Case Study: The Howard Multi
Academy Trust

Background

The Howard Multi Academy Trust (THAT) comprises nine academies, including both secondary and primary schools throughout Kent. In late 2023, THAT contacted West Mercia Energy after identifying our services on the Department for Education’s “Find a Framework” website, where we are listed as an approved energy framework provider by the DfE.

The Requirement

The Trust sought an alternative approach to energy provision, moving away from the broker model previously utilised. Their former fixed-term, fixed-price strategy proved ineffective during the "energy price crises," highlighting the need for a more strategic, long-term, and risk-managed method of energy procurement.

As the Trust anticipated growth, they also required a more proactive approach to contract management. This would ease internal staffing pressures, offer cost protection, and ensure timely access to essential data.

Managed Service

The Trust switched to WME in September 2024, utilising our unique managed service provision, and a flexible energy procurement strategy.

Our managed provision includes a range of additional services beyond energy procurement that ensures the contracts run smoothly and efficiently.

Significant Savings Realised

Upon contract commencement, WME completed a Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) review which identified significant potential savings could be made by reducing MICs.  These findings were discussed with the Trust to ensure all future factors were considered before any changes took place.

In addition to lowering capacity, WME’s expert team also advised on a band reallocation, which helped reduce costs further. Overall, the Trust now saves £33k per year in standing and capacity charges as a direct result of these efforts.

Testimony

“Working with WME has been a pleasure and their approach has been welcomed compared to prior energy brokers/ providers we have worked with.

WMEs bill validation service has reduced the time spent in the team dealing with energy queries. In addition to this, WME have proactively worked with us to commence a process of moving all of our half hourly compatible meters to half hourly, this is currently in progress but has meant we now have live half hourly data on the myWME portal which we are utilising to optimise our energy usage at sites.

WME have also supported us with analysing our capacity feed ins, which has so far resulted in reductions in capacity need at 5 sites, resulting in annual savings of £33k”.

Kyle Taylor, Chief Finance and Operations Officer, The Howard Academy Trust

The Outcome

-          Lower risk approach to procuring energy

-          Consistent procurement strategy across the Trust

-          Peace of mind that all invoices are validated in advance of receipt

-          Reduction of internal resource required to manage the energy contract

-          Immediate annual savings of £33k