Three ways energy buyers can navigate the complicated conventional energy and clean energy landscape

If you procure energy for your organisation or advise on energy procurement, you have likely become aware of a significant knowledge gap in the market —one that doesn’t have easy answers to fill. The urgency is undeniable. This knowledge gap not only risks affecting your organisation’s bottom line in both the short- and long-term, but can impair your ability to achieve your sustainability goals or meet critical governance standards, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG). 

Clean energy expert Paul Howdle is the Head of Alliances and C&I engagement for Enosi, a disruptive energy trading platform enabling households and businesses to buy renewable energy. 

Paul spoke to PASA about  the top three ways organisations seeking to procure clean energy as their energy contracts come up for renewal, can navigate what is now a very complicated conventional energy and clean energy landscape. 

The world of energy is changing fast as governments and corporate leaders demand a quicker transition to clean energy. Players in the energy markets are monitoring the Ukraine conflict closely as impacts ripple across the world. This week the International Energy Agency announced a strong stance with a 10-point plan for how countries can reduce reliance on Russian gas. IEA members released 60 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves – only the fourth time in history this type of drawdown has taken place. 

Elsewhere in the headlines, the UN’s 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) Compact has raised the bar to True Zero which is the concept that organisations source clean energy 24/7 for as much of their energy needs as possible. As a result, it has now become imperative for organisations to start actively measuring and managing the transition to clean electricity. 

Clean energy is become the cheaper choice in many cases, Paul says. 

Here are the three things you need to know to buy renewable energy and make the most of the current and future environment for your organisation or one you advise:

1. Capitalise on cheap renewables and maximise sustainability

Significantly cheaper renewable energy is here today —it’s not simply a distant dream for a future balance sheet.  There are many ways to access this energy. Depending on your organisational needs, physical plant and location, this might include exploring adding renewable energy generating capacity on premises to taking advantage of renewable energy through the grid. 

2. There are five must-have requirements for any organisation’s next energy RFP/RFT

Remember the power is literally in your hands when it comes to negotiating your next energy contract —and you should use it to drive the best short- and long-term price and sustainability outcomes. So here are five requirements you should ask for in your next energy RFP/RFT: 

• Show how you can help us maximise the percentage of energy we source from renewable energy generators 24/7
• Do you have an energy traceability solution that can clearly show where our energy is coming from?  
•  What solutions can you offer for Solar Sharing and Virtual Net Metering. We want to use all of ‘our’ energy
• Do you have a way to let us extend clean energy offers to third parties (e.g., staff, SMEs, members, customers, partners, etc.)
• Can you break down the cost of electricity by energy source?

3. Make price breakdowns work in an organisation’s favour

With the right traceability solution from your energy provider, you will be able to clearly see and share how much your energy costs and where it comes from. It is hard to underestimate the importance of this kind of transparency. Sustainability, climate impact and cost savings become incredibly tangible for everyone in your organisation (and those around it if you want), and this tangibility can lead to further benefits and opportunities.

Armed with these three points and ready with your 5 must-have requirements, you will likely be surprised at how accommodating and supportive your energy provider is for your more sustainable and less expensive energy future —and if they’re not, there are many who will be eager to support you on your renewable energy journey.