Energy contract sees 100% electricity from renewable sources

A new sustainable energy contract has been awarded for the supply of electricity and natural gas to the health and social care sector.

The four year, £140million deal was awarded by combining the buying power of all six Health and Social Care Trusts, the Health and Social Care Board, the Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Business Services Organisation.

Speaking about the contract, Health Minister said: “This new contract will see electricity supplied from 100% renewable sources, flexibility for organisations in how they procure their energy and savings in excess of £4million on electricity during the first year of the contract.

“The health and social care sector can play a leading role in reducing carbon emissions and encouraging healthier lifestyles to combat climate change, save money, and achieve health benefits. By pooling our resources and using the buying power of the entire health sector, we have managed to drive down costs by 20% and contribute to the well-being of our planet by using renewable, sustainable and flexible energy sources. 

“I am also delighted that over the course of the contract the suppliers will provide extensive support to HSC organisations in line with the aims of the public health framework Making Life Better. This will cover a wide range of initiatives, for example  campaigns and community energy saving awareness schemes, sponsorship of access to events for charities and underprivileged young people, health and wellbeing and volunteering programmes.

“It is increasingly recognised that we need strengthened collaboration across all sectors of society if we are to create the social, economic and environmental conditions to support good health and wellbeing, and this is an excellent example of a partnership approach which has added potential to benefit employees, customers and the wider public.” 

Notes to editors: 

1. Business Services Organisation provides shared business services to all Health and Social Care organisations.
2. BSO’s Procurement and Logistics Service is an accredited Centre of Procurement Expertise under the North’s Public Procurement Policy
3. Public Procurement Policy defines value for money as a combination of price, quality and sustainability.
4. Suppliers on the new contract are: SSE Airtricity, Power NI and Lissan Coal Company.
5. The HSC organisations involved spend approximately £35million per annum on electricity and natural gas.
6. HSC organisations have acted collaboratively in buying electricity and gas for some years, on this occasion the approach was to bring the two energy sources together and create a flexible solution that enables organisations to take advantage of competitive energy pricing.
7. Media enquiries about this press release to DOH Press Office on 9052 0505, or out of hours contact to Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.  Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt

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