Dalkia and North Somerset extend energy saving partnership

04 February 2008

Energy saving deal covers 83 schools, 18 social services, 12 libraries and the Town Hall to make savings on the Council's £3m energy bill.

Dalkia’s renewed Performance Partnership contract with North Somerset Council looks set to lead the way in Local Authority energy saving. Due to the integrated nature of Dalkia’s service, the cost savings made will be used to directly fund improved lighting, controls and plant across North Somerset, without the need for an increased budget.

Dalkia’s partnership with North Somerset Council began in 2004, when the company pioneered the Performance Partnership formula. Since then, the combined project with national utility provider EDF has provided combined utility supply, energy management and M&E maintenance for the local authority.

“This new contract will dramatically increase the potential for energy savings across the entire region,” explains Dalkia’s Energy Services Director Mike Sewell, “and could provide a model for other local authorities in the future. This holistic approach harnesses the direct benefits of energy efficiency for our client, and embodies the ideas behind our Carboncare solution.”

The tender for the extended contract was based on utility and cost information yielded from one secondary school. With planning is now in progress to roll out the model across the council’s entire portfolio, including 83 schools, 18 social services buildings, 12 libraries and the Town Hall, the projected savings are considerable.

“The Council’s utility bill is in excess of £3 million, so there are huge potential savings there.” Mr. Sewell continues. “With this contract Dalkia can make a serious impact on North Somerset Council’s energy use.”

The extension of Dalkia’s contract makes North Somerset Council one of Dalkia’s largest local authority clients in the UK. The company is seeking to replicate and develop the model in other areas of the country, and is already in discussions with three Local Authorities who have been interested in the success Dalkia’s approach has had in North Somerset.

www.dalkia.co.uk and www.carboncare.co.uk