Gas

We structure gas supply agreements to provide price stability, clarity of terms and appropriate contract length aligned to consumption profile and risk appetite.Whether pricing is sourced via disciplined matrix comparison or through a bespoke tender process for higher-volume or multi-site portfolios, our objective remains the same: secure competitive market rates without exposing clients to unnecessary contractual risk.We also provide ongoing oversight where required, ensuring supply arrangements remain aligned with operational changes and tenancy movements.

Electric

Electricity procurement requires close attention to market timing, load profile and supplier performance. We assess consumption patterns and contract structure to ensure pricing strategy reflects both operational demand and budget expectations.For larger sites and portfolios, we can run structured market exercises to test supplier appetite and secure terms that balance competitive rates with service reliability. The aim is not simply to achieve a low headline price, but to secure a supply agreement that performs over its full term.

Multi-Site/Meter

Coordinated multi-site/meter energy management to reduce cost, risk and administrative burden.Managing multiple sites or meters introduces administrative complexity, fragmented contract positions and increased exposure to renewal risk. We provide coordinated oversight across portfolios to ensure supply arrangements are aligned, renewal dates are monitored and commercial terms remain consistent.From single business owners with several properties to managing agents overseeing larger estates, we centralise procurement strategy and provide a single point of accountability. The result is reduced administrative burden, improved visibility and greater commercial control across the portfolio.

Water

Water supply is often overlooked, yet contract structure and billing accuracy can materially affect operating costs over time. We review existing arrangements to ensure tariffs are appropriate, meter data is accurate and supply agreements are aligned with the wider energy strategy.Where required, we coordinate supplier engagement and support changes of tenancy, consolidations or account restructures — ensuring water procurement is handled with the same discipline as gas and electricity.

Matrix Pricing

For single sites and simpler renewals, we compare the market quickly and transparently to secure the best rate available — then sanity-check supplier service before we recommend anything.

Structured Tender

For higher consumption or multi-site portfolios, we run a structured tender to test supplier appetite, lock in commercial terms, and align contract structure to budget, risk and operational realities.

Property Managers & Estates

Managing multiple sites, tenants and meters often results in fragmented contracts, inconsistent billing and unnecessary admin.

Care Homes
& High Usage Sites

Single locations with significant energy demand can carry substantial cost exposure if supply arrangements aren’t properly aligned.

Owner Operators & Operational Teams

When energy isn’t centralised, it becomes another task to manage instead of something handled in the background.

What is TNUoS? A Business Guide to 2026 Price Hikes

As of April 1, 2026, UK businesses are facing the largest structural shift in energy billing in a generation. With Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges confirmed to rise by an average of 64% this month, many organizations are seeing a sharp, unexpected increase in their daily standing charges. This shift isn’t driven by global energy markets—it is the direct cost of the physical 'rewiring' of the UK grid for a Net Zero future

The £80 Billion Investment: Funding the RIIO-ET3 PeriodThe primary driver behind this month's increase is the start of the RIIO-ET3 regulatory framework (2026–2031). Under this new five-year plan, Transmission Owners are authorized to collect roughly £7.6 billion in revenue for the 2026/27 charging year to fund the 'Great Grid Upgrade.' This massive investment is essential for connecting remote renewable energy sources to the national network.This funding is essential for the Great Grid Upgrade, a series of massive infrastructure projects including:Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1): A 2GW subsea "superhighway" linking Scottish wind power to the North of England.Grid Resilience: Modernizing 50-year-old pylons and substations to handle the surge in renewable energy.The EV Milestone: As of late March 2026, there are now nearly 2 million fully electric vehicles on UK roads, placing unprecedented demand on our high-voltage network.The "Fixed Cost" Trap: Why Efficiency Isn't EnoughUnder the Targeted Charging Review (TCR) reforms, over 90% of TNUoS costs are now recovered through fixed residual charges. Unlike your unit rate, which depends on how much power you use, these costs are applied as a fixed daily fee based on your 'voltage band.' This means even if you reduce your electricity consumption, your standing charge will remain high unless you address your site's capacity banding directly.

Regional Winners and LosersIn April 2026, the 'postcode lottery' of energy has intensified. Because TNUoS includes a locational element, businesses in South Wales, the South West, and London are seeing the steepest premiums as power is transported from northern wind hubs to southern demand centers. Conversely, some regions closer to generation in Northern Scotland see much lower volumetric rates, though the fixed standing charge hike impacts everyone.Highest Hikes: Businesses in South Wales, the South West, and London are seeing the steepest premiums as power is transported from northern generation hubs to southern demand centres.Lowest Impact: Some regions in Northern Scotland and North East England are seeing near-zero volumetric rates, though fixed standing charges remain a factor for all.

How to Protect Your BusinessWhile TNUoS is a regulated pass-through cost that you cannot 'switch away' from, you can optimize how you are charged. At SUMS, we are currently assisting companies with 2026 Capacity Audits to ensure they aren't paying for 'ghost capacity'—grid space they pay for but never actually use. If your April bill doesn't stack up, it's time to review your kVA banding.

• Request Your Bill Review

What is TNUoS? Explained Simply

Think of the UK's electricity grid like a road network. TNUoS is effectively the 'Motorway Toll.' It pays for the high-voltage transmission system—the massive pylons and long-distance cables—that moves power from where it's generated (like offshore wind farms) to your local area. While DUoS pays for the local 'A-roads' to your door, TNUoS covers the national backbone

Where is it on my bill?For most small and medium businesses, TNUoS isn't listed as a separate line item. Instead, it is 'wrapped' inside your daily standing charge. Because the April 2026 hike is so large (increasing from ~£16/MWh to ~£31/MWh), it is the primary reason your fixed daily costs are jumping, even if your unit rate for actual energy used remains stable.Why can't I just use less?In the past, you could lower these costs by avoiding 'peak' times. However, under the latest Targeted Charging Review (TCR) rules, nearly 90% of TNUoS is now a fixed residual charge. It is based on your 'Capacity Band' rather than your consumption. This means a business using 100 units a day might pay the same TNUoS as one using 1,000 units if they are in the same banding.Spotting the 'Banding' ErrorThis is where many businesses overpay. Your band is often based on your Agreed Capacity (kVA). If your site is set to a high capacity but your actual usage is low, you are paying a 'premium' for grid space you don't need. A simple banding review is often the only way to significantly lower this fixed cost in 2026.

• Request Your Bill Review

Are EV Charge Points Worth It for Businesses?

EV charging isn’t just a cost — it can generate revenue and increase footfall.

Cut energy costs. Avoid costly mistakes.

If you manage multiple sites, hidden energy costs could be quietly draining your profits.

The Hidden Cost of Change of Tenancy

A simple tenancy change can trigger higher rates if it’s not handled properly.

What’s REALLY Driving Your Energy Costs?

It’s not just wholesale — hidden factors are pushing your energy bills higher.

Are Energy Brokers Costing You More Than They Save

Most businesses use brokers — but few understand how they’re paid or how it impacts costs.

Standing Charges: The Hidden Cost in Your Energy Bill

Standing charges are rising fast — and quietly becoming one of the biggest costs on your bill.

Industry
Term

The "SUMS"
Translation

Why it matters
to businesses