Black & White Facilities / Service brief
Energy Procurement
Compare energy supply options against the full contract and the estate’s expected demand. Renewals, new supplies and usage changes all need accurate dates and supply records, because an attractive unit rate may be outweighed by other charges or contractual conditions.
Overview
Define the procurement outcome and the immediate supply issue requiring support. Identify the premises, affected teams and any change in use, so comparisons reflect the current estate requirement rather than simply renewing an arrangement designed for earlier conditions.
Our full service catalogue, including every individual service, is available across every listed sector and location. For one site or several, we agree the scope, access and programme around the buildings concerned.
What the service can include
The instruction sets the supply information, demand profile, comparison criteria and approval process. Support can include collecting records and evaluating alternatives. The authorised customer retains the decision to accept a contract, with any fees and intermediary involvement stated clearly.
What to consider
Buying energy and lowering energy use are separate tasks. Examine standing and pass-through charges, contract length and termination conditions as well as rates. Agree who has authority before acceptance, because the agreed acceptance process can create a binding business commitment.
The procurement proposal distinguishes our support from responsibilities held by the authorised customer and site team. Related repairs or specialist activities are defined separately, including their owner, required arrangements and expected records.
Before we visit
Gather current agreements, supply identifiers, bills and interval consumption records. Flag changes to the portfolio and name the person who can approve terms. Set a common comparison basis and decide whether procurement should be coordinated or handled separately by site.
How we help
We confirm the requirements and available records, then support comparison of the terms offered. Commitment follows review and a decision by the authorised customer. Handover keeps the contract details and key dates, with responsibilities for supplier queries and billing matters identified.
For several supply locations, reporting and escalation follow agreed common arrangements. Preserve local contacts and operating requirements, attribute actions to the relevant building or service area, and identify where decisions affecting the wider operation should go.
What affects cost and timing
Fees depend on the support required, the quantity of supplies and the work needed on data. Show broker or intermediary charges openly. Market conditions and individual offers influence supplier prices, so confirm quotation validity and the assumptions underlying each comparison.
Share the operating timetable, critical periods and activities that need to continue throughout the work. Any phased delivery, extra access arrangements and reporting required by operations should be included when setting the programme and fees.
Sector applications
Local operating requirements remain relevant to the instruction. In Offices, coordinate with staff and visitors; in Retail, consider deliveries and trading. Include guest areas and food operations for Hospitality, and teaching-related access for education. The complete service and project offering covers all sectors, with arrangements based on the activity of each premises.
Local coverage
We cover Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley for energy-procurement enquiries. This includes Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnwick, Morpeth, Hexham, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough. Refer to View all locations when outlining the supplies and premises concerned.
Where the instruction covers several locations, give the local contact and working restrictions for each one. The shared procurement brief should retain the relevant differences between premises.
Frequently asked questions
Does the cheapest unit rate mean the cheapest contract?
Not always. Assess the full charges and contractual terms using the consumption expected at the site.
Can a contract be accepted without the owner's authority?
No. Commitment must remain under the control of the party authorised to enter the contract.
Does procurement guarantee savings?
No. Available terms, the comparison starting point and actual demand determine the outcome.
Can multiple sites be considered together?
Yes. Coordinate the portfolio while recording each supply’s requirements and dates so local obligations remain visible.
Knowledge and guidance
Consult Official guidance for the relevant procurement context. Related background includes planning an energy improvement project and building management systems explained, with further reading collected in the Knowledge Centre.
Related services and your next step
Related support is available through Energy and Renewable Technologies and Metering and Monitoring. For ongoing and smaller project requirements, consult maintenance and Minor Works. The services and projects directories show the full offering.
For procurement support, share the relevant premises, operating requirements and existing records through Contact Black & White Facilities. Describe the result needed and working constraints so we can establish the support scope and what follows.
Discuss the scope
Tell us what needs attention.
Share the site, the issue and any access requirements so we can discuss the next step.