TEC Members reap financial rewards of the TEC Framework

TEC Members reap financial rewards of the TEC Framework

With the higher education sector facing unprecedented financial challenges, our annual Benefits Statement is a timely reminder of the advantages TEC membership provides. For the fourth year running TEC members have enjoyed a double-digit return on investment.  

We sat down with Gemma Black, TEC’s Head of Operations, to delve deeper into the 2024/2025 Benefits Statement and explore how TEC members can make even greater cost, consumption and  carbon savings.  

How has TEC been able to deliver an increased return on investment for the fourth year running? 

The power of group buying has shone through again this year. Our members averaged a saving of £12.12 on every £1 spent on fees within the Framework for gas and electricity utilities.  In the last year we surpassed two terawatt hours (TWh) of consumption in electric and gas, which meant that we met further framework growth discounts which have bought about lower management and supplier risk fees.  

The introduction of transparency regulations relating to fees and commissions being charged by third party intermediaries has provided greater insight this year into the increase in advisory charges across the sector. We are proud that TEC’s fees and charges have remained the same since 2012, which has further supported savings across the membership when compared to other intermediaries. 

Water savings continue to be impressive. What are the best things members can do to reduce water consumption and costs? 

Cost savings from our Water Framework were very healthy this year.  Across the membership savings vs default prices increased from the previous year, standing at more than £1.3 million. Whilst wholesale water prices have gone up across the country, being part of the TEC Water Framework continues to deliver even greater savings. To reduce consumption further, there are a range of ancillary services available to members through the Framework, including leak detection and repair, water management and emergency planning. These are delivered by Wave’s experienced in-house Water Efficiency Services Team, helping to lower costs and improve efficiency in water use and expenditure. 

Have the improvements TEC has made to its Energy Bureau services led to better financial outcomes this year? 

The expertise of our Energy Bureau has been demonstrated through the Bill Validation process over the last year. The team picked up on a water uplift charging error which was applied across the membership which led to a return of £110,000.  Incorrect prices were also imposed at the entry point of the new 2024 electricity framework and were incorrectly applied. This led to savings of £47,000 which were refunded back to the membership. 

What can TEC members do to further reduce energy consumption and costs? 

Our sector is facing significant financial challenges as well as restructuring and employment changes. This environment makes it even more important for institutions to learn from one another. We would strongly advise setting up an energy working group to ensure that cost, carbon, and consumption reduction goals are shared across your organisation. Making the most of the energy management tools you have in place through metering and monitoring is also essential. Lighting – replacing fluorescent lightbulbs with LEDS – is another important focus and we’ll be helping members over the coming months to get the best value for money in this area.  

How can TEC members get the best value out of their membership? 

The best thing you can do is take advantage of everything that is included in your annual membership fee.  

As TEC represents 75% of the further and higher education sector in England and Wales, we are in a unique position to facilitate shared experiences and networking opportunities. This is delivered through our webinar series, our free to members annual conference, along with our case studies and member blogs. Our newly revamped Members Area on the TEC website is also a fantastic resource which contains a wealth of information and insights. Finally, make the most of your monthly meeting with your Member Services Advisor (MSA) to see where TEC can best provide added value and expertise. As well as access to our frameworks, we are also rolling out additional services across solar PV, lighting, BEMS and metering this year. 

TEC members – to register your free place for the TEC Annual Conference 2025 click here