly flawed. For example, legacy motion sensors struggled to differentiate between multiple people in the same area or detect stationary individuals.

Today, more solutions include IoT sensors that use thermal, passive infrared (PIR), ultrasonic and LiDAR radar to detect movement and count people. Other options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tracking, which uses mobile devices to detect occupancy trends without requiring manual check-ins, and turnstiles and badge systems for access-restricted areas.

The benefits of monitoring

Often, businesses treat occupancy tracking as an afterthought when it should be central to their strategic planning. Effective monitoring can help them optimise space utilisation, reduce costs and enhance the overall employee experience. By tracking how office spaces are used, businesses can ensure that workstations, meeting rooms and common areas are allocated efficiently. This prevents overcrowding while avoiding waste in utilised areas — heating, air conditioning and the like.

Understandably, some staff may feel that monitoring is over-policing. Therefore, it’s important to reassure staff of the technology’s purpose and privacy-protecting measures, such as collecting data anonymously and not capturing personal details.

With many companies reconsidering their office footprints, monitoring provides the data needed to make informed decisions. Those actively tracking occupancy trends can adapt to changing workforce patterns, ensuring they provide the right mix of collaborative and individual workspaces.

Real estate and operational costs are among the largest expenses for businesses, and organisations that track occupancy levels can make strategic decisions about lease renewals, energy consumption and facility management. Meeting rooms can be booked more efficiently, and lighting and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can be adjusted to reduce waste.

Improving indoor air quality

Workplace monitoring is key for maintaining high indoor air quality (IAQ), which directly impacts employee health and productivity. By tracking real-time occupancy levels, businesses can adjust ventilation rates to ensure fresh air is supplied where and when it is needed most.

By integrating monitoring systems with HVAC control, businesses can optimise air quality while reducing energy waste. When occupancy is low, ventilation can be scaled back to conserve energy, while peak usage times trigger increased airflow to maintain optimal conditions. This balance not only enhances employee well-being but also contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing carbon emissions.

2024 was the year of the return to the office, and this will likely continue into 2025. For those who are returning, it’s important to consider occupancy and make this part of their strategic planning. Businesses now have a wide range of technologies and solutions that can support the implementation of return-to-office policies and ensure the best use of office space for their employees.

To find out how IAconnects helped a UK university monitor traffic across two campuses, visit the company’s website and read this case study https://iaconnects.co.uk/case-study/campus-utilisation-air-monitoring/

Scotland’s first Passivhaus-certified Primary School has recorded outstanding first year energy performance results, due in no small part to the highly efficient hot water design.

Baxi’s Andy Green discusses the success of the strategy with BakerHicks Passivhaus designer David Coulter.

A first-year assessment of Riverside Primary School in Perth, Scotland’s first Passivhaus-certified primary school, has revealed actual energy operational performance of just 43 kWh/sqm/annum, significantly below the classic Passivhaus target of 60 kWh/sqm/annum, while consistently providing excellent comfort levels. Helping contribute to the exceptional standards with energy-efficient hot water provision are Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia point of use electric water heaters.

Passivhaus standards and certification requirements prioritise energy efficiency and minimal heat loss. Passivhaus is particularly popular in Scottish school buildings as projects requiring funding from the Scottish Futures Trust need to meet an energy target of 67 kWh/sqm/annum, similar to a typical new build Passivhaus school. The funding is provided on an outcomes-based approach over 25 years with building energy performance and outcome monitored at set intervals. Where the energy target is not achieved in full, funding is reduced correspondingly, hence the increased uptake of Passivhaus standards to de-risk funding by eliminating a potential performance gap.

When designing Passivhaus and low energy buildings, the focus is placed on the primary building geometry and fabric performance. But careful consideration must also be given to engineering solutions, plant selection, and building user operations, such as hot water delivery. Traditional buildings are often designed with a centralised hot water system, which can result in significant heat losses during distribution and long wait times for water. Both factors contribute to energy waste and increase a building’s overall energy demand – something that Passivhaus and low-energy designs aim to minimise.

So how has the hot water strategy at Riverside Primary School contributed to the building’s impressive energy performance?

David Coulter, Associate Engineer and Certified Passivhaus Designer at BakerHicks (Motherwell), was part of the team that provided mechanical and electrical design services for principal contractor Robertson Tayside on the Perth & Kinross Council project.

“To reduce energy waste, we need a solution that heats water only where and when it is needed,” said David Coulter. “Point of Use (POU) Water Heating is an effective approach that minimises the energy losses of a centralised system. By providing immediate hot water at the source, it ensures availability when required while significantly reducing distribution losses and reheat times.”

Installing a point of use water heater like Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia Multipoint that incorporates anti-legionella functionality, water pasteurisation and anti-tamper design, will ensure that water is adequately stored, cycled and distributed. Baxi’s technical sales and specification team worked with David to identify the multiple Heatrae Sadia POU water heaters required to serve wash hand basins located near classrooms at Riverside Primary School.

When choosing a point of use water heater, selecting a standard model with 10-15 litres of storage volume to serve a single appliance is common practice. However, while the capacity typically provides sufficient hot water and aligns with the principles of point of use water heating, it can often be oversized compared to the actual hot water demand of the appliance. Oversizing can lead to unnecessary energy consumption, reducing the overall efficiency of the system.

As the school wash basins are primarily used for general handwashing, it was possible to reduce both the storage volume and the associated energy consumption (electric kW duty).

“The general guidance for handwashing is 20 seconds per person,” David explained. “By comparing this timeframe with the available storage volume in the POU water heater and the maximum flow rate of the wash hand basin, we identified an opportunity to further optimise the design, enhancing efficiency while maintaining functionality.

“We discussed this approach with the client who were pleased that the design was based on actual usage rather than a worst-case scenario, which would be oversized and underused,” David continued. “Collaboration between FES (Stirling), the MEP Engineers, Baxi, the manufacturer, Architype, the Architect, WARM the PH Certifier and the Client was critical in achieving this solution. By understanding how each end user would interact with the sanitaryware, the team were able to generate an operational energy focused solution that delivered energy savings.”

Following this design, the overall water storage for the project was reduced by 25%, with hot water W/K heat loss decreased by 30%, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable design.

With the recent report on energy operational performance demonstrating the success of the solution, BakerHicks now use this design as a template for future projects, even where Passivhaus standards are not applied.

David said: “We are pleased to see these energy results and are delighted that the building is operating far more efficiently than initially projected. The data shows significantly lower energy consumption which demonstrates the importance of strong operational performance and effective energy management. The client team and end users have adapted well to the Passivhaus strategies, learning valuable lessons along the way. This marks a promising step forward for future projects and building services solutions.”

For more information on Baxi’s commercial electric heating and hot water solutions, click here.

This article appeared in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

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