Optimised electricity and gas procurement goes online efficiently.

Just in time for the end of the year, many energy buyers look back at their results. Since most have already completed their electricity and gas purchases for the 2016 delivery year, the current stock market prices and the procurement for the following years are on the agenda. In keeping with this, the portal operator for online energy purchasing enPORTAL has identified five New Year's resolutions that are worthwhile for purchasers and can be implemented professionally without a lot of work. The resolutions show how the procurement of electricity and gas can be made even more efficient. This way, buyers start the new working year more relaxed and ultimately even save time and costs.

Resolution 1: More order in the data management of all collection points

In 2016, energy buyers can say goodbye to the numerous, rigid offline tables that have to be permanently updated and sent to suppliers. It is worthwhile to use new tools for simple energy data management in order to maintain an overview and to be able to react quickly when electricity and gas prices are favourable. One solution is the cloud-based portal from enPORTAL. All energy data is presented transparently and comprehensively in the online portal: From the individual consumption points, consumption, costs and network structure to notice periods, all information is available in detail. The data can be called up at any time and thus allows an online tender to be started immediately.

Resolution 2: Maximise competition in the marketplace

Anyone who wants to request more than a handful of suppliers for a supply in 2016 can do so easily and as quickly as possible with enPORTAL. As soon as all the data has been entered in the portal, an online tender can start. More than 540 suppliers listed in enPORTAL learn of the request at the same time. Within a very short time, interested suppliers submit a price offer via the portal, which is automatically evaluated and sorted in a bidding table. Due to the great competition among each other, the prices vary. You can see at a glance which supplier offers the lowest price for electricity or gas. The average savings potential in a tender via the online portal in the first six months of 2015 was, according to a enPORTAL study for electricity at 0.4 cents per kilowatt hour and for gas at 0.3 cents per kilowatt hour.

Intention 3: Respect notice periods

Missed cancellation deadlines usually lead to unwanted double supply and ultimately to additional costs. Energy buyers can easily do without these unnecessary costs. With enPORTAL, users receive a contract management system that clearly lists all terms, contractual partners and conditions as well as notice periods. When a contract is due to end, buyers receive a timely notification by e-mail or a call from their personal account manager that a termination must take place. Another advantage is that a ready-made termination letter is stored in PDF format, adapted to the delivery and payment conditions of the current contract. Then all you have to do is click, print, sign and send it by post.

Resolution 4: Watch stock market prices

Exchange products such as electricity and gas can experience strong price fluctuations. Even though energy prices have fallen continuously over the last few years, it is important to keep an eye on market developments. With enPORTAL, you can keep a permanent eye on the stock market without having to deal with it every day. To do this, users enter an individual upper and lower price limit in the portal under "Stock Exchange Price Alert" and are automatically notified as soon as their entered corridor is left on the stock exchange. This ensures that favourable developments are not missed and that market opportunities are seized.

Resolution 5: Share industry knowledge

Energy buyers are often spoilt for choice: either they decide on purchasing dates based on their own knowledge or they seek the support of energy consultants who may be able to assess the market better, but often demand a pro rata success commission for this. Those responsible for electricity and gas purchasing can do without both in 2016! This is possible because buyers have an overview of all data and costs for the first time in the online portal and can always keep an eye on the exchange. In addition, enPORTAL customers can exchange information with their personal account manager and learn how to make even more targeted decisions themselves. Plus: An annual, fixed usage fee is charged for the use of the portal, which is based on the number of delivery points and the quantity required. Efficient energy purchasing goes online - with the enPORTAL online portal.