By Rebecca Shaw, UAC Team
Published: July 2025
As the days grow shorter and colder months approach, schools across the UK are bracing for the inevitable rise in energy consumption — and, by association, energy costs. But here’s the good news: with a bit of foresight and expert guidance, you can take meaningful steps now to protect your school’s budget before winter bills arrive.
At UACTeam we work closely with schools to navigate the often complex and fluctuating energy market. We help education leaders avoid unnecessary costs and ensure their utility contracts are truly working in their favour. And there’s one crucial piece of advice I’d give every school leader at this time of year:
Don’t wait until winter to review your energy contracts.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
Energy markets are highly seasonal and often volatile. Prices tend to rise as demand increases during the colder months — precisely when schools are using the most energy to heat classrooms and power facilities. This seasonal surge often drives prices to their highest levels just as so many contracts renew.
Locking in a new energy contract during this peak period can be significantly more expensive than doing so earlier in the year. By reviewing and negotiating contracts now, schools can take advantage of more favourable rates before demand — and prices — spike.
Conducting a contract review at this stage can help you:
- Secure more competitive rates ahead of winter
- Prevent auto-renewals that lock you into inflated prices without warning
- Avoid the, worse still, out of contract or deemed rates that are super inflated.
Simple Energy Savings Beyond Contracts
While contract reviews are vital, they’re only one piece of the puzzle. I also recommend scheduling a light-touch energy audit — which doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Even a simple remote assessment can uncover quick wins, such as adjusting heating schedules, optimising lighting use, or encouraging behavioural changes among staff and students. These small steps can add up to noticeable savings on your bills over the winter term.
Planning Ahead Supports Budget Stability
Locking in energy prices early isn’t just about immediate savings — it’s also a smart move for your school’s financial planning. We can also help with forecasting so you can budget confidently, avoiding unexpected spikes that could strain resources.
For multi-academy trusts managing several sites, early contract reviews enable coordinated procurement strategies that maximise buying power and reduce administrative burden.
A Recent Example
Many schools that engage in early contract reviews benefit from opportunities to secure fixed-rate contracts at more favourable rates. Alongside simple energy-saving measures – like optimising heating schedules and raising staff awareness – these steps often lead to significant savings over winter.
These savings help schools redirect funds towards teaching resources and student support without adding complexity to daily operations.
How UACTeam Can Support You
Working with the School Supply Network, UACTeam offers free and impartial, expert advice tailored specifically for the education sector. We understand the operational pressures schools face and focus on delivering practical solutions that reduce costs without disrupting learning.
Our process is straightforward and designed to fit into your busy schedule. Whether you manage a single site or a multi-academy trust, now is the time to act. A short conversation today could lead to meaningful savings this winter — and peace of mind that your school is ahead of the curve.
Let’s talk now, not later.
Call me on 07787570882 or email Rebecca.shaw@UACTeam.co.uk to arrange a quick contract review or energy audit.
Heating costs spike in winter but smart planning can keep them down. Start early, save more.
