BES Utilities has won a two-year public sector contract worth an estimated £600 million.
The Lancashire-based firm has been selected as one of three suppliers by ESPO, one of the largest public sector buying organisations.
ESPO has set up a fixed-price purchase framework that will allow public sector bodies such as the NHS, emergency services and local authorities, to source gas and electricity at lower prices than they would have otherwise been able to negotiate themselves.
The new framework can secure pre-agreed, fixed prices for half hour, non-half-hourly and unmetered supplies.
Under the contract BES will be able to supply:
- Local authorities
- Educational establishments (including Academies)
- Central government departments and agencies
- Police, fire and rescue and coastguard emergency services
- NHS and health and social care bodies, including Ambulance Services
- Registered charities
- Registered social landlords
Michelle Davidson, co-owner and director of BES Utilities, said: “This is a major development for BES and opens a new market to us.
“We always pride ourselves on developing innovative products which help our private sector customers drive down their energy bills. We now look forward to bringing this dedication and expertise to the public sector.
“We are committed to working with ESPO and their customers, who range from schools, councils, the emergency services and charities, to deliver unrivalled service and real value for money.”
Declan McAlister, ESPO category manager (energy), added: “We are proud to bring to market our brand-new fixed price energy framework which will give excellent value and service to the public sector and will provide greater budgetary certainty.
“We are delighted to have a choice of suppliers on the framework that have all been rigorously assessed during our procurement process to ensure our customers receive the highest of standards from the ESPO they know and trust.
“In particular, the suppliers impressed us with their commitment to social responsibility and transparency, a key principle of this procurement process.”
BES is joined by Corona Energy and Total Gas and Power as the framework’s other suppliers.
All three were assessed during the procurement process on their financial stability, track record, experience, technical and professional ability and regulatory status.
Last week it was revealed that BES had acquired metering, asset and management company Access Install for an undisclosed sum.