As a multi site care business owner, managing energy costs is a critical aspect of maintaining profitability and sustainability. At Quality Care Group, we understand the complexities of the energy market and are committed to providing you with the best advice and solutions to help you navigate these challenges. Our Energy Analyst, Peter Bryant, has identified 30th September as an optimal contract end date for several compelling reasons. Here’s why you should consider talking to us before this date and how we can help you secure the most favourable energy rates.
We recommend 30th September as the best contract end date for business energy contracts. This strategic timing excludes the high-demand winter period from each renewal cycle, providing several key benefits:
Avoiding Winter Peaks: By excluding winter from your contract renewal period, you avoid the peak energy demand season. This helps to stabilise your energy costs and avoid the significant price hikes that often occur during colder months.
Spring and Summer Market Tracking: Ending your contract in the coming weeks allows you to use the entire Spring and Summer period to monitor the energy market. These seasons typically experience more stable and lower demand, providing a better opportunity to secure competitive rates for your next contract.
Longer Lead Time for Decision-Making: Having the contract end date in September gives you ample time to track market trends and make informed decisions. You can avoid the rushed decision-making that often comes with winter renewals when prices are higher and more volatile.
In addition to the strategic timing of your contract end date, we can provide valuable insights into the upcoming Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) scheme. This initiative represents the most significant change to the energy industry in decades and has several implications for business owners:
Access to Actual Usage Data: The MHHS scheme aims to provide all end users with access to their actual energy usage data. This transparency allows businesses to make more informed decisions about energy efficiency and consumption patterns.
Time of Use Tariffs: With MHHS, time of use tariffs will become more prevalent. These tariffs charge different rates depending on the time of day energy is used, incentivising businesses to shift usage to off-peak times for cost savings.
Impact on Standing Charges: While the MHHS scheme has many benefits, it also threatens to push up standing charges in the short term. For businesses with small electricity consumption, the standing charge can have a more significant impact on overall costs. We can help you understand these changes and consider the length of your contract term to mitigate any negative effects.
We understand that each business has unique energy needs and financial considerations. That’s why we offer the flexibility to secure rates up to 12 months in advance. This proactive approach allows you to lock in favourable rates well before your current contract ends, providing peace of mind and budget certainty.
Navigating the complexities of the energy market requires expertise and foresight. Our team is here to provide you with the insights and support you need to make the best decisions for your business. By talking to us before 30th September, you can take advantage of our expert guidance and secure the most competitive energy rates for the coming year.
As we approach the end of the current energy contract period, if you run a multi site care business, now is the time to act. By considering a 30th September contract end date, you can avoid the winter peaks, take advantage of more stable market conditions, and position your business for cost savings. Additionally, staying informed about the upcoming MHHS scheme will help you navigate the changes and make strategic decisions about your energy usage and costs.
Contact us today on 01273 424904 to discuss your energy contract options and learn more about how we can help you secure the best rates and navigate the evolving energy landscape.
Don’t wait, reach out now and ensure your business is storm-ready for the coming year.