3T Power launches Instant Price Alerts to support local businesses in taking control of their energy bills
1 March 2022
As the wholesale energy market around the world continues to be volatile, Northern Ireland green energy supplier for business 3T Power has shared a new feature available for their customers aimed to help local businesses keep their energy bills under control. 3T Power’s new Instant Price Alerts feature will allow customers to monitor the price of their electricity, identify spikes in rates, and make better-informed decisions to reduce the cost of their bills.
With prices going as low as -35p/kWh where it pays to use as much electric as a business requires, to highs of £4/kWh where it would benefit businesses to switch to a backup power source or make changes to operating schedules, 3T Power’s initiative has been designed to empower local businesses to make quick decisions about the best course of actions to reduce their energy bills, either by switching over to alternative sources, delaying a power-hungry production process, or simply being more aware of the spike for future budget planning.
Commenting on the new offering available to their customers Shauna Forbes, Director of 3T Power said, “Wholesale electricity prices have increased by over 300% in the past 18 months, leaving business customers weary of contracting to a fixed tariff at such elevated costs. Our flex tariff offers cost control in that businesses can decide when they want to buy power to manage market fluctuations. The Instant Price Alerts now make the flex tariff more financially sustainable for our customers.
“Over the past year we have stood side by side with customers who have dealt head-on with volatile electricity prices and understand the struggle for many businesses when it comes to juggling planning and curbing out costs with meeting sustainability objectives. This past summer saw a ‘perfect storm’ for the all-Ireland electricity grid due to major power stations being offline in the South of Ireland, a low-wind summer reducing the amount of electricity generated by turbines, and increasing global gas costs. Whilst 3T Power also felt the impact of these heightened costs, we understood the need to continue to support our clients as we weathered the storm together.”
With 99.9% of businesses in Northern Ireland being SMEs, the team at 3T Power have acknowledged how hard many local businesses have been hit by fluctuating costs and felt compelled to help. 3T Power’s bespoke price alert service can also allow customers to automate their electricity, by sending signals to connected devices, telling them when to turn off or on in order to minimise monthly electricity bills while never hampering business requirements.
“By developing this alert system we have helped our customers to take back some control in a challenging situation,” added Shauna. “The team at 3T Power monitors and records wholesale electricity prices in near real time and can send our clients instant price alerts via SMS or email when prices reach margins specific to their connection, ultimately allowing them to take action to reduce or curb energy bills.”
Contact us to find out how your business can take control of your energy bills using 3T Power’s Instant Price Alerts system.
Whilst the guidance for office workers in Northern Ireland remains to be stay at home if possible, the hybrid working model is likely to be adopted across many businesses across the UK. This allows employees to combine office working and home working as they and their employees see fit. With this in mind, it is likely that businesses are thinking of returning to the office, at least part-time.
Is your office sustainable for this change? Whilst the split between office working and home working has its own environmental benefits like reduced commuting to the office and therefore reduced emissions, it is important to encourage energy efficient behaviour for this return. In addition to saving your company money and reducing emissions, employers are under pressure to make sure their environmental stance is clear to current and potential staff. According to The Cone Communications Millennial Employee Study, 64% of millennial workers won’t take a job if the business does not have a strong corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Encouraging reusable face coverings
Face masks have become part of our everyday lives and are unlikely to go away fully any time soon. In spite of significant progress made over recent years to reduce single-use plastics, disposable face masks have had a harmful effect on the world’s plastic waste problem. Washable, reusable face masks are much more environmentally friendly. Providing your employees with these initially is a great first step towards a sustainable office and a gesture to welcome back staff whilst also reminding employees of expectations when it comes to Covid safety at work.
Using eco-friendly cleaning products
Cleaning has become more important than ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, with hand sanitiser stations in every shop, restaurant and soon – every office space. It is important to research which sanitisers and cleaning products are best for the environment when choosing for your office space. Using biodegradable and non-harmful disinfectants can both help keep staff safe as well as being environmentally friendly and less triggering to those with allergies or pre-existing breathing difficulties.
