The energy market is not working in your favour

Wholesale gas and electricity prices have experienced significant turbulence over the past few years, driven by geopolitical instability, supply constraints and shifting global LNG flows. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has repeatedly disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, pushing prices sharply higher at various points this year. European gas storage continues to run well below historical averages, and LNG imports are down significantly year-on-year.

For football clubs, this creates a difficult environment. Energy suppliers know that most clubs — like most businesses — don’t have the time or specialist knowledge to navigate the wholesale market. Without expert guidance, you’re likely to end up on a contract that doesn’t reflect the best available rate, or worse, rolling onto deemed rates that can cost significantly more than a negotiated deal.

What an energy consultant actually does for you

Many clubs assume that going direct to a supplier is the simplest and cheapest route. In practice, it rarely is. An independent energy consultant works on your behalf — not the supplier’s — and brings several key advantages to the table.

• Whole-of-market access. A consultant can approach every relevant supplier simultaneously and compare offers you wouldn’t find by going direct. The energy market is competitive, and suppliers price differently depending on how business is brought to them.
• Market timing. Knowing when to fix a contract — and for how long — can make a material difference to what you pay. A good consultant monitors the wholesale market daily and advises you on the right moment to lock in a rate, rather than leaving you exposed to prices at renewal time.
• Flexible procurement strategies. Rather than fixing your entire consumption in one go, a consultant can structure a purchasing strategy that allows you to buy energy in tranches, taking advantage of price dips while managing risk. This approach is particularly valuable in a volatile market.
• Bill validation and invoice management. Energy bills are notoriously complex, and errors are more common than most clubs realise. Consultants check invoices against contracted rates, flagging overcharges, incorrect meter readings and billing discrepancies — saving you money you didn’t even know you were losing.
• Supplier relationship management. When issues arise — supply problems, disputed bills, contract queries — having a consultant in your corner means you’re not navigating supplier bureaucracy alone. They act as your advocate and get issues resolved faster.
• Levy and tax compliance. Are you paying the correct VAT rate on your energy? Do you qualify for Climate Change Levy exemptions or reliefs? Many clubs are overpaying on levies and taxes without realising it. A consultant audits your exposure and recovers what you’re owed.

The matchday challenge

Stadiums and training grounds present unique energy challenges. Floodlights, HVAC systems, hot water for changing facilities, catering equipment, media infrastructure and car park lighting all combine to create significant consumption peaks — particularly on matchdays. This kind of demand profile, if not actively managed, can attract punishing peak demand charges and network costs on top of your commodity rate.

An energy consultant can help you understand your half-hourly consumption data, identify where your peak demand is occurring, and put strategies in place to reduce your exposure to these charges — without affecting the matchday experience for fans or staff.