1. What is the primary role of an energy retailer?

Energy retailers primarily function as suppliers of electricity and gas to residential and commercial consumers. They purchase energy from the wholesale market and resell it to end-users. Their services include setting up energy accounts, providing various contract options (such as fixed or variable rates), handling billing processes, and offering customer support related to energy supply and billing inquiries. Essentially, they make it convenient for consumers to access and pay for the energy they use.

2. How does the focus of an energy consultant differ from that of an energy retailer?

While energy retailers are focused on selling energy as a product and aiming to increase sales, energy consultants concentrate on how efficiently consumers are using energy. Their primary goal is to help businesses and individuals optimise their energy consumption, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately reduce their overall energy costs. They provide advisory services and strategies rather than directly selling the energy itself.

3. What kind of services can an energy consultant provide?

Energy consultants offer a range of services designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. These services can include conducting in-depth energy audits to assess current energy usage, developing tailored strategies for energy procurement to secure favourable deals, and suggesting practical improvements such as recommending energy-efficient system upgrades or changes to operational practices. They work independently to find the best solutions for their clients.

4. What are the main benefits of choosing an energy retailer?

Opting for an energy retailer offers benefits such as convenience and simplicity in purchasing energy. They handle the sourcing and delivery of electricity or gas, and they typically provide a variety of energy plans and contract options, allowing consumers to choose arrangements that suit their needs and financial situations. Furthermore, energy retailers usually have customer service teams to assist with account setup, billing issues, and supply concerns.

5. What advantages can be gained by engaging an energy consultant?

Employing an energy consultant can lead to personalised advice and strategies tailored to specific energy needs, potentially resulting in significant long-term cost savings. Consultants possess expert knowledge of the energy market, regulations, and efficiency trends, enabling them to identify opportunities for improvement that clients might miss. They can also help businesses and individuals adopt more sustainable practices, reducing their environmental impact alongside their energy bills.

6. How does the customer relationship differ between an energy retailer and an energy consultant?

The relationship with an energy retailer is typically transactional: the retailer sells energy, and the customer pays for it. In contrast, the relationship with an energy consultant is more advisory and often ongoing. Consultants continuously analyse energy usage and offer strategies for improvement, aiming to build a long-term partnership focused on efficiency and savings rather than just the exchange of a product for payment.

7. In terms of cost and potential savings, what are the key differences between using a retailer and a consultant?

With an energy retailer, costs are directly related to the amount of energy consumed and the agreed-upon rates. While there might be different plans available, the primary cost is the energy itself. Energy consultants, on the other hand, charge a fee for their services. However, their aim is to identify and implement strategies that will lead to a reduction in overall energy costs, often resulting in sav