Implementing screens in-between desks
Having seen many cafes and restaurants across the UK introduce screens as safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, many businesses will also implement screens between desks. Whilst many of these screens are acrylic, there are more eco-friendly options available such as cardboard, glass or repurposed plastic screens.
Going paperless
The home working set up has led to less paper waste. Many businesses have gone entirely digital-only for ease of sharing. This has positively impacted the environment and many businesses’ contribution to sustainability and carbon emission reduction. Upon returning to the office, it is important to maintain this positive change and if cutting out paper fully is not an option, make sure you recycle all paper and print paper on both sides. Switching to hand dryers is also a great way to reduce paper waste in company restrooms.
Introducing plants
As well as making your office look brighter and trendier, adding plants to your office space is a simple change that also has environmental benefits. Plants emit oxygen and reduce air pollution, making your workspace cleaner and healthier to breathe. A simple but effective change!
The past year has hit the reset button for many local businesses through a forced step back from what we once considered standard working practices. As businesses continue to welcome their staff back into the office, 3T Power is partnering with business leaders to support their sustainable journeys back to work. The team at 3T Power is encouraging business leaders to not lose sight of the environmentally positive changes made in the past year. Contact our team for a conversation about how we can help to support your green objectives.
3T Power has announced its ongoing partnership with Henderson Group as the leading Northern Ireland retail group has renewed its partnership with the innovative energy supply company for a third year, confirming a contract valuing £5m per annum for the growing renewable energy supplier. Doubling down on their efforts to minimise the company’s impact on the environment by reducing their carbon footprint and focusing on sustainability in all aspects of their supply chain, Henderson Group’s Mallusk-based headquarters will continue to be powered by wind electricity generated exclusively via 3T Power’s network of independent wind turbines dotted across Northern Ireland.
Owners of the SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXTRA and ViVO Essentials franchises in Northern Ireland, Henderson Group has been distributing food and grocery-related products to the convenience retail sector for over 120 years. The Group consists of four companies, each of which operates under the Henderson Group banner. 3T Power has been supplying clean energy to the Group’s warehousing facilities and retail network since 2018, helping to meet Henderson Group’s CO2 reduction goals. In the period since switching to 3T Power, it is estimated that Henderson Group has achieved a 1,000 tonne per year carbon reduction, equal to the weight of three Boeing 747 jets. The partnership will also ensure long-term energy savings through the confirmation of a low-cost, secure tariff.
Commenting on the ongoing partnership between 3T Power and Henderson Group, Shauna Forbes, Director at 3T Power said, “Henderson Group is known across the Province for the integral role the brand plays within local economies as both a leading Northern Irish employer of over 4,000 staff and also because of the anchoring role its independent retailers play within their communities. Henderson Group’s continued dedication to setting an example of sustainable practice for large-scale businesses is not only admirable but one which we urge other local businesses to replicate in their own sectors as we drive toward a goal of net zero for Northern Ireland.”
“We were drawn to working with the 3T Power team because of the team’s strong ties to the local community, competitive pricing, and their commitment to helping Henderson Group meet our requirement to be carbon neutral on our electricity supply and compliance with our zero-carbon commitment,” commented Glen Crumley, Group Energy Manager, Henderson Group. “SPAR has signed up to the Retail Industry Climate Change Roadmap, which is being led by the British Retail Consortium and has a target of achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”
As the post-Covid-19 economic recovery continues, green initiatives and principles are leading the way in ensuring sustainable business practices are implemented for the long-term health of organisations, their teams, and their customer bases. In addition to the main Henderson Group headquarters and warehouses in Mallusk, a large number of local independent retailers across Northern Ireland have also switched to green electricity supplied via 3T Power, reinforcing the important role that locally-generated electricity can play to help community hubs like local convenience shops to go green with the long-term benefits impacting the – often rural – communities and economies in which they operate.
Find out more about how 3T Power is helping to deliver 100% renewable electricity for Northern Ireland businesses.
Last month Northern Ireland-based small businesses were asked to cut their emissions in half by 2030 and to achieve a ‘net zero’ status by 2050 as part of a new UK Government-led drive.
