Energy costs are no longer determined by commodity prices; or how to become an active participant in the energy market instead of a passive consumer of electricity

Since March 2016; the price of electricity has been rising steadily. The current increase compared to the average price in 2016 is an impressive 160%. In the last 30 days; the price has approached the magic threshold of CZK 1;500/MWh; a five-year high.

The long-term price increase means that industrial companies are no longer able to obtain better energy prices simply by selecting suppliers through tenders and must therefore consider how to pass on the increased costs of energy inputs to end customers or how else to mitigate the impact of increased prices on their operating costs.

According to our experts; prices may rise not only next year; but also for the next five years in a row. We will probably not be able to avoid reflecting the price of energy inputs in the end prices of Czech products. The price at which electricity and gas are purchased is; of course; important. However; it is no longer the only factor influencing the total cost of energy.

ERA Group sees this as an opportunity. The current situation is ideal for industrial companies to take advantage of the right subsidies; but especially the advent of new technologies that enable much more efficient energy consumption management. However; change in this area requires a comprehensive view of energy consumption in the company and a "smart" approach to purchasing. With the right approach; there is great potential in this area. It is not just a question of how to purchase energy; but also how to consume; convert; accumulate and even produce energy in a smart way. In some cases; energy that would otherwise be wasted during the production process can be utilised; providing an interesting addition to the overall energy balance.

The decentralisation of electricity production is an inevitable step for all of us. And that is exactly what we do at ERA Group; among other things. We help our clients transition from passive electricity users to decentralised active participants in the electricity market. This step can save up to 40% in electricity costs. At a time when electricity prices are skyrocketing; every large consumer should consider how to adapt to the new situation on the energy market and start taking advantage of the new opportunities.

How do we do it at ERA?

We focus on what individual technology suppliers or energy sellers cannot do. We put things together correctly; without depending on a specific brand or supplier. Suppliers will always prefer their own technology or energy source. We can combine things optimally.
First; we map the client's environment in detail and then; based on a mathematical analysis of quarter-hourly maximums and an assessment of consumption or production locations; we propose several possible economic solutions. Based on the economic solution selected by the client; we develop a technical project to put the selected option into operation. In addition to implementing the project; we supervise the solution to ensure that the projected savings are actually achieved.

The client thus gains know-how and "extra hands" from us; which create; manage and implement the project. The reward for this work is a share in the savings generated by the implemented project. An additional benefit for the client is the time saved; which they did not have to devote to the development and implementation of the new solution.