Energy Procurement framework

Yes, the framework was established under PCR 2015 procurement regulations and remains fully compliant. The framework reference 2023/S 000-012741 provides complete audit trail for housing associations. All suppliers were competitively appointed through open procedure meeting regulatory requirements. The framework expires 30 March 2025 with potential extension until 30 March 2026. Housing associations using the framework can demonstrate procurement compliance whilst accessing competitive energy rates and specialist support services for their energy supply requirements.

The framework is available to PfH members including registered social landlords, local authorities, arm’s length management organisations and subsidiaries of these organisations. All housing associations are automatically PfH members with immediate framework access. The framework suits organisations of all sizes from small housing associations managing a few hundred properties to large authorities with tens of thousands of meters requiring sophisticated energy management strategies.

Housing associations can access renewable energy through framework suppliers offering REGO-backed electricity from certified renewable sources. Suppliers provide documentation proving renewable generation, support sustainability reporting requirements, and help housing associations demonstrate environmental commitments. The framework also enables Power Purchase Agreement sleeving arrangements where housing associations with on-site generation can export surplus energy, and sleeving in arrangements allowing organisations to utilise renewable energy from specific generation sources at competitive rates whilst supporting renewable energy infrastructure development.

The framework includes comprehensive meter services covering meter operator services, data collection and aggregation including automated meter reading acceptance, meter installations and upgrades, new meter installations, and disconnection services where required. These services ensure housing associations maintain accurate consumption data, support efficient billing processes, enable half hourly metering where beneficial, and manage meter-related changes during property improvements or tenant changes. Integrated meter services alongside energy supply simplifies contract management and ensures service continuity.

Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires housing associations to consult leaseholders before entering into qualifying long-term agreements including energy supply contracts where individual contributions exceed £250 annually. The framework provides Section 20 support including consultation documentation, timeline management, and leaseholder communication materials. Energy market volatility can complicate Section 20 compliance as prices change during consultation periods, making framework support particularly valuable for navigating these regulatory requirements whilst securing competitive energy rates.

Individual risk managed energy contracts involve specialist energy trading strategies where suppliers actively manage exposure to wholesale energy markets on behalf of individual housing associations. Rather than fixing prices at contract start or accepting standard variable rates, risk management involves purchasing energy volumes across different time periods to balance cost and market exposure. This approach requires larger consumption volumes and sophisticated market analysis but can deliver significant savings. Framework suppliers provide dedicated trading desk support for organisations pursuing risk-managed strategies.

Fixed price contracts lock in electricity and gas rates for the entire contract term, providing budget certainty and protection against market price increases, but preventing benefit from price decreases. Flexibly traded contracts allow periodic price reviews or market-linked pricing, potentially offering savings during favourable market conditions but exposing organisations to price volatility. Housing associations should consider their risk appetite, budget constraints, and market conditions when selecting contract types. The framework provides access to both options with expert guidance for decision-making.

Half hourly electricity supply involves advanced metering recording consumption every 30 minutes, typically required for larger properties or communal schemes consuming over 100,000 kWh annually. Non-half hourly supply uses standard meters with periodic manual or automated readings, suitable for smaller properties with lower consumption. Half hourly metering provides more accurate consumption data, enables flexible pricing arrangements, and better supports demand management, whilst non-half hourly supply offers simpler administration for straightforward requirements. The framework accommodates both meter types with appropriate contract structures.

Energy procurement for leaseholder properties requires careful management of communal energy supplies and appropriate cost recovery through service charges. Housing associations must consider Section 20 consultation requirements when procuring energy contracts where individual leaseholder contributions exceed £250 annually. The framework provides invoice validation support ensuring leaseholders are only charged for actual consumption, supports Section 20 processes, and offers transparent billing arrangements. This helps housing associations manage their legal obligations whilst maintaining positive leaseholder relationships.

Green energy procurement involves securing electricity supply from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric generation, typically backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates proving renewable source. Housing associations can access green energy through PfH’s framework suppliers who offer REGO-backed renewable electricity options, supporting organisational sustainability commitments and carbon reduction targets. Green energy procurement helps housing associations demonstrate environmental responsibility whilst potentially improving Energy Performance Certificate ratings across their housing stock.

Energy procurement services available through the framework include guided energy market comparisons, invoice validation support ensuring accurate consumption billing, Section 20 consultation support for leaseholder energy contracts, budgeting assistance based on contracted rates, dedicated account management, and access to trading desk facilities. The framework also provides meter reading services on a two-monthly basis, sustainability tracking and reporting, social value commitments with recording capabilities, and robust KPIs covering change of tenancy timescales and objection notification processes.

Business energy procurement frameworks provide housing associations with pre-negotiated competitive rates, streamlined procurement processes avoiding lengthy individual tenders, access to multiple vetted energy suppliers, and expert support for navigating volatile energy markets. Frameworks enable collective purchasing power, provide market intelligence and trading desk support, ensure regulatory compliance, and offer specialist services including invoice validation to ensure accurate billing. This is particularly valuable for housing associations managing both tenant-occupied and leaseholder properties with complex billing requirements.

PfH’s Supply of Electricity and Natural Gas framework covers comprehensive energy solutions including non-half hourly electricity, half hourly electricity, unmetered electricity, daily metered natural gas, and non-daily metered natural gas. The framework provides fixed price fixed term contracts, flexibly traded collective contracts, and individual risk managed contracts. Additional services include meter operator services, data collection and aggregation, meter installations and upgrades, green and renewable energy options with REGO backing, and feed-in provisions for housing associations with generation capabilities.

Energy procurement is the process of securing electricity and natural gas supply contracts for housing association properties including communal areas, office buildings, and schemes with shared energy supplies. Energy procurement involves assessing consumption patterns, comparing supplier offerings, negotiating contract terms, and managing ongoing supply arrangements. Housing associations must procure energy for portfolios ranging from individual properties to large estates with communal heating systems and leaseholder-occupied properties requiring careful billing management.