Bristol Energy offers fairly-priced energy to domestic and business customers, and reinvests profits back into local communities.
Bristol was the second city to launch a municipal energy company. And many more cities are now looking to follow suit, including London.
For Bristol City Council, it’s an innovative way to raise income, at a time when many councils are facing difficult times. It’s also a way to help encourage Bristol residents to engage with their energy use, and switch to a company that can offer fairly priced energy.
Bristol Energy entered a controlled market entry phase (a ‘probation’ period for new suppliers that is run by the regulator) at the end of 2015 and officially opened for business in February 2016 and started supplying Business customers in July 2016.
Bristol Energy offers fair prices and simple tariffs, and unlike other energy companies, profits are invested back into the company’s home city. So customers can pay their energy bills, and make a positive difference at the same time.
For business customers, Bristol Energy provides free energy health checks to help companies use less and spend less.
Peter Haigh, Managing Director of Bristol Energy, said:
“Setting up a new energy company that is doing this differently is hugely exciting.
“However, it also comes with challenges. As with any new business, getting our name and brand known in the city is a priority. Especially when we face the same challenge as other energy companies – people don’t switch!
“According to the latest Ofgem figures, two thirds of people across the UK remain on expensive standard variable tariffs, paying around £300 a year more than they need to. But I’m pleased to say that since our launch we’ve had some great successes.
“We’ve introduced a range of new products, including a domestic tariff exclusively for Bristol, a Green tariff, and a tariff for business customers. And tens of thousands of customers from across the country have joined us.
“As a smaller, independent energy company, it’s our job to tell people and businesses how easy it is to switch energy provider and save money. Chamber membership has been a great way to do this, helping us to build a business community that can be a force for social good in the city.”
To find out more about Bristol Energy’s innovative approach to energy visit www.bristol-energy.co.uk.
