Energy Centres, Energy Service Companies (ESCos), Contract Energy Management (CEM) and Multi Utility Service Companies (MUSCos). Terry Keech explains the significance of assisting our clients to procure the most beneficial energy services in this rapidly evolving market.

calfordseaden has a wide range of experience assisting in obtaining and monitoring the services of ESCo, CEM and MUSCo provisions on a range of developments. This has been in the capacity of general scheme advice, assistance in projects already underway where energy services have not been provided, and for the complete process from Expression of Interest through to final assistance on details for the completion of the agreement for services provision, monitoring the ESCo and Energy centre design, maintenance and billing on behalf of the client.
 

Our experience has been that the earlier the ESCo, CEM or MUSCo process is developed the more productive the programme for the scheme can be. The early stage involvement can also show up potential weaknesses, or further elements of development of the energy centre provision during the design and construction period. An example of this is our current assistance in the Orchard Village development (see page 8-9), where early involvement has allowed the energy centre plant to be reviewed to help lower residents ongoing energy bills.

We have been involved in schemes where the ESCo, CEM or MUSCo have not been called in until an advanced stage in the process. By this time plant and energy centre building size has been fixed. Added to this, Hydraulic Interface Units (HIU's) have been positioned and sized and metering is still left hanging in the air, thus resulting in a number of design alterations and potential construction delays.

calfordseaden are currently involved in a number of schemes helping Housing Association clients select and procure the required energy services and ensuring, as part of the process, that the 'Benefits to the Resident' lead approach is adopted by all the team. In this way we can ensure both that the energy and C02 savings required by the Code for Sustainable Homes and planning are met, along with keeping the focus centred on the long term effects and benefits to the individual residents living on the scheme. Capturing this holistic approach to the issues of energy saving, sustainability and fuel poverty should be centre to all schemes.

For more information please contact:

Terry Keech
at our Orpington office
T 01689 888222 
E tkeech@calfordseaden.co.uk