
Simplifying Utilities,
Powering Your Business
Delivering strategic energy solutions for organisations with a focus on operational resilience, cost efficiency and risk mitigation
© 2026 Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd 71-75, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.
All rights reserved. Company No. 16515163, registered in England and Wales. Energy Ombudsman Member C35SOUT02
Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd (SUMS) is an independent broker and not affiliated with any utility supplier.
Information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute contractual advice.
About
SUMS – Southern Utilities Management Services helps UK businesses reduce commercial electricity and gas costs through expert procurement and contract management.Originally founded in 2018 as UK Payment Services, the business was repositioned and rebranded as SUMS in 2025. SUMS was established to provide commercially disciplined utility procurement for organisations that value clarity, cost control and accountability.We work with business owners, managing agents and property portfolios who require more than a transactional broker. Our focus is simple: secure competitive supply agreements, reduce risk exposure and ensure contracts are structured correctly from the outset.We operate transparently, communicate clearly and remain present throughout the life of every agreement — not just at renewal.
APPROACH
We price in two ways — fast matrix pricing for straightforward renewals, and structured tenders for larger or more complex portfolios.
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.
© 2026 Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd 71-75, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.
All rights reserved. Company No. 16515163, registered in England and Wales. Energy Ombudsman Member C35SOUT02
Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd (SUMS) is an independent broker and not affiliated with any utility supplier.
Information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute contractual advice.
SCOPE
We negotiate gas, electricity and water contracts for businesses of all sizes — from single sites to large portfolios.
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.
Ongoing Energy Management
Energy procurement does not end at contract signature. Changes in tenancy, consumption shifts, billing discrepancies and renewal exposure can erode the value of an otherwise well-structured agreement.We remain engaged beyond placement where required — monitoring renewal timelines, managing supplier liaison, validating bills, resolving disputes and coordinating meter changes or tenancy transitions. This ensures supply arrangements continue to perform as intended throughout their term.Support can also extend to EV charging infrastructure and on-site generation (Solar) where appropriate, maintaining a coordinated approach across wider energy requirements.For portfolio clients, this ongoing oversight provides continuity, accountability and a single point of contact — reducing administrative burden while maintaining commercial control.
High usage
Whether you run a single high-usage site or manage multiple properties, energy can quickly become time-consuming and fragmented. We take that responsibility off your plate, ensuring everything runs as it should without the need for your involvement.This typically includes coordinating multiple meters, managing renewals, resolving billing issues and keeping everything aligned with how your site/sites operate.We step in where things are often fragmented — different suppliers, multiple contracts, inconsistent billing and a lack of clear oversight — bringing everything into one place with a single point of contact.In short, we handle the detail so you don’t have to — with clarity, consistency and minimal input from your side.
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.
One point of contact. No chasing. Minimal admin.
© 2026 Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd 71-75, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.
All rights reserved. Company No. 16515163, registered in England and Wales. Energy Ombudsman Member C35SOUT02
Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd (SUMS) is an independent broker and not affiliated with any utility supplier.
Information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute contractual advice.
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Contact
For renewal reviews, portfolio discussions, procurement support, or Change of Tenancy (CoT), please complete the form below.Prefer to speak directly? Call 0203 026 4071
© 2026 Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd 71-75, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.
All rights reserved. Company No. 16515163, registered in England and Wales. Energy Ombudsman Member C35SOUT02
Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd (SUMS) is an independent broker and not affiliated with any utility supplier.
Information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute contractual advice.
COMPLAINTS & RESOLUTION
SUMS is committed to handling complaints fairly, transparently and promptly. We aim to resolve issues as quickly and fairly as possible.We are:
* Members of the Energy Ombudsman’s ADR scheme. Member C35SOUT02
* Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for data protection.
* Voluntary subscribers to the Retail Energy Code (REC) as a TPI Code of Practice Member.Stage 1 – Speak to Us
Contact your usual point of contact, or raise your complaint directly:Phone: 0203 026 4071Email: [email protected]Stage 2 – Senior Review
A senior team member will review your complaint and respond within 10 working days to work towards a resolution.Stage 3 – Appeal (if needed)
If you're still unhappy with the outcome, you may request an internal appeal within 28 calendar days. This will be reviewed by a Director.Stage 4 – Independent Review (ADR)
If your complaint remains unresolved after eight weeks, or you receive a "Final Response", you may refer the case to:Energy Ombudsman
P.O. Box 966, Warrington, WA4 9DF
Phone: 0330 440 1624
Email: [email protected]This is a free, impartial service available to microbusinesses in Great Britain.
© 2026 Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd 71-75, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.
All rights reserved. Company No. 16515163, registered in England and Wales. Energy Ombudsman Member C35SOUT02
Southern Utilities Management Services Ltd (SUMS) is an independent broker and not affiliated with any utility supplier.
