Energy company SSE has launched SSE Rugby Energy, developed alongside the English Rugby Football Union and Utility Aid, a consultancy offering energy saving advice to non profit and sporting organisations.
Energy costs are a major item of expenditure for most clubs, particularly in the winter months when floodlighting is in use.
SSE, which operates under the Airtricity brand in the Republic of Ireland, is an official partner of English Rugby and this scheme is seen as a way in which it can deepen its engagement with clubs while at the same time opening up new business channels for them and saving money for the clubs.
Utility aid makes sure clubs are on the right tariff, that they are being invoiced correctly and that energy use is being monitored in the most efficient way.
The scheme is similar to that offered to consumers by mobile phone companies, most especially when the time is approaching for a contract renewal.
It makes sense to review all major costs in the club and to have somebody do it in a way which will make better sense financially and from a sustainability perspective is something which has gone down well with clubs in the opening days of the initiative.
‘The RFU is committed to helping clubs save money and run cost efficiently,” said Steve Grainger, English RFU rugby development director. “The partnership with SSE is helping to achieve this goal.” “
We are confident that SSE Rugby Energy will help clubs make real savings that importantly, can be invested back into the community game which is a central priority for the Union.’
Utility Aid makes no charge on the club but instead includes their fee in the tariff negotiated with the energy supplier, in this case most likely to be SSE, and that’s where they are paid from.
A similar service is being developed by a number of companies in Ireland, and we will highlight their services as part of a new Sport for Business clubs initiative to be launched within the coming months.
Irish rugby does not presently list an energy partner among its sponsors.  Airtricity are involved with the FAI and Electric Ireland sponsors the All Ireland minor football and hurling championships with the GAA.  Bord Gáis Energy supports Ladies Gaelic Football.
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