Facilities managers are being kept in the dark over energy costs, says expert

Citation

(2001), "Facilities managers are being kept in the dark over energy costs, says expert", Facilities, Vol. 19 No. 13/14. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2001.06919mab.003

Facilities managers are being kept in the dark over energy costs, says expert

Facilities managers are being kept in the dark over energy costs, says expertKeywords: Facilities managers, Energy costs, Deregulation

A Forum held by the London branch of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) to discuss energy procurement has concluded that a lack of transparency in the current deregulated gas and electricity markets is costing UK businesses valuable time and money.

The group heard from Oliver Burgess, commercial manager of Energy Shark, who revealed the sheer number of companies selling gas and electricity in the UK is causing a headache for facilities managers trying to locate the best deal for their business. There are around 60 companies in the UK selling natural gas alone.

Some facilities managers also felt they were taking a gamble when choosing between an established, but potentially more expensive, supplier versus one of the many new but equally viable entrants to the marketplace. The group agreed that the deregulation of energy industries across Europe is likely to intensify the problem further, as a flood of foreign suppliers join the market.

Oliver Burgess, commercial manager, Energy Shark Limited, said: "The answer to the current energy buying conundrum for facilities managers is a greatly simplified procurement process and more transparency in the market.

"The huge level of interest Energy Shark has received from facilities managers for its free buying service is an indication of the confusion many of them have been feeling. Only with a truly open market can those in charge of buying commercial and industrial energy be sure they are getting the best deal."

Energy Shark Limited, via its Web site, www.energyshark.com, offers a completely free service for any organisation looking to obtain the best quote on energy, simply by entering a few details about their current set-up. All OFGEM-registered gas companies in the UK can then blind bid for their business in a reverse auction to offer the most competitive price. Energy Shark has introduced an electricity buying service and plans to deal with the entire European energy marketplace by 2002.

For further information contact Energy Shark, Ltd, Chelsea Chambers, 262a Fulham Road, London SQ10 9EL, UK. Tel +44 (0) 207 849 3880; Fax: +44 (0) 207 849 3883.