Case Study Overview

Wallace’s Spar is a convenience store in Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, offering a fresh deli, coffee station and a wide range of grocery products to the local community.

With its existing BWG affinity electricity deal approaching expiry, the business was offered a new two-year fixed-price contract at substantially higher rates. Rather than committing to higher electricity costs for another two years, Wallace’s Spar contacted Utilityfair to review the rates and contract options available across all suppliers.

Following a full market comparison, Wallace’s Spar decided to move onto a wholesale tracker rather than lock into high fixed rates for a long period. This avoided a projected annual cost increase of €73,642 associated with out-of-contract rates, while retaining the flexibility to fix electricity prices later if market conditions improve.

Key Highlight: €73,642 annual electricity cost increase avoided.

Wallace’s Spar Kilmore Quay: Key Figures
Industry	Retail
Location	Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford
Annual Electricity Usage	261,776 kWh
Annual Electricity Spend	€76,939
Procurement Strategy	Fixed-price contract to wholesale tracker
Contract Length	12 months
Outcome	€73,642 projected annual cost increase avoided

Customer Testimonial: Wallace’s Spar Kilmore Quay on Working With Utilityfair

"Our existing electricity contract through a BWG affinity deal was coming up for renewal, and the new two-year fixed-price deal was considerably more expensive. We weren't keen to lock ourselves into higher electricity rates for another two years, so we contacted Utilityfair to see what other options were available.

Shaun compared the rates across all suppliers and talked us through the pros and cons of fixed-price contracts versus a wholesale tracker. After going through the options, we decided to move onto a wholesale tracker for now, giving us the flexibility to fix our rates later if market prices come down.

Shaun explained everything clearly and looked after the paperwork and supplier switch for us. The whole process was straightforward, and I would happily recommend Utilityfair to other businesses looking to review their energy contracts.”

— Rory Quinlivan, Head of Finance, Joseph Wallace Ltd

The Challenge: Choosing the Right Electricity Contract Ahead of Renewal

Wallace’s Spar had been purchasing electricity through a BWG affinity deal, which was approaching expiry. BWG had negotiated a new two-year fixed-price contract, but electricity prices had risen considerably since the previous deal was agreed.

With annual electricity consumption of 261,776 kWh, accepting the higher fixed rates would significantly increase the business's operating costs. Wallace’s Spar was reluctant to lock into these high rates for another two years, particularly as wholesale energy prices could fall as market pressures ease.

The business asked Utilityfair to compare the available fixed-price and wholesale tracker options across all suppliers and advise on the most suitable purchasing strategy.

How Wallace’s Spar Worked with Utilityfair to Review Its Electricity Purchasing Strategy

Shaun from Utilityfair reviewed Wallace’s Spar’s electricity bills, including annual consumption, existing rates and the proposed two-year BWG affinity deal.

A full market comparison was then carried out across all commercial electricity suppliers, including fixed-price contracts and wholesale tracker options. Shaun went through the comparison with Wallace’s Spar’s Head of Finance, showing the available rates, projected annual costs and the advantages and disadvantages of each contract type.

The comparison showed that even the cheapest fixed-price option would increase annual electricity costs by €21,613 compared with the expiring contract. After discussing the options, Wallace’s Spar decided to move onto a wholesale tracker rather than commit to higher fixed rates for two years.

Results: €73,642 Annual Electricity Cost Increase Avoided

Avoided Cost Increase: Wallace’s Spar avoided a projected annual electricity cost increase of €73,642 associated with rolling onto expensive out-of-contract rates.
Fixed-Price Comparison: The cheapest available fixed-price contract would have increased annual electricity costs by €21,613 compared with the expiring BWG affinity deal.
Wholesale Electricity Tracker: Wallace’s Spar moved from a fixed-price contract to a wholesale tracker rather than locking into higher electricity rates for another two years.
Future Pricing Flexibility: The new contract allows Wallace’s Spar to monitor wholesale prices and move to a fixed rate later if market conditions improve.

Are You Looking for a Better Energy Deal?

Call 01 547 0999 or click below to request a free energy review. We’ll review your current energy contracts and show you how much you could save. We’ll show you every supplier’s rates and explain the different contract options, so you can make the right decision for your business. Once you are happy to proceed, we’ll arrange the new contracts for you with no disruption to your business.