Opus Energy drives business forward with FirstGroup contract
Released
on: July 31, 2008, 8:05 am
Press
Release Author: Kerry Poulter/Opus
Energy
Industry:
Energy
Press
Release Summary: Britain’s largest transport operator, FirstGroup
plc, has signed an agreement with Opus Energy, a leading independent
supplier of electricity to UK businesses. First’s 600 UK
sites will benefit from Opus Energy’s dynamic approach to
energy management which includes access to wholesale energy prices,
a cleaner energy supply, and the technology to help keep energy
consumption to a minimum. 100% of First’s electricity supply
for its buildings will be sourced from cleaner low-carbon sources,
generated from on-shore wind, small scale hydro and biomass.
Press
Release Body: From August 2008, First will be able to take full
advantage of Opus Energy’s cutting-edge
energy purchasing product, Opus Evolution. This
flexible service empowers customers, providing them with direct
access to wholesale energy prices. Using a secure online platform
First will be able to purchase electricity at the prevailing market
price to suit the company’s consumption demand.
Last
year, First unveiled its Climate Change Strategy
which outlined ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions in
its bus division by 25% and rail division by 20%, both by 2020.
As part of this strategy First is looking to use alternative cleaner
energy sources and be more energy efficient. Opus Energy
will install smart meters across all of First’s qualifying
business locations in Britain by April 2009. Smart meters bring
innovation to energy management, and will enable First to monitor
electricity usage more closely, monitor any peaks in performance
and reconcile its energy bills, all without the need to take actual
meter readings. Forward-thinking First is committed to taking
a responsible approach to the environment, working with Opus
Energy to ensure its impact on the environment is minimised.
Niall
Waters-Fuller, Head of Group Procurement at First said:
“We chose to make the switch to Opus Energy as
we were impressed with the energy solutions the company had to
offer. In particular, its innovative and flexible approach will
ultimately help us with our environmental commitments as well
as managing price risk. Choosing an energy partner that displays
an environmental commitment and could supply a 100% renewable
electricity supply was imperative, as we are committed to managing
the business in a responsible way.”
Steve
James, Commercial Director at Opus Energy said: “We
are excited to be working with the UK’s largest transport
company and look forward to a long and successful partnership.
We are becoming the supplier of choice in the transport sector
with our corporate team demonstrating excellent understanding
of specific customer requirements.
“For
First, the combination of using smart meters in tandem with the
Opus Evolution product is key as this allows the company
to directly monitor its usage and then plan and purchase energy
accordingly. First is putting itself ahead of the game by choosing
a modern energy management solution that will bring benefits both
to its bottom line and the environment.”
Web
Site: http://www.opusenergy.com
Contact
Details: Opus Energy Press Office
Georgina Ruttle / Susie Patterson
T. 0207 269 7255 / 7233
E. georgina.ruttle@fd.com / susie.patterson@fd.com
2009