Having had growing importance within Northern Ireland’s corporate agenda over recent years, small businesses, which make up a vast majority of enterprises in Northern Ireland, have been asked to play their part in the fight against climate change locally. The cooperation of these companies would play a major role in Northern Ireland reaching its carbon reduction targets, as 99.9% of all businesses in Northern Ireland are SMEs and generate around three-quarters of all private sector income and employment.
Giving sustainability-savvy customers what they want
With increased demand from consumers over recent years to see green changes in the places they choose to shop, going green not only reduces your small business’s carbon footprint but could increase your profit through greater marketability and a better connection with your customer base.
With more and more eco-friendly products and alternatives available, consumers are more aware of their individual spending power and the impact it may have. Rather than shopping in larger corporations and big brands, customers actively seek out smaller brands that are eco-friendly or conscious of their impacts on their communities. Small businesses tend to be able to better ‘pivot’ their business practices to make sustainable like cutting down waste, switching to renewable energy and reassessing work commutes, and they can more easily communicate their vision and purpose to both their consumers and employees.
Harnessing the momentum of ‘supporting local’
The Covid-19 pandemic spurred a drive which encouraged consumes to shop and support local companies run by friends, family and neighbours within their communities. Facing closures of brick-and-mortar shop fronts, many businesses pivoted to online formats and experienced a burst of new clientele as a result of their increased online footprints.
While global brands and high street chains continue to struggle with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, many local brands continue to ride the wave of digital success and are now perceived as close competition to previously-established well-known brand names.
Many small businesses adapted and changed according to the ‘new normal’, going online in order to survive and reinventing their business models. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many hardships for SMEs’, it seems to have become somewhat fashionable to ‘shop local’. By fusing these new business practices with the drive to reduce carbon footprints, these local businesses could maintain recent business successes by continuing to show their support and investment in the well-being of their local economies and communities.
According to a recent study conducted by the University of Leeds, within the context of the Covid-19 crisis, companies were committing to reducing their carbon emissions largely due to internal factors. Specifically, companies said they were adopting net-zero practices to reduce their costs and to improve their image and reputation. Government policies, especially grants or subsidies as well as environmental regulations and taxes, were the key external drivers of adoption of net-zero practices among firms in the UK.
There’s no question that major global factors have re-framed the way in which consumers choose where they spend their money and which brands they gravitate toward. Between the increasing need to combat climate change and the tumultuous environment in which businesses are operating, large and small companies alike have made major changes to adapt and stay relevant to their customers. Thanks to the agility and willingness of local SMEs to embrace change, they are in an ideal footing to continue to disrupt the status quo set by larger corporations within their industries, better embedding themselves in their communities and showing their dedication to a sustainable future for all.
If you think switching to 100% renewable electricity generated in Northern Ireland could help your company’s carbon reduction strategy and help communicate your commitment to a green future, contact us to have a chat about switching to green.
We often think of climate change as a global crisis impacting far-away places the most, with the image of melting ice caps springing to mind. We somehow have created this idea that climate change is not a local problem. But, it is. As the global average temperature rises, so does Northern Ireland’s.
We are expected to see changes in Northern Ireland which will include increasingly hot summer days, more intense summer rainfalls, fewer winter cold snaps and wetter winters. We will see changes to the environment, the economy and natural resources of Northern Ireland.
UK climate change projections, published in 2018 (UKCP18), set out a range of possible outcomes over the next century, based on different rates of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. These projections highlighted the highest predicted releases for Northern Ireland which shows that by:
- 2070, winters could be up to 3.9 °C warmer and summers could be up to 4.9°C hotter
- 2070, winters could be 25 per cent wetter and summers 38 per cent drier
- 2100, sea levels in Belfast could rise by up to 94cms
Thinking and acting at a local level helps communities fight climate change and build resilience to climate impacts.
We have outlined 5 small changes you can make to reduce climate change on a local level.
Source your food locally
By simply choosing food and drink products made locally in Northern Ireland and adjusting your diet to eat seasonally, you can cut down on the carbon impact of the food you consume. Food miles are a major contributor to carbon emissions and in turn climate change. Not only does looking for ‘Made in Northern Ireland’ on your food packaging mean that you are helping to reduce the distance with your food has travelled from farm to table, but this also helps to support local producers and the Northern Ireland economy.
