Empowering multi-site energy management for Cheshire Diocesan Academies.

The Trust are responsible for 20 schools across 7 local authority areas

Cheshire Diocesan Academies Trust, responsible for schools across seven local authority areas, faced significant challenges in managing its diverse energy portfolio. Through a strategic partnership with West Mercia Energy (WME), the Trust has transformed its energy management processes, achieving improved efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced operational control.

Who are West Mercia Energy?

Specialising solely in managing energy contracts for the public sector, WME is jointly owned by four local authorities: Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire councils, respectively. WME are committed to supporting public sector customers to achieve their specific net zero ambitions and work collectively to achieve the Government’s net zero pledge.

Overview

Prior to engaging WME, Cheshire Diocesan Academies Trust dealt with a range of energy management challenges. The Trust's schools were spread across multiple local authority areas, each with different energy providers and contract terms. This fragmentation made it difficult to consider data at both school and trust levels, hindering strategic decision-making in energy procurement and estate development. The lack of visibility into energy costs also created uncertainty in budget-setting processes.

Our Work

Following a rigorous procurement process based on cost and quality assessments, WME emerged as the Trust's preferred supplier. WME provided Cheshire Diocesan Academies Trust with a comprehensive suite of services, including:

Consistent energy management approach across all schools
User-friendly portal for data access at both school and trust levels
Access to 'green' energy sources
Hourly energy use reporting
Support for strategic initiatives
Access to the Energy Decarbonisation Framework

WME have always been proactive and solution-focused, with very good communication. In a very busy Trust environment, it is really important that we can have confidence in the process without the need for constant follow-ups. The whole WME team with whom we have contact are courteous, diligent, and professional.

Huge Results Through Transparency & Efficiency

The user-friendly portal has dramatically enhanced data visibility for Cheshire Diocesan Academies Trust, providing clear access to information at both trust and school levels. This improved transparency has enabled more informed decision-making across the organisation.

The provision of hourly consumption data has bolstered the Trust's estates strategy, allowing for targeted capital investment and focused initiatives to reduce energy consumption. Perhaps most notably, WME's implementation of a common approach across all schools has streamlined operations, simplified energy management processes, and created a more cohesive, trust-wide system.

Proactive, Tailored Portfolio Management

WME's flexible approach to portfolio management has empowered the Trust with unprecedented control and visibility over its energy data. The transition of suppliers for schools has been seamless, reducing administrative burdens and potential disruptions. The Trust now enjoys clear and consistent access to expert advice, ensuring they can make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

Real-time data access via the user-friendly portal has revolutionised the Trust's ability to monitor and manage energy usage across its portfolio. WME's support for strategic initiatives has also allowed the Trust to align its energy management with broader organisational goals, fostering a more integrated and forward-thinking approach to resource management, including the ability to choose 'green' energy sources. This aligns with the Trust's commitment to sustainability and provides options previously unavailable to them.

A Future of Efficient Collaboration

The Trust looks forward to continuing its work with WME as it grows. The opportunities presented by the Energy Decarbonisation Framework offer the potential to widen and deepen the relationship, benefiting both the schools and the communities they serve.

Cheshire Diocesan Academies Trust's partnership with WME demonstrates how strategic energy management can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational control across multiple sites. As the Trust continues to expand and focus on sustainability, this collaboration serves as a model for other multi-site educational organisations seeking to optimise their energy portfolios.