Black Sheep Utilities

Black Sheep Utilities: independent energy procurement for UK businesses

Black Sheep Utilities is an independent business energy and water broker headquartered in Brighton. The company has been trading since 2010 and describes its activity as comparing supplier prices, arranging contracts and looking after clients between renewals so that they do not have to deal with suppliers directly. Its client base includes businesses of every size as well as schools and academy trusts.

The firm presents itself as one of the largest independent energy consultancies in the UK and states that it works with more than 30 suppliers, including the so-called Big 6 and other leading providers. It offers what it calls bespoke procurement solutions and independent advice.

Utilities covered by the brokerage

The service portfolio spans several utility categories for business customers:

• Business electricity: comparison of electricity prices and negotiation of independent, bespoke rates.
• Business gas: comparison of gas prices and negotiation of bespoke supply prices.
• Business water: support for companies seeking savings on water bills following the deregulation of the business water market.
• Green energy: procurement of cleaner energy at competitive prices, according to the company.
• Solar power: advice on solar power, which the firm presents as an option in a context of high energy prices.
• EV charging points: listed among the services offered on the website.

Contract management and client support

Beyond price comparison, Black Sheep Utilities provides bill validation for every customer: it checks invoices against contracted rates and recorded usage and takes up any errors with the supplier. It also handles renewal reminders and timetables, multi-site accounts and a dedicated retentions team for existing customers. Renewal work typically begins up to 12 months before a contract ends, giving clients the choice of a forward price and time to wait for a better one. When problems arise with a supplier, the company states that it intervenes on the client's behalf.

Each customer is assigned a named account manager with a direct dial and email address, a service the firm contrasts with automated call waiting. The website also mentions a half-hourly meter report service, with a specific unsubscribe procedure for those emails.

Transparency and regulatory stance

The company states that it discloses its commission in full and in writing before a contract is signed. It also says its Letter of Authority is limited to data and quotes and that it never uses a "level 2" letter that would allow it to sign or agree a contract on the client's behalf.

Black Sheep Utilities is a member of the Energy Consultants Association (ECA) and of an alternative dispute resolution scheme with the Energy Ombudsman. It also reports participation in the TPI (third-party intermediary) working group and regular meetings with Ofgem. The website includes a customer complaints process and a feedback submission channel.

Client testimonials

The website reproduces reviews from business customers in sectors such as automotive, technology, retail, architecture, compliance testing, sports and a church, as well as from Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners. The comments highlight proactive account management, responsiveness, bill accuracy and continuity of service across renewals. These are individual testimonials and do not constitute a verified rating.

Company details

Black Sheep Utilities operates from Telecom House, 125-135 Preston Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6AF. The company is registered in the UK with company number 07360360 and VAT registration number 102393451.