Strategic Clean Energy Sourcing

1. Description of the Requirement:

The Council has established a framework agreement for the supply of electricity and gas, including both half-hourly (HH) and non-half-hourly (NHH) sites, and street lighting. This framework enables the Council to procure energy from renewable sources and consider low-carbon alternatives, resulting in significant cost avoidance given the recent increases in energy prices. Equans appointed Engie Impact, under an internal company arrangement to deliver the Strategic Clean Energy Sourcing for the Council's gas and electricity framework.

2. Reason for Direct Award:

The contract cannot be awarded on the basis of a competitive tendering procedure because Engie Impact is the only supplier capable of delivering the required services. The urgency is not attributable to any act or omission of the contracting authority and could not have been foreseen by the contracting authority.

3. Background:

Equans appointed its group company, Engie Impact, under an internal company arrangement to deliver the Strategic Clean Energy Sourcing for the Council's gas and electricity framework. The Regeneration contract between Equans and the Council is

shortly coming to an end, which will also terminate the arrangement between Equans and Engie Impact. However, the Council still requires the services provided by Engie Impact to

ensure the framework can continue to be effective and procure gas and electricity for the remainder of the term until 31 March 2028. Given our obligation to deliver the framework to external parties such as schools, it is not feasible to change suppliers at this point in the framework. The position will be reviewed upon re-procurement.

4. Justification for Sole Supplier:

Engie Impact is uniquely positioned to deliver the required services due to their existing involvement and expertise in the framework. Transitioning to a new supplier at this stage is not possible and would jeopardise the Council's commitments to external parties. Engie Impact's familiarity with the framework and their established processes ensure that they are the only supplier capable of meeting the Council's needs without interruption.

5. Conclusion:

Given the critical nature of the services provided by Engie Impact and the necessity to maintain the framework's continuity, a direct award to Engie Impact is justified.