Utility Aid calls on charities to join collective energy buying initiative

15 September 2026

UK charities, schools, churches, and other non-domestic organisations are being encouraged to consider the benefits of collective energy purchasing as they continue to navigate financial pressures and energy market uncertainty.

Through initiatives such as Utility Aid’s National Charity Tender (NCT), organisations can access the benefits of collective purchasing, helping them secure more competitive pricing, improved contractual protections and greater certainty over future energy costs.

Utility Aid has announced a fourth-year extension to its latest NCT energy purchasing framework, enabling participating organisations to benefit from an additional year of fixed pricing, with costs that are even more competitive in the final year of the contract term.

Giles Hankinson (pictured), CEO of Utility Aid, comments:

“For many organisations, energy remains one of their largest operational costs. Through the National Charity Tender, organisations can combine their purchasing power to secure better energy pricing, greater protection from market volatility and long-term budget certainty.

“This year, we’re extending contracts into a fourth year, giving organisations even greater stability and value, with some of the most competitive pricing often coming in the final year of an agreement.

“A unique benefit is that when charities join, every meter they sign up also generates a £10 donation to the Utility Aid Foundation from the energy supplier. This is then fully matched by Utility Aid, creating additional funding for charitable causes and community projects across the UK.

“At a time when budgets remain under pressure, every pound saved on energy is a pound that can be invested back into frontline services. The NCT helps organisations reduce costs, increase certainty, and contribute to a wider positive impact across the sector. That’s why we’re encouraging eligible organisations to join before the application window closes.”

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, one of the world’s largest wetland conservation organisations, joined the National Charity Tender because they wanted greater certainty over energy costs and access to stronger purchasing power.

Every two years Utility Aid negotiate on WWT’s behalf the best possible agreements and service provisions for the charity’s 100% renewable energy supplies, as well as providing data and bill validation services year-round. Since 2016, Utility Aid has helped WWT recover over £12,000 in overcharges.

Utility Aid is encouraging organisations interested in joining the next NCT collective buying round, as well as existing participants wishing to renew, to register before the application window closes on 30th October.

Visit https://www.utility-aid.co.uk/ for more information.