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