Key Takeaways
- £15,208 projected annual saving identified through forensic bill analysis (22.09% reduction)
- Standing charges were 79% above current market rate - whether from broker uplift, market movement since the contract was signed, or poor supplier pricing, the overpayment was significant
- This was a forensic analysis only - THIS Workspace did not switch via Meet George, but this demonstrates the savings available
- Large workspaces often overpay because energy procurement falls to the bottom of the priority list
Who this is for: Workspace operators, coworking space managers, commercial property managers, and facilities teams responsible for energy contracts in large commercial buildings.
About THIS Workspace
THIS Workspace is a premium 60,000 sq ft flexible workspace in Bournemouth, offering everything from hot desks to private offices for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on community, collaboration, and creating an environment where businesses thrive, THIS Workspace has become a cornerstone of Bournemouth's business community. Visit THIS Workspace. Learn more about Meet George and how we help UK businesses find out if they're overpaying on energy.
The Challenge
Managing Energy Costs Across a Large Workspace
THIS Workspace, a thriving 60,000 square foot flexible workspace in Bournemouth, had been with the same energy supplier for several years. Like many workspace operators, the team was focused on serving members and growing the business - not scrutinising energy contracts.
The annual energy bill seemed reasonable, but there was no clear way to verify if the rates were still competitive. The contract had been in place for some time, and energy markets had moved significantly. With hundreds of businesses relying on THIS Workspace for their daily operations, energy reliability and cost efficiency were essential.
In short: THIS Workspace was paying significantly more than current market rates - they just didn't know it yet.
Like many workspace operators, savings from energy contracts are often left on the table because procurement falls to the bottom of the priority list.
The Approach
Our Forensic Analysis
Meet George conducted a comprehensive forensic analysis of THIS Workspace's energy contract:
- Bill Deep Dive: We analysed their existing energy contract, breaking down every line item: unit rates (day and night), standing charges, availability charges, and additional fees.
- Market Comparison: Using live API data from 20+ UK business energy suppliers, we compared THIS Workspace's rates against current market pricing.
- Overcharging Detection: Our analysis revealed the standing charge was 79% above the best available market rate at the time of quoting. The availability charge was 240% above market. Whether from broker uplift, market movement, or poor supplier pricing - the overpayment was clear.
- Transparent Quote: We provided a competitive quote at current market rates with our 1p/kWh fee shown separately.
The Results: 22% Annual Saving
£15,208 Identified Through Forensic Analysis
Our forensic analysis revealed THIS Workspace could save £15,208 annually (22.09%) by switching from Tomato Energy to Tem Energy. The largest savings came from the standing charge, which was 79% above the current market rate, and the availability charge at 240% above market.
Full Cost Comparison
Analysis & Quote Tomato Energy → Tem Energy (Quoted Alternative)
| Metric | Previous | New | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Rate (Day) | 24.10p/kWh | 20.12p/kWh | -17% |
| Unit Rate (Night) | 15.10p/kWh | 16.77p/kWh | +11% |
| Standing Charge | 2,700.00p/day | 1,507.96p/day | -44% |
| Availability Charge | 32.94p/kVA/day | 9.67p/kVA/day | -71% |
| Annual Energy Spend | ~£68,846 | ~£53,638 | -£15,208 |
| Total Annual Saving | £15,208 (22.09%) |
Industry Insight
Why Workspace Operators Overpay
Workspace operators manage complex operations - from member services to facility maintenance. Energy procurement often falls to the bottom of the priority list, and without forensic analysis, above-market rates and poor contract terms go undetected for years.
Common Issues We See
- Standing charges significantly above current market rates
- Multi-year contracts signed without ongoing market comparison
- Availability charges far above market rates
- No visibility into whether rates are still competitive after market movements
Without forensic analysis, above-market rates go undetected - costing businesses thousands of pounds annually. See how our transparent 1p/kWh fee works, or join the waitlist to get early access when we launch.
Transparency
What This Does NOT Mean
This was a forensic analysis, not an actual switch. THIS Workspace did not switch their supplier through Meet George. They allowed us to perform a forensic analysis of their existing contract to identify potential savings.
The £15,208 saving is a projection, not a realised saving. This figure represents what THIS Workspace could save based on the Tem Energy quote we obtained. Actual savings would depend on completing the switch and ongoing consumption patterns.
Your results may differ. Every business has unique consumption patterns, contract terms, and market timing. We cannot guarantee identical savings for other workspace operators.
Market rates change constantly. The Tem Energy rates quoted were valid at the time of analysis (Q4 2025). Energy prices fluctuate daily based on wholesale markets and supplier pricing strategies.
Assumptions & Methodology
Data Sources: Actual bills provided by THIS Workspace. Verified annual consumption: 239,295 kWh. Live market quotes obtained via API.
Calculation Method: Annual spend calculated from current rates x verified consumption. Tem Energy quote includes all charges (unit, standing, availability). Our 1p/kWh fee included in the "after" quote.
Analysis date: Q4 2025 | Quote validity: 14 days from issue | Consumption basis: 12-month historical data
Check if your energy contract is still competitive. Most workspace operators have no idea if they're overpaying - especially when contracts were signed in a different market period. Meet George compares your rates against live market pricing and identifies exactly where you're losing money.
Join the WaitlistFAQs
Common questions
Straight answers about this case study.
THIS Workspace's standing charge was 79% above the best available market rate at the time of our analysis. This difference may reflect a combination of factors - the original contract was signed around 2023, and market rates have moved since then. It may also include broker commission embedded in the rate. Whatever the cause, the overpayment was significant. Learn more about standing charges and how broker commissions work.
Savings vary based on usage and current contract terms, but THIS Workspace identified a potential saving of £15,208 annually (22.09% reduction) by switching to a competitive contract with transparent pricing. Large workspaces with high energy usage often see substantial savings. Read our guide on how to switch business energy.
A forensic energy bill analysis examines every component of your energy contract - unit rates, standing charges, availability charges, and fees - comparing them against current market rates to identify where you may be overpaying. It's aligned with the approach recommended by Ofgem guidance for business energy consumers.
It depends on your situation. If you're switching for a future start date, the switch takes effect on the first day after your existing contract ends. If you're on deemed rates, some suppliers can complete a switch in as little as ~5 business days, while others take closer to ~21 days. See our step-by-step guide on switching business energy supplier.
Joshua is the CEO and Co-Founder of Meet George. With experience in tech, AI, and energy markets, he's building tools to make business energy switching transparent and effortless. Previously, he's worked in startups and commercial strategy roles.
