How the electrotechnical contractor can help clients mitigate against energy price rises

The UK energy market is experiencing considerable volatility, with wholesale gas prices reaching an unprecedented level in recent weeks. 

With gas still a key component in the UK’s energy mix, price hikes are also having a big impact on our electricity prices. Consumers are seeing worryingly higher gas and electric bills at a time of year when they will be using these the most. 

ECA Members – electrical contractors and installers – are in the best position to deliver the renewable energy, battery storage and energy efficiency solutions that will move us towards a greener, more efficient grid.

The recent issue of access to petrol and diesel also led to a whopping 1600% increase in people looking to switch over to electric vehicles. We therefore envisage an increase in requests for installations of EV chargepoints (EVCP).

To get involved in the EV space, Members are invited to use our guidance on Electric Vehicle Charge point installations.

The pivotal COP26 climate conference, which will take place from 31^st October to 12^th November, is already set to highlight low carbon technologies. Coupled with the recent energy price surge, ECA would expect contractors who deliver these services to receive increased interest from clients. This is likely to include requests for:

• Solar PV
• Micro wind turbines
• Heat pumps 
• Electrical Energy storage systems (batteries)
• Energy efficiency measures, including power quality assessment

We would therefore like to remind our Members of the following:

• Energy saving checklist (for Members)
• Energy saving checklist (for customers) 
• Further certification and training opportunities that can be found in the Net Zero carbon Opportunities for ECA members Guidance note.

As COP26 President Alok Sharma said in a livestream earlier this week, “unless we act immediately, the 1.5-degree limit will slip out of reach.” The time to act is now, and ECA will guide its Members at every step.