Vicky is responsible for our energy products and services and works closely with the Re:fit programme, a national energy performance contracting (EPC) framework, working with Welsh Government to deliver local energy initiatives.
UCEGM Project – Energy Supply Guidance
Vicky Kingston
20 Oct 2023
Introduction
Local Partnerships was commissioned by Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) to produce this ‘Energy Supply guidance’ under the ‘Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester’ (UCEGM) project.
UCEGM is a pioneering scheme designed to deliver a number of renewable energy projects across the Greater Manchester City Region and create a blueprint that can be replicated in other regions across the UK aiming for Net Zero carbon emissions.
The guidance addresses challenges faced by local authorities, such as rising energy costs and the need for effective energy management policies. It emphasises the importance of forecasting, developing energy management policies, and understanding energy purchasing strategies. Use our forecasting tool to assist energy managers in predicting future energy consumption. The document highlights the impact of global events on energy prices, the significance of energy security, and the shift towards renewable energy to meet net zero targets. Funding options for energy efficiency projects are discussed, including recommendations from the Mission Zero initiative.
Conclusion
Local Partnerships has been supporting a subset of authorities within the City Region, such as Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Salford, to understand current challenges within the energy market. As part of our work, local authorities have identified the need for more effective energy management policies and processes to minimise costs and maximise benefits, particularly in light of significant financial pressures, rising inflation and energy costs.
The purpose of this guidance is to help councils consider the way energy is both procured and managed, in a challenging economic environment. The guidance is written to be accessible to energy managers but also provides practitioner insights for the more technical reader. A wide range of topics are covered (and illustrated with case studies), with the intention of providing an overview of the topic, whilst also providing guidance at a more practical level in some areas.
This includes:
- The importance of forecasting in order to assess current and future need
- The importance of developing an effective energy management policy
- Understanding your options to develop an effective energy purchasing strategy
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