Max Knowles, one of our Energy Account Analysts, explains what he gets most job satisfaction from, what account analysis looks like for our customers and some important factors on export.
You’ll have been here 10 years next year Max! Is there anything you haven’t done here related to Energy Account Analysis?
This list is not exhaustive but amongst others - Bill checking; Query resolution; Metering faults; New connections; Export contracts; Grid incentives (TRIAD, Capacity Market) and, Flexible contracts.
How have things changed?
We have gone from working on some highly specialised technical work with a handful of customers, to a full suite of services serving the whole NFU Membership. We're no longer just resolving problems faced by our customers, moreover, problems faced by NFU member. We now serve, a much wider pool of customers which requires a wider array of skills and experience.
You mentioned export before. Are there any big trends you’ve seen relating to this?
The amount of new supply-related export work we are doing has increased as everyone wants to make the most of any on site generation they have by selling surplus power generated back to the grid (whereas historically they have been fine allowing some to go back to the grid unpaid).
It's good that people are taking more of an interest in this as it’s an opportunity to educate members about the options available for exporting from their sites, however this isn't possible or financially viable for many smaller generators, so figuring out how to best explain this can sometimes be a challenge. The increased interest that larger generators are showing in making the most of their exported power presents good opportunities to educate them on their options, sell services such as energy trading support and to share knowledge of this amongst our own team.
What are you most proud of at work?
I always point out to my kids when we are in the supermarket any packets of tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers grown by our customers. I also recognise the gravitas the NFU has as a membership body lobbying for UK farmers. I enjoy being onsite at Stoneleigh Park and am a great lover of the outdoors and will collect conkers and leaves with the turning of the seasons with my kids. Above all else I like to know that the work I'm doing is helping people, whether that's just helping colleagues or helping farmers / businesses get the support they need, especially in a time where energy is coming under such scrutiny internationally.
And in terms of the accounts you deal with?
Gas import can reach £900,000 a month and export payments over a million for our largest customers. Some of the UK's largest tomato, pepper, and cucumber greenhouses are among our customer portfolio. They often have large CHP engines installed to get heat, light and CO2 for the crop growing whilst also cycling their CHP to sell back to the grid at lucrative times. These customers present interesting challenges as they have the most 'risk and reward' when it comes to strategising in how to make the most when selling their excess power.