Marie Curie to Northern Gas & Power Testimonial

Marie Curie had been part of the CCS Utilities Framework for several years, leaving us unable
to switch suppliers to take advantage of cheaper unit rates and with no account management
support provided, creating a huge administrative burden for our in-house finance teams. We
therefore decided to leave the CCS Utilities Framework and investigate the option of using an Energy
Management Consultant, in order to provide us with a more cost effective utilities solution and
associated account management services. From the very start of the tender process, NGP used their
initiative, market knowledge and sway with the energy suppliers to submit a comprehensive bid
which would provide us with clear cost savings, robust account management, and a whole range of
added value services, which would provide clear benefit to Marie Curie. They also showed a distinct
understanding of the business environment we operate in (i.e. clinical, corporate, retail etc.). Their
bid was transparent and provided an honest reflection of the current market and the associated
costs. In comparison, many other suppliers merely provided unit rate costs, without listing hidden
third party charges. They also relied heavily on Marie Curie to provide them with extensive meter
and consumption data so that they could submit a response. It was very clear, that several
companies, although posing as Energy Management Consultants, were simply energy brokers and
would not be able to provide us with the added value services we were looking for (i.e. bill
validation, reporting, energy management and auditing, change of tenancy, ESOS support etc.).
Once on board, NGP continued to be extremely proactive, ensuring that all relevant sites
were included on the appropriate contracts, allowing us flexibility to amend the payment structures
and administrative processes with the utilities providers as required. They also worked with the
utilities providers to agree advantageous termination and contract review clauses over the fixed cost
contract term of 3 years, allowing us to switch suppliers should unit rates suddenly decrease to
below what has been forecast. We also encountered several difficulties leaving our existing
suppliers on the CCS Utilities Framework which they resolved efficiently and effectively, something
that we would have found extremely difficult to do in-house. While inspecting our invoices, they
also identified that we had been overpaying on VAT and specific third party charges and are now
working with the Inland Revenue on obtaining a rebate (which could be in the region of
£150,000+). We have also had consumption queries at one of our hospices, and NGP instantly sent
one of their electrical engineers out to investigate, all free of charge. They also offer comprehensive
advice on energy management solutions on request, data analysis of consumption/spend etc. and
have also agreed to take on the account management of our sites in Northern Ireland (which were
not part of the CCS Utilities Framework and which are currently under existing contracts with other
suppliers that they’re not involved with).
NGP have also worked hard to build up strong relationships with Marie Curie staff, many of
whom were reluctant to relinquish their control over utilities, and have instilled them with the
confidence that this was a good move. They have made every single process extremely easy and
tailor everything to meet the needs of Marie Curie. Our requests can be extensive at times and they
are always happy to help, and approach every request in a positive, hands-on manner. We are also
extremely lucky to have a single point of contact at NGP which makes working with them even
easier. We have had a great experience with them so far, so much so, that we have asked them to
investigate the water market in England and provide quotes for some refurbishment work at our
sites which will result in energy efficiency gains. We look forward to working with them over the
next 3 years
Regards
Hannah Stevenson