Cut back on foreign business travel
Flying is the most damaging way to travel for the climate and is known to increase your carbon footprint significantly. Whilst sometimes flying is necessary, we recommend saving your airmiles for your holidays and considering ways to reduce your carbon footprint via business travel. Our recent experiences have proven that an impressive amount of business can be done via video or phone calls, so perhaps reconsider resuming the same level of business travel post-pandemic and save international travel for your holidays or special occasions.
Walk or cycle instead of driving
Alongside being good for the environment, walking or cycling is also much better for your mental and physical health. Car pollution is one of the major causes of global warming as cars which burn fossil fuels emit harmful greenhouse gases. When you can, it is best to seek an alternative option. When driving is unavoidable, perhaps consider investing in an electric car which produces fewer emissions than their gas-powered counterparts – and can also be charged directly from a wind turbine.
Reduce your energy use
Small changes to your behaviour at home or work can massively reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills. Remember to turn off lights when you leave the room, put on a few extra layers instead of having the heating on all day and consider replacing your LED bulbs with low-energy lights. For maximum impact you can also ensure your business is powered by 100% locally-generated renewable electricity like that supplied by 3T Power.
Use your voice
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, the decisions made by our government will largely affect the future for climate change in Northern Ireland. Write to your local MLA and use your voice to let them know what action they need to make.
For more information on how you can reduce your company or organisation’s carbon footprint and play your part in delaying or reducing climate change, please contact a member of our team for more information.
With the electricity sector continuing to embrace sustainable generation to meet their renewables targets, deciding which supply company to partner with can feel like taking shot in the dark. Working with independent renewable electricity generators across Northern Ireland, we have established 3T Power as the largest electricity company supplying 100% locally-generated, green electricity. We’re not choosing renewables to simply meet government targets, we’re choosing renewables because we appreciate and respect the transformative power of harnessing our local environment to support rural economies and preserve Northern Ireland for generations to come.
We’re confident that teaming up with the 3T Power team will not only result in a high return on investment for your turbines, but will also provide a one-stop solution for you, freeing you up to benefit from the power generated by your installations and letting us take care of the rest. Keep reading to find out how we are supporting local renewable generators through our relationship-focused approach to doing business.
In-dept Industry knowledge and experience
We pride ourselves on our deep-rooted understanding of the agricultural sector and Northern Ireland’s rural economies. Our Directors come from farming backgrounds and long-term roles in Northern Ireland’s renewables industry with years of experience which we bring to our client relationships.
Thomas Kelso – one of our Managing Directors, spent his childhood on his family farm and therefore garners an appreciation for the complexity of rural economies in Northern Ireland. His experience with renewables goes back to the first wind turbine that he installed on his own farm which led to numerous innovation projects including programmes rooted in driving forward turbine installation across Northern Ireland. Thomas’ knowledge partnered with David McElrea’s experience in land negotiation and valued relationships with business owners and farmers has allowed 3T Power to drive change across the renewable electricity market in Northern Ireland.
Our team’s knowledge and experience has therefore allowed us to create a supply company that not only services the growing demand for renewable electricity but also provides a personal conduit for businesses, delivering best value for generators and consumers.
Not just a number
We recognise the importance of conveying that as a 3T Power Generator or commercial electricity customer, you are not just a number. With personal connections at the heart of our business, we take a relationship-led approach with our clients and generators. This is why when you become a 3T Power Generator, you can forget about call centres and sitting in long call waiting queues. All of our customers will receive a dedicated account manager, which means you can rest assured that there will always be someone to speak to regarding your queries.
Committed to driving change
We are the largest, exclusively renewable electricity supplier in Northern Ireland due to our dedication towards driving change across industry. As the focus grows on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, we are well-equipped to help local businesses meet their renewable obligations through aggregated generation.
Over the last 14 years, we have brought together independent windfarms and emerging renewable technologies across Northern Ireland to create a growing network of generators who produce clean, green electricity to power our renewable future. We believe in a greener, more sustainable future and remain confident that this can be achieved by connecting generators across the country with local businesses.
