Big gas bill savings for Enterprise pubs

Enterprise licensees could save around 25% on their gas bills if they take part in a new 'bulk-buying' scheme, it has been claimed.

A six-month price freeze on bills over winter, better service and more accurate meter readings — meaning no more estimated bills — are on the cards.

This is the latest attempt by a pubco to drive down utility costs for tenants via a bulk-buying deal. A similar scheme with Enterprise and Scottish Power in 2006 collapsed after about two years due to low uptake.

Enterprise has signed up Contract Natural Gas (CNG) and Flogas UK as preferred suppliers to its pubs.

As a result of the deals, brokered by agent Power 4 Pubs, CNG would supply those pubs that access gas through the mains. Those using LPG (liquid petroleum gas) would be supplied by Flogas UK.

Enterprise's head of property, Russell Burton, said: "By working with Flogas and Power 4 Pubs, we were able to secure a six-month price freeze for our retailers through the winter, as well as offer them the best possible price per litre through efficiencies on delivery.

"This new agreement means our retailers could see themselves saving up to 25% on their fuel bills."

He said Flogas would take responsibility for the licensee's tank and gas supply, and will automatically notify them when they are running low.

Power 4 Pubs business development manager Jon Shayler promised hosts "competitive contract tariff prices" and "piece of mind knowing that their future bills will be accurate due to the implementation of automated meter readings technology".

Power 4 Pubs said deals with the two suppliers have already been in place at some Enterprise pubs, where savings of up to 25% have been reported.

Enterprise hosts are to be contacted in the coming weeks about the deals.