For independent breweries, energy procurement can be about far more than simply finding a competitive electricity or gas rate.

Brewing, refrigeration, packaging, cold storage and maintaining the right production environment all contribute to energy demand, while changes such as expanding production or moving premises can add another layer of complexity.

For SIBA member Vault City Brewing, having the right energy strategy and the right support behind it – has helped the business manage its energy requirements for several years.

Supporting one of Scotland’s leading independent breweries

Edinburgh-based Vault City Brewing has built a reputation for its distinctive approach to modern sour beer.

Behind the brewing, however, sits an operation that requires reliable energy supplies and careful management of contracts and costs.

Vault City has worked with Enexus Energy for several years, with our team supporting the brewery across its energy contracts and wider requirements.

Rather than treating procurement as a once-a-year exercise, the relationship has focused on understanding the brewery’s needs and providing ongoing advice as the business has developed.

Taking the complexity out of energy procurement

The business energy market can be difficult to navigate.

Wholesale market movements, contract structures, standing charges, supplier options and different procurement approaches all need to be considered before making a decision.

For a brewery, the objective isn’t simply to find the lowest headline unit rate.

The right procurement strategy needs to consider how the business operates, its consumption profile, appetite for risk, future plans and the overall cost of the contract.

That’s where having specialist support can make a significant difference.

Vault City said:

“We at Vault City Brewing have worked with Enexus Energy for several years now, and they have consistently provided excellent support in managing our energy contracts and requirements. Their team has been professional, knowledgeable, and proactive in helping us navigate what can often be a complex area.”

Energy support during Vault City’s brewery move

The value of that relationship became particularly clear when Vault City recently moved brewery.

Moving premises is already a significant undertaking for any business. For a brewery, there is the additional challenge of ensuring essential utilities are correctly arranged while equipment, production and operations are being transferred.

Energy supplies can’t simply become an afterthought.

Enexus worked alongside the Vault City team throughout the move, helping arrange the energy requirements for the new premises and removing another task from what was already a busy transition.

Vault City explained:

“They were particularly helpful during our recent brewery move, ensuring everything was handled smoothly and taking the stress out of arranging new energy supplies during a busy transition.”

More than securing a contract

Good energy procurement doesn’t end when a contract is signed.

Businesses should continue to understand their energy position, monitor the market and consider how changing operational requirements could affect their future strategy.

Having a dedicated point of contact can also make a major difference when questions or issues arise.

For Vault City, that ongoing relationship has been supported by its Enexus account manager, Richard.

“Our account manager, Richard, has always been responsive and supportive, offering clear advice and making sure we secure the best solutions for our needs.”

It’s an approach based on understanding the business first and then identifying an energy strategy that fits around it – rather than simply presenting a list of supplier prices.

What can other independent breweries learn?

Energy can represent a significant operational cost for breweries, making it an area that deserves more than a quick comparison when a contract approaches renewal.

Breweries should consider their complete energy position: current contracts, consumption, standing charges, future requirements and upcoming operational changes.

Timing matters too.

Starting the conversation early provides more opportunity to monitor the market and make an informed procurement decision rather than being forced to act as a contract approaches expiry.

And if you’re planning an expansion, brewery move or significant change in production, involving your energy partner early can help avoid unnecessary complications.

Supporting SIBA members

Through our partnership with SIBA, Enexus Energy works with independent breweries to help them better understand and manage their energy costs.

Whether that’s reviewing existing arrangements, developing a procurement strategy, managing a change of premises or providing ongoing support, our aim is to make business energy simpler and give breweries greater confidence in the decisions they’re making.

For Vault City, that has developed into a relationship spanning several years.

They concluded:

“We would happily recommend Enexus Energy to other businesses looking for reliable and professional energy brokerage support. Thank you, Enexus Energy!”

If you’re a SIBA member and would like to understand whether your current energy arrangements are right for your brewery, speak to the Enexus Energy team about a complimentary review of your energy position.

Contact your dedicated Energy Expert Andy Radcliffe on:

01253 966964

Andy.radcliffe@enexusenergy.co.uk