Information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute contractual advice.
The SUMS Energy Glossary - Jargon Busters
Plain English explanations of energy terms — based on what we see confusing business owners every day.
Industry
Term
The "SUMS"
Translation
Why it matters
to businesses
ADR
The Safety
Net
Short for Alternative Dispute Resolution. If a supplier or broker messes up, this is the free service that steps in to settle the argument fairly. Yes, we are Members
AMR
The Smart-ish Meter
Automated Meter Reading. It’s a meter that sends your readings back to the supplier automatically so you don't have to provide them manually.
AQ
The Forecast
Short for Annual Quantity. It's the industry's estimate of how much energy of a type your site will use in a year. If this is wrong, your quotes will be miles off.
ASC
Your Power Allowance
Your Power Allowance
Short for Authorised Supply Capacity. The maximum amount of power your building is allowed to "pull" from the grid. Go over it, and you get hit with heavy penalties.
Base Load
The "Always On" Cost
The minimum amount of energy your business uses even when you're closed—think fridges, servers, and security lights.
BSUoS
The Balancing Act
The cost of keeping the grid stable (exactly the right amount of power) every second of the day.
CCL
The Carbon Penalty
A government tax on business energy to encourage better efficiency.
DCP 161
The Overdraft Fee
A penalty for businesses that pull more power than they promised the grid. Think of it like a bank charge for exceeding your limit. If you haven't "right-sized" your capacity, you’re paying this fine every single month.
DUoS
The Local A-Road Fee
The cost of the smaller wires that bring power from the pylon to your building.
EAC
The Energy Guess
What your supplier thinks you’ll use. If they guess wrong, your bills are a mess.
FiT
The Solar Cashback
A legacy payment for businesses that generate and export renewable energy.
HH
The Smart Meter on Steroids
The Smart Meter on Steroids
Meters that track usage every 30 mins so you know exactly when you're "hungry" for power.
KVA
The "Pipe Size"
The maximum amount of electricity your building is allowed to "pull" at once.
Load Shapes
The New Fingerprint
The replacement for the old "Profile Classes." Instead of being averaged with every other shop on the street, your bill is now based on your unique 48-point daily usage. Your "shape" determines your price.
LoS
The Wire Leakage
The Wire Leakage
A small charge for energy naturally lost as heat while traveling through the wires.
MHHS
The Digital Revolution
The entire UK moving to 30-min tracking. No more guesses; everyone gets a reality check.
M14 Deadline
The Finish Line
Short for Milestone 14. By October 2026, every energy supplier must be ready for the new half-hourly world.
If your supplier misses this, they’re effectively "locked out" of the market. It’s the date that changes your bill forever.
MIC
The VIP Reservation
The total "pipe size" (kVA) you’ve legally contracted with the grid. You pay for this space whether you use it or not.
Micro-business
The Protected Class
Smaller firms with extra Ofgem protection against "cowboy" broker tactics.
MPAN / MPRN
Your Meter's National ID
The unique "Social Security Number" for your meter that never changes.
NESO
The Master Planner
The new publicly-owned body in charge of planning the entire UK grid.
Nuclear RAB
The Sizewell C "Tax"
Regulated Asset Base, a small daily charge on your bill to help pay for building the UK's new nuclear power stations today, so they're cheaper to run in 10 years.
Ofgem
The Energy Referee
The official watchdog. They make the rules and fine suppliers when they play dirty. We are Members of their ADR.
P272
The Big Meter Upgrade
The regulation in 2017 that moved many SMEs onto 30-minute (Half-Hourly) billing.
Pass-through Charge
The "Out of Our Control" Costs
Third-party fees (like the RAB or TNUoS) that your supplier simply passes on to you. These can fluctuate even if you’re on a "fixed" rate.
Reactive Power
The "Head on the Beer"
Inefficient power that takes up space in the "pipe" but doesn't do work.
RIIO-ET3
The Multi-Billion Grid Rebuild
The 2026–2031 plan to upgrade transmission lines. Expect network charges to rise.
RO
The "Green" Tax
A mandatory charge that funds large-scale renewable projects across the UK.
SMET
2 types of Smart Meter - Gen 1 & 2
Did you know, under Ofgem regulations, your energy provider must outline a resolution plan within 5 working days of you reporting the issue, or they owe you £40 in compensation!
Standing Charge
The "Rent" for your Meter
A fixed daily fee you pay just for being connected, even if you use zero energy.
TNUoS
The Pylon Motorway Toll
You're paying for the "big" lines to move power across the country.
Triads
The Energy Rush Hour
The three half-hour periods of highest national demand in winter; avoid these to save big. They are being phased out/replaced by the TNUoS Reform (CMP317/327).

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