Every school and trust wants the same thing from their energy contract: value for money, and confidence that the deal they’ve signed is the right one for their circumstances. We agree.
However, that’s the stated goal of the Department for Education’s “Maximising Value for Pupils” campaign. A campaign built on comparison only works if trusts are genuinely free to compare. In June, we wrote to DfE to challenge messaging that steered schools toward a single government-run route, Energy for Schools, without making clear that independent energy brokers remain a legitimate, often better-value alternative.
Independent brokers do something the Government’s own scheme doesn’t: they compete for a trust’s business. That competition is what keeps prices honest across the whole market, including the government’s own offering. Remove it, and every buyer, including those using the government route, loses the benefit of it.
DfE has since responded, and put it in writing:
“The Department’s approach has not been to mandate participation in Energy for Schools… schools and trusts remain free to pursue alternative procurement arrangements, including those facilitated by energy brokers, where they consider this to represent the best option for their circumstances.”
That’s good, but it’s not the full picture. We don’t believe that response goes far enough, and we’ve written back to say so. Our preference has always been to resolve this directly and amicably with the Department, and that hasn’t changed.
Our position hasn’t changed since June: trusts should be able to weigh up Energy for Schools against an independent broker on equal terms, using clear information, and make the decision that’s right for their pupils. Where guidance creates confusion about that choice, we’ll keep raising it directly with the Department.
Schools have enough to manage without wading through unclear procurement guidance. Our job as an industry authority is to make sure the choice in front of them is a real one.
ECA members can access the full text of both letters, ours and DfE’s response, in the members area. For any brokers fielding questions from schools who think they have to use the framework, this is exactly what you need.
If your trust is weighing up its energy procurement options ahead of the October changes, get in touch with the ECA. We can point you toward independent, member brokers and help you understand exactly where you stand. Contacts us
If you’re an energy broker who agrees with what we’re pushing for, join us. The more of the sector standing behind this, the stronger the case. Register to be a member.
John Haw, Co-Founder and Chair, Energy Consultants Association
