Yorkshire Water has appointed energy supplier ENGIE to help reduce its annual electricity costs, which totalled £53 million last year.
The deal will see the the French utility provide the water company with power whilst simultaneously supporting its sustainable energy strategy by reducing consumption.
In what the firms say is a landmark move for the industry, ENGIE has also offered a guaranteed cost reduction over the course of the five-year deal.
It will conduct a series of audits of Yorkshire Water’s sites to highlight opportunities for cost and carbon reduction by analysing historic usage patterns and monitoring energy consumption.
It will use this information to help the water company meet its energy priorities, which include increasing the efficiency of assets and processes, managing demand more effectively and generating 12% of its total annual electricity needs via onsite renewable energy.
Sam Evans, Energy & Recycling Manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “Yorkshire Water has a rigorous sustainability programme, with the objective of reducing carbon emissions and energy costs to keep bills low for our customers.
“ENGIE has an impressive track record of delivering energy savings alongside its energy supply activities and will play a key role in supporting our efficiency and sustainability imperatives.”
The French utility is now offering smart heating controls and has launched its home energy business to UK customers.