Power in connection
We have been proud innovators in our industry since 2007.
We started off with a desire to establish personal connections between business local generators across Northern Ireland. Personal relationships remain at the heart of what we do as we continue to drive change across the renewable electricity industry. We are strong believers in change through connection and through this, we continue to power our greener future.
If you are interested in becoming a 3T Power Generator or would like to find out more about what we do, click here.
We aim to help local businesses across Northern Ireland join the green revolution by switching to 100% locally generated, renewable electricity. As the UK works towards achieving its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, we have highlighted 5 top tips to help reduce your business’s carbon footprint and adopt a greener future.
Reduce water waste
Water waste is often overlooked when considering ways to reduce your carbon footprint. However, water usage is one of the largest contributing factors to energy consumption.
By lowering your water wastage, your business can benefit from saving money on water bills whilst improving your environmental impact.
You can reduce water waste by habitualising simple tasks such as only boiling the amount of water that is needed, installing more efficient pipe systems, repairing leaks faster or using aerated faucets. Simple repairs including fixing dripping taps or running toilets will also help to drastically reduce your water usage over time.
Switch to 100% locally generated green electricity
By switching to a reliable, renewable electricity provider such as 3T Power, you can significantly lower your business’s carbon footprint. We take pride in connecting local generators to numerous businesses across Northern Ireland, supplying green electricity sourced from the wind, sun, water and waste. There are numerous benefits to switching to 100% locally generated green electricity, including improving your marketability, preparing your business for future legislation, supporting the local economy, reducing reliance on imported fuel sources, and saving money on your energy bills.
Reduce emissions from travel
Did you know that aviation is responsible for 12% and road transport for 74% of CO2 emissions from all transport sources? The Covid-19 pandemic has shed light on the effects of travel emissions on our atmosphere, showing that with reduced travel and aviation, we could continue to see a decline of 6.4% in CO2 emissions. The pandemic therefore unveiled the need to reconsider the necessity of travel for business purposes. With the normalisation of online conferencing via Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Zoom, it has become easier for businesses to reduce their emissions from travel, and these temporary measures being taken now during lockdown can be extended beyond the pandemic with ease.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Businesses often overlook sustainable procurement when thinking of ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and instead look towards the more widely acknowledged methods of recycling by separating plastics from cardboard and putting them into their assigned bins.
However, sustainable procurement looks towards the conscious thinking and sourcing of recycled materials to be used within the workspace. Such materials can include recycled paper, refurbished phones and IT equipment and reusable cutlery or cups. By engaging your workforce in sustainable procurement as well as the more conventional methods of reducing, reusing and recycling, you can guarantee a reduction in your business’ carbon footprint and support of sustainable supply chain.
Increase the efficiency of your lighting
There are numerous methods to increase the efficiency of the lighting within your office space, including opting for LED or energy saving bulbs, or installing solar panels on to the roof of your building. Other options include making the most of natural lighting in your workspace, which can help reduce money on your electricity bills and has also been found to improve sleep and health risks that are associated with unnatural lighting and improve staff well-being. Therefore, by taking the necessary steps to improving the efficiency of your office lighting, you can reduce money on your electricity bill whilst reducing your carbon footprint.
Find out how more about how switching green energy supplier could benefit your business here.
Energy Theft is Dangerous
It places households, businesses and communities at risk. It can cause damage to property, injury, and even endanger lives.
Energy Theft is Illegal
Energy Theft is a crime. It can lead to prosecution like any other form of theft, leading to a criminal record for the householder.
Energy Theft is Paid for by you
Energy Theft is not a victimless crime. It increases overall energy costs, which can increase the prices for all paying consumers.
Energy Theft – Make Sure You Report It
Energy theft is tampering with a meter or its connections. This means the meter doesn’t accurately record how much electricity is being used.
To report suspected Theft of Electricity you can:
- Call the UKRPA on 028 9575 7206 (Local Rates)
- Fill in the form on the UKRPA website – https://ukrpa.co.uk/report-energy-fraud/
- Call NIE Networks on 03457 643 643
2020 unveiled the desperate need for change in energy consumption as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic showed the true effects of climate change and just how quickly nature can right itself once change is actioned.
