Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is one of the UK’s leading independent schools, operating a large campus with significant electricity requirements to support its educational, residential, and leisure facilities.
As part of an ongoing review of the school’s energy costs, Utility Bidder identified an opportunity to reduce fixed electricity network charges by reassessing the site’s agreed capacity (kVA) and Targeted Charging Review (TCR) banding.
The Challenge
Like many larger electricity users supplied through a CT half-hourly meter, Queen Ethelburga’s had an agreed supply capacity that had been in place for several years.
Without regular review, agreed capacities can become misaligned with actual site demand. If capacity is set too high, businesses can incur unnecessary charges through higher fixed network costs and potentially remain in a more expensive TCR charging band.
When Utility Bidder first presented the potential savings opportunity, the customer found it difficult to believe that such significant savings were available without making any operational changes or investment in equipment.
To build confidence in the recommendation, Utility Bidder provided evidence from multiple sources, including detailed consumption analysis and supporting information obtained from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
The Solution
Utility Bidder carried out a comprehensive kVA and TCR band review using the site’s previous 24 months of half-hourly electricity consumption data.
The review process involved:
- Analysing historical maximum demand levels
- Comparing actual site usage against the agreed supply capacity
- Assessing whether the existing capacity remained appropriate
- Reviewing the site’s current TCR charging band
- Identifying opportunities to reduce fixed network charges without impacting operations
The analysis was supported by information obtained directly from the DNO, providing additional validation for the recommendations presented to the customer.
Following the review, Utility Bidder produced a recommendation outlining the proposed capacity adjustment and the indicative savings available.
Once the customer approved the recommendation, Utility Bidder managed the administration process on their behalf. This included:
- Providing the connection agreement for customer approval
- Submitting the agreement to the DNO
- Obtaining DNO countersignature
- Liaising with the incumbent supplier to implement the revised kVA capacity
The updated agreed capacity was subsequently applied and reflected on the customer’s following electricity invoice.
The Results
By aligning the site’s agreed capacity with its actual demand profile and securing a more appropriate charging structure, Queen Ethelburga’s achieved:
- Approximately £27,000 annual savings
- Reduced fixed electricity network charges
- Improved alignment between contracted capacity and actual usage
- A validated, data-led approach supported by DNO information
- No operational disruption during implementation
The project highlighted the value of regular network charge reviews, particularly for larger sites where historical capacities may no longer reflect current operational requirements.
Client Testimonial
The scale of the savings generated a particularly strong response from the customer.
“This is someone’s salary saved in kVA charges.”
The feedback reflects the significant financial impact that a relatively straightforward review can have when network charges and agreed capacities are properly aligned.
A Different Approach
Queen Ethelburga’s had other brokers supporting their energy procurement activities. However, according to the customer, none had identified or presented this opportunity to reduce costs through a kVA and TCR review.
By combining detailed consumption analysis with DNO-backed evidence, Utility Bidder was able to uncover savings that may otherwise have remained hidden.
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