From oil to gas: how businesses can make the change

For large industrial businesses, especially those in remote locations, the prospect of switching their energy source from oil to gas may seem unfeasible or impractical. However, that is no longer the case. With help from E.ON, businesses can now make the move and save money.

How could your business benefit from switching from oil to gas?

The most significant benefit is a reduction in energy costs: with gas prices low relative to the cost of oil, E.ON customers who have made the switch have seen significant savings to their fuel costs, and a quick return on the cost of their initial investment.

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Cost savings are not, however, the only benefit. Gas is a more convenient fuel source, always on tap, meaning that you no longer have to worry about scheduling fuel deliveries. Eliminating the need for road transport also benefits the environment – and burning gas results in significantly lower emissions than burning oil.

How hard is it to make the switch?

E.ON's dedicated Connection Services team can help advise businesses about all facets of switching from oil to gas. Once they have provided a quote for bringing gas onsite, they will work closely with the business to assist with the technical aspects of switch.

Case study: First Milk Group takes the plunge

First Milk Group – a national and international supplier of cheese and dairy products owned by a group of family farms – is just one example of a British business enjoying the benefits of a new gas supply. It decided to replace the oil-fired boilers at its Haverfordwest creamery in Wales in order to cut fuel costs and reduce its carbon footprint.

How did it happen?

According to Tony Carter, the group's project engineer, E.ON began by taking a tour of First Milk's premises to get the measure of the company's requirements.

"E.ON visited the creamery to understand exactly what we needed," Tony says. "The switch to gas involved installing a new 745-metre pipeline, to bring gas from the local high pressure gas main into our boiler house. It was a complex project, which took 18 months, but E.ON used the best contractors at each stage, to make sure things ran smoothly."

Throughout the project, Tony had a single point of contact at E.ON, who kept him up to date with the pipeline's installation. A reporting matrix designed for the project team ensured that people only ever received updates relevant to them, thus shielding them from being inundated with unwanted information.

What obstacles had to be overcome?

Perhaps inevitably on such a big project, there were some complications, largely resulting from the need to route the new pipeline across farmland and railway tracks.

"E.ON understood the commercial impact of the project and managed everything from start to finish, including liaising with planners, the local network operator and landowners," Tony explains. "This was particularly important as the pipeline had to cross farmland and navigate 12 metres under a railway line, so they worked closely with the farmer and Network Rail."

How did the company benefit?

Tony says First Milk Group's owners have been delighted with the results of the conversion. "Now we have a consistent source of energy without the need for oil deliveries, and we've almost halved our steam generation costs," Tony said. "All in all, another great job by E.ON."

Find out more

Our dedicated team is here to help, whatever your business needs. Call 0330 400 1723

We're here from 8am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 4.30pm on Friday. Or email siteworks@eon-uk.com

You can also find out more at www.eonenergy.com/connectionservices.