TPIs ‘expected to know about energy policy’

Third Party Intermediaries (TPI) are expected to have knowledge of energy policy. That’s according to the Managing Director of Hotel Energy, Chris Ashleigh, who spoke at The Energy Live Consultancy […]

Third Party Intermediaries (TPI) are expected to have knowledge of energy policy.

That’s according to the Managing Director of Hotel Energy, Chris Ashleigh, who spoke at The Energy Live Consultancy Award (TELCA) roadshow debate in Birmingham last month.

When questioned by ELN Editor Sumit Bose whether if TPIs had to interpret policy for their customers, Mr Ashleigh said: “We don’t call ourselves TPIs, we call ourselves consultants and you’re expected to know [about energy policy].”

He said if TPIs only service their clients with price then it’s acceptable, however “your experience and your knowledge base stops there and your clients should know that”.

 

The panel debate included two other consultants – Mark Alston, the General Manager at ENER-G and Anne Williams the Managing Director at Power Direct.

Mr Alston added consumes are going to ask you the extra things you do and “that’s how the industry is developing”.

He said: “It’s not a bad thing from a consultancy point of view because the more uncertainty out there about some of these things, the more value your advice can be to the customer.”

Ms Williams believes interpreting energy policy is part of the job , adding: “They’re paying you to manage their energy, essentially then that is your job.”

Mr Alston went on: “It is – if that is what the customer wants.”

The Small Consultancy of the Year finalists were revealed at the roadshows in Manchester and Birmingham.

You can find the full list of finalists here.

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