The Development Trusts Association
of Scotland Energy Action Group
The Development Trusts Association of Scotland (DTAS) has been a partner in the Energy Action Group (EAG) since 2013.
DTAS Energy has partnered with a Group of similar organisations to bring its members new and improved benefits with a cost-effective and ethical approach to buying and saving energy.
How can DTA Scotland Members combat constantly increasing Energy Costs?
High Energy costs continue to affect many DTA Scotland members and there are no quick and simple answers, whatever people may tell you. But there are solutions for those prepared to address the main issues head-on.
The principal causes of increasing energy costs fall into 2 basic categories and DTAS Energy provides solutions for both.
- Increases in the actual cost of buying gas and electricity
- The inefficient use and inherent waste of energy in many organisations.
DTAS Energy has specialised in helping Charities and Not-for-Profit Organisations improve their energy buying arrangements since 2012 and has gained a reputation for providing a reliable and cost effective service.
How to buy Gas and Electricity?
One of the main problems facing all organisations in getting fair prices for gas and electricity is the amount of time and energy required to select appropriate suppliers, check prices and try and understand the myriad various offers. It is a time consuming and burdensome endeavour. At last count, there are more than 70 different gas and electricity suppliers in the UK energy market. Some provide good service and good prices; others provide neither, and for the uninitiated, it can be daunting confirming you make the right decision.
Our professional experts work in the energy market and deal daily with a wide range of suppliers, chosen for their products, range of services and renewable offerings.
Recent years here has seen a proliferation of energy ‘products’ with dozens of different tariffs and a bewildering array of non-energy costs. How do you compare them on a like-for-like basis? It’s only by spending time that it becomes clear what your energy contract will cover and what is excluded.
By joining the DTAS Energy Buying Basket you can access the whole of the energy market in one easy move. We will ensure that you are matched with the right supplier with the right type of contract and on highly competitive terms.
You will be backed up by our Team to help deal with administrative issues and to make sure your contracts are renewed and terminated in an organised and efficient manner.
Comparable gas and electricity offers will be provided in a clear and concise manner, helping you to choose the right ones for you, from a supplier that matches your criteria.
So whether it’s Billing Issues, Changes of Tenancy or New Connections, the Energy Action Group is here to handle ALL your energy issues.
Becoming Energy Efficient Organisations
Avoiding wasting Gas and Electricity
To move forward as sustainable organisations, you need to explore ways of reducing both energy costs, and energy consumption.
The second issue is that far too much energy is used inefficiently or even just wasted. Systems and processes are often running at times when buildings are partially or wholly empty. Inefficient buildings ‘leak heat’ and the benefits of using natural light are ignored. Pumps, IT systems and compressors are often out of sight and out of mind and run in the background without control.
These issues are common to the biggest and smallest consumers, but it is often the smaller who don’t have the resources to deal with them. The Energy Action Group offers a bespoke Energy Management system that will help you address your excess consumption. Not only will this provide financial benefits but also help reduce your carbon emissions.
- Help to procure cheaper gas and electric prices
- Provide a free invoice checking service
- Support DTAS members to manage energy billing and reporting
- Process Termination notices and organise contract negotiations
- Advocate on behalf of DTAS members to query billing inaccuracies
- Handling VAT energy issues
- Provision of Green gas and electricity options to combat climate change
- Energy Advice – DTAS Energy provides help and information on a wide range of energy topics such as transferring energy supplies when taking over new premises, installing, or removing gas and electricity supplies, infrastructure works and energy efficiency.
POWER TO NEGOTIATE
Bringing the bargaining power achieved through community cooperation
WHAT DOES IT COST TO JOIN THE DTA SCOTLAND ENERGY GROUP?
There is no charge to join or use DTAS Energy. The energy basket derives its income solely from commission payments negotiated with suppliers.
HOW DO WE JOIN?
Joining the Energy Action Group is easy and free of charge. The group will manage all the negotiations in getting the best energy prices for you, leaving you free to run your organisation.
All you need to do is complete a Letter of Authority and send it, along with a scanned copy of your latest energy bill, to DTAS Energy. These provide all the details we need to review your supply arrangements and seek competitive alternatives at the appropriate time.
WHAT IS THE LETTER OF AUTHORITY?
The “Letter of Authority” gives the Energy Action Group authority to review your current energy bill and negotiate an energy contract on your behalf. To complete the Letter of Authority you need to print a copy onto your organisation’s headed paper, sign it and send a scanned version back to the Energy Buying Group, along with a copy of your latest energy bill. This does not commit you to any further action, but it is essential in helping you take the first step in addressing your energy needs.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
DTAS Energy will review your bill, contact your current energy supplier, and check your total usage and contract end dates. We can formally terminate your contract to make sure you are not placed on Out of Contract Rates and which enables you to move supplier. You might find your current supplier sends a new quote at this point, but we recommend you don’t sign up for a new contract as renewal prices from your current supplier are rarely as competitive as open market rates, let alone DTAS Energy Basket rates.
If you do decide to change energy suppliers, you will not be cut off!
AND THEN?
DTAS Energy will be in contact with free, no obligation, energy quotes which you can sign up for as an individual organisation. Following this you will be able to join the energy basket at the next contract end date and continue to enjoy cheaper energy costs.
Contact
All DTA Scotland members are welcome to join the scheme and get free, no obligation energy quotes. The Energy Buying Group has a proven track record of providing leading, competitive quotes for its members; prices which could otherwise be unavailable to individual organisations. Several hundred UK museums, heritage attractions, charities and not-for-profit organisations are members of the annual buying basket.
VAT & CCL (Climate Change Levy).
Most members of The Development Trusts Association of Scotland are charities or not-for-profit organisations and should benefit from reductions in VAT and exemption from Climate Change Levy (CCL). If you have changed supplier at some stage and did not complete a VAT declaration form you may be charged VAT @ 20% and CCL.
Be sure to inform us of your charitable VAT status when contacting us.
CCL rates continue to increase and as of 2021 they are 0.775p/kWh for electricity and 0.465p/kWh for gas. If you have been charged the higher VAT and CCL this can be reclaimed through your supplier (up to 4 years).
If you are unsure about your status regarding VAT & CCL
Find out more here
Inquire about joining the EAG
How can the Energy Action Group help you?
DTAS Energy is providing a new way for charities and not-for-profit organisations to cut energy costs and gain energy advice. Working in partnership with other like-minded organisations, the Development Trusts Association of Scotland is providing a way for Development Trusts of all sizes to:
- Review energy bills
- Work with an Energy Management Company
- Join a bulk energy buying basket to reduce costs further
So how does Collective Energy Purchasing work for DTA Scotland Members?
Once a year DTAS Energy runs a group energy buying basket in collaboration with several partner groups and their members, whose contracts have been organised to start at the same time. The principle is simple and relies on good buying relationships and well organised bulk tendering.
Participation carries no additional cost and members are free to choose the offer that suits them best. You will find that group buying can really cut energy costs and provide additional cash-flow to help your museum grow.
Take a look at our Energy Action Group FAQ page for more information.
Do you want to cut your Energy Costs?
As a Development Trusts Association of Scotland member, you could save money on your gas and electricity contracts by signing up through DTAS Energy.
The Next Step - Cut the Waste!
In the event that your organisation accepts our competitive gas or electricity offer, the Energy Services Buying Group will receive a fee or commission direct from the energy supplier and NOT from you. We will also remain as your energy broker for the duration of the contract term offering ongoing advice and assistance on all your energy related matters.
A proportion of all income from the DTA Scotland Energy Basket is used to support services and activities, to the benefiof its members.