Last year the UK saw a reduction of 17% in carbon emissions due to national lockdowns which resulted in restricted individual movement and climate change being placed front of mind. Academics and health ministers revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic was not a solution to climate change, but it did lay a foundation for ambitious and sustained action to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. The pandemic also revealed the true effects of a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, unveiling nature’s rapid response to rectify man-made issues including the removal of fog pollution and clearer skies.
IRENA – The International Renewable Energy Agency – showed that renewable energy can solely deliver a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions, however the adoption of renewables in Industry still remains low. 2020 therefore questioned the true effects of adopting renewable energy on a larger, industry-wide scale as well as adoption within local communities. Research readily shows the environmental benefits of renewable energy; however, IRENA identifies that renewable energy is not just about reducing the effects of climate change, it can pose socio-economic benefits as well.
Macroeconomic benefits
IRENA have been conducting research into the socio-economic benefits of renewable energy since 2011 and have identified that significantly reducing CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Agreement would boost GDP by 0.8% in 2050. Such welfare gains are a result of reduced pressures on ecosystems and reduced impacts on human health as well as the positive impact on job creation within renewables over the next 30 years.
Lower expense
The production of renewable energy is typically more efficient than traditional energy. This increase in efficiency results in the opportunity for large corporations to save money on energy bills, improving a company’s bottom line.
Improved employee/consumer engagement
Research from Harvard Business Review shows that employees perform better for companies with a purpose, such as a focus on sustainability. Consumers are also likely to respond positively to businesses that have such focuses at the core of their business ethics and responsibility.
Air quality
By switching to renewable energy, there is the ability to promote better societal health with an improvement of air quality by radically reducing the burning of fossil fuels. With a reduction of pollution produced by fossil fuels in the earth’s atmosphere, the UK population is likely to see an overall improvement in health as it works towards reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
Having seen first-hand the effects of carbon emissions within our atmosphere, the need for renewables within industry is evident. If you would like to find out about how to make the switch to renewable energy, click here.
As the UK inches closer to 2050, the country faces time pressure to achieve its objectives of reducing carbon emissions to net zero. To achieve this goal, it is encouraged that the UK adopts renewable sources of energy on a large scale. So why should your business choose to switch to renewable sources of energy?
Growing focus on ethical/sustainable practice:
With wind electricity being one of the safest and cleanest methods for generating electricity by providing no carbon emissions, further transitioning to wind by local business can help reduce the overall carbon footprint within the area, supporting the achievement of climate change initiatives in Northern Ireland. As Northern Ireland works towards reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, the focus on sustainability across the country continues to grow. Customers, businesses and stakeholders are increasingly placing an emphasis on changing their energy consumption habits in the hopes of achieving a sustainable future; by choosing locally generated electricity, businesses can have a huge impact in facilitating habitual energy consumption within the local economy.
Supporting the local economy by partnering with rural power generators:
By choosing 100% locally generated electricity to power your business, you are not only opting for a sustainable and affordable source of power, you are also promoting economic growth within the local area by supporting local jobs and income streams and diminishing fuel poverty. As the only supplier 100% locally generated electricity in Northern Ireland, partnering with 3T Power can also promote energy independence, drawing reliance away from overseas oil and gas prices with uncertainties regarding Brexit looming overhead.
Improving environmental credentials to promote sustainable practice within your brand:
27% of the population in Northern Ireland have shifted their focus towards engaging with brands that promote sustainability in order to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with climate change initiatives. By switching to 100% locally generated wind power, your business can improve its environmental credentials whilst appealing to a growing sustainably focused consumer base.
Preparing your business for the future:
As a sustainability focus infiltrates Northern Ireland, renewable energy is likely to become more widespread. By switching to local renewable energy, you can prepare your business for future legislation by gaining preliminary knowledge and experience with renewable energy.
It is clear to see the benefits for local business switching to renewable energy. Whether you are aiming to increase your organisation’s green credentials, lower your carbon footprint, or simply save on your electricity overheads, we recommend contacting a member of our team to discuss your unique energy requirements.