In the latest instalment of our energy management industry executive interview series we speak to Michael Dugdale, Managing Director at Trident Utilities Ltd, about his company, the impact of higher energy prices on the world of business, and the need to ensure energy security while aiming for Net Zero…
Tell us about your company, products and services…
Trident exists to enable businesses to commit to net zero and deliver value for their business and shareholders.
Our mission is to constantly push our thinking and our expertise to develop a suite of services that work with our award-winning customer service, to drive efficiencies and meet customer carbon net zero goals.
We are members of the Carbon Accounting Alliance and Carbon Literacy Project. In addition, we are walking the walk on net zero, registering with Science Based Targets initiative, the global north star for measuring carbon emissions.
Through our outcome based consultancy approach, our customers turn intent into action, recognising up to 40% carbon savings (CO2e), an average of 27% saving on their energy costs and 20% improvement in energy efficiency.
What have been the biggest challenges the Energy Management industry has faced over the past 12 months?
Business energy consumers have been managing the fall out from two periods of unprecedented high energy prices and whilst the wholesale price has reduced, the none commodity charges have continued to rise. Electricity and gas prices are likely to continue at the ‘new normal’ for the remainder of the decade and business consumers priority will be to look at ways to mitigate price risk.
What is the biggest priority for the Energy Management industry in 2025?
The biggest priority for the UK Energy Management industry in 2025 is ensuring energy security while accelerating the transition to Net Zero.
Decarbonising the Energy System and meeting the UK’s Net Zero targets by 2050 remains a central challenge, with a focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the share of renewable energy.
The energy grid needs to be capable of handling increasing demand from sectors such as electric vehicles and the north south divide on renewable generation versus demand.
All this whilst maintaining affordable energy as the UK transitions to a greener energy mix. This will involve balancing investment in innovative technologies and infrastructure with maintaining low costs for consumers.
Finally, Policy and Regulatory Support: Consistent government policies and clear regulations will be needed to support industry investments in innovative technologies, renewables, and infrastructure development.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
I believe this will be a combination of renewable energy technologies, in particular the energy storage systems and smart grid technology to enable better communication and coordination between energy producers, consumers, and storage systems.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics will play a big part in how energy management date is utilised to provide meaningful insights and outcomes. This data driven decision making will allow for more efficient energy use and help integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.
Which person in, or associated with, the Energy Management industry would you most like to meet?
Elon Musk – his rise to fame is incredible and I would love the opportunity to understand what it is like to spend a day in his life, from his disruptive innovation, relentless work ethic to his public persona and controversial views on society and establishments.
You go to the bar at the Energy Management Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
I’m training for the Chicago Marathon on October 13th so it’s Guinness 0.0 at present. I might stick with it long term after Chicago so this might be my long term tipple of choice.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
I lead a fantastic group of people, and they make my role at Trident exciting and different every day. Trident set out a vision several years ago to provide award winning service and I love the opportunity to get involved in activities with our customers and supply chain partners. We’re proud of our innovation and helping customers to turn intent into action, making a real difference to our customers sustainability credentials. This work can be strategic channel development one day, innovation workshops, visiting customers or board meetings, it’s diverse and that makes leading a growing net zero and energy consultancy business motivating and enjoyable.
And what’s the most challenging?
The energy sector is one of the most important sectors on the planet, contributing the largest proportion of greenhouses gas emissions versus any other industrial sector. The pace of change and volatility of energy prices has been the most challenging aspect of my role and that of my team.
Peaky Blinders or Stranger Things?
They’re both fantastic but I’m going Peaky Blinders because I’m looking forward to the conclusion of the series through the forthcoming film.
