Talk:BES Utilities

Edit request
Hi,

I think there are little bits of information that could further be added to this page.

This information should include:

In May 2015, BES signed a 3 year deal with Business Debtline and Charis Grants to help support customers who struggle with energy and other debts. (http://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/bes-utilities-launches-fund-to-help-businesses-survive-58609)

In June 2016, BES begun working with Lancaster University on research that looks to reduce energy bills (https://www.energylivenews.com/2016/06/07/lancaster-university-launches-research-to-reduce-energy-bills/)

I think there should also be a section for sponsorship as BES Gas are the away shirt sponsor for league one’s Fleetwood Town Football Club (http://www.footballkitnews.com/18963/new-fleetwood-town-away-kit-201617-ftfc-puma-alternate-shirt-16-17/).

There is also a link to the OFGEM investigation that could be added in the ‘controversy’ section - http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/ofgem-launches-investigation-into-two-independent-energy-suppliers/1068012#.V07m2vkrKUk – which gives more information about the investigation.

I was thinking these could be added in the following way:

History

Business Energy Solutions Ltd (trading as BES Commercial Gas) was established in 2002, BES Commercial Electricity Ltd was founded in 2009, and BES Telecom was founded in 2013. All three operating units are headquartered in Fleetwood, Lancashire. In 2013, the three companies were combined to form the BES Utilities group of companies. In October 2013, BES Utilities announced that BES Commercial Electricity would set a price freeze on its electricity tariffs until spring 2014. In April 2014, it announced that BES Commercial Gas would also freeze its tariffs until winter 2014. BES would extend the electricity price freeze until October 2014.[3]

In May 2015, BES signed a 3 year deal with Business Debtline and Charis Grants to help support customers who struggle with energy and other debts. [11]

In April 2015, BES Commercial Electricity announced it would cut its prices by 5%.[4] BES Utilities partnered with Blackpool Illuminations, an annual lights festival in Lancashire, to provide electricity for the lights for free in 2014 and at a discounted rate in 2015. The expected value of the deal exceeded £100,000, making BES the largest contributor to the lights in the last ten years.[5][6]

In June 2016, BES begun working with Lancaster University (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancaster_University) on research that looks to reduce energy bills [12].

BES Water

In November 2015, BES Utilities applied for a water services license with the Water Industry Commission for Scotland.[7]

Controversy

BES Utilities fell under criticism by consumer organisation Energywatch in 2008 for employing contract terms that purportedly took advantage of customers.[8] A subsequent government investigation by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)[13] found that BES failed to explain customer contract details and, in some cases, wrongly blocked customers from switching suppliers. The Ofgem investigation resulted in a fine of £980,000.[9]

Smart Meters

BES Commercial Electricity uses smart meters, which record energy consumption and send data back for remote reporting.[10]

Sponsorship BES Gas is to be the main shirt sponsor for the 2016/17 away shirt of Fleetwood Town Football Club[14].

References 1.	Jump up ^ "Visit the BES Utilities website". BES Utilities. 2.	Jump up ^ "Growing firm set to create 40 new jobs". Blackpool Gazette. 16 August 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2014. 3.	Jump up ^ "BES freeze their prices". BES Commercial Electricity. 4.	Jump up ^ "BES Electricity price reduction 5%". BES Commercial Electricity. 5.	Jump up ^ "BES Commercial Electricity supplies the Blackpool Illuminations". Blackpool Council. 15 July 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2014. 6.	Jump up ^ "Blackpool Illuminations are powered by BES Commercial Electricity". Veooz. 15 July 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2014. 7.	Jump up ^ "BES Water Application". BES Utilities. 8.	Jump up ^ "The Telegraph - "Watchdog criticises firms' transfer policies"". The Telegraph. 9.	Jump up ^ "BES Ofgem investigation". Ofgem. 10.	Jump up ^ "G4S Utility Services gets Smart in Lancashire". 14 November 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2014. 11.	“ BES Utilities launches fund to help businesses survive “http://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/bes-utilities-launches-fund-to-help-businesses-survive-58609 12.	Lancaster University launches research to reduce energy bills https://www.energylivenews.com/2016/06/07/lancaster-university-launches-research-to-reduce-energy-bills/ 13.	Ofgem launches investigation into two independent energy suppliers http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/ofgem-launches-investigation-into-two-independent-energy-suppliers/1068012#.V07m2vkrKUk 14.	New Fleetwood Town Away Kit 2016/17- FTFC Puma Alternate Shirt 16-17 http://www.footballkitnews.com/18963/new-fleetwood-town-away-kit-201617-ftfc-puma-alternate-shirt-16-17/

Thanks


 * Red question icon with gradient background.svg Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format.  B E C K Y S A Y L E S  08:28, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

Edit request 23 June 2016
I think there are a number of changes that could be included in this page to bring it more up to date. Please see below for recommended additions. In the ‘History’ section, after” In April 2015, BES Commercial Electricity announced it would cut its prices by 5%“I suggest adding “In May 2015, BES signed a 3 year deal with Business Debtline and Charis Grants to help support customers who struggle with energy and other debts.” This can be sourced here http://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/bes-utilities-launches-fund-to-help-businesses-survive-58609. I also suggest “In June 2016, BES begun working with Lancaster University on research that looks to reduce energy bills”, proof can be found at http://www.energylivenews.com/2016/06/07/lancaster-university-launches-research-to-reduce-energy-bills/, at the bottom of this section. In the ‘Controversy’ section, I suggest “A subsequent government investigation by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)” be sourced with this link, http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/ofgem-launches-investigation-into-two-independent-energy-suppliers/1068012#.V07m2vkrKUk. Finally, after the ‘Smart Meters’ section, I think a new section called ‘Sponsorship’ could be added with a sentence such as “BES Gas is to be the main shirt sponsor for the 2016/17 away shirt of Fleetwood Town Football Club”. This can be supported by http://www.footballkitnews.com/18963/new-fleetwood-town-away-kit-201617-ftfc-puma-alternate-shirt-16-17/

— Preceding unsigned comment added by 195.171.101.40 (talk) 16:05, 23 June 2016 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done: please establish a consensus for this alteration before using the template.  B E C K Y S A Y L E S  02:48, 6 July 2016 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 28 July 2016
Add the following.

(Under Controversy Section)

On 28th July 2016 BES Utilities were raided by the Police in a joint effort between Lancashire Police and National Trading Standards.

This continues to bear relevance as Trading Standards have confirmed a criminal investigation us under way, which will take several months.

Reference here: http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/police-and-trading-standards-raid-bes-utilities-offices-at-fleetwood-town-1-8039226

Additionally under controversy, add the following like to the recent Daily Mail article:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-3726878/TONY-HETHERINGTON-Damned-Ofgem-raided-police-beware-energy-supplier-BES.html

This relates to a recent case of mis-selling and criticism of multiple law firms uses by BES.

2.124.90.49 (talk) 21:11, 28 July 2016 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done for now: Looks like a case of recentism. Re-open this request here if you can elaborate on how how you feel this addition meets Wikipedia's notability and guidelines, and is not WP:UNDUE as well, thanks — Andy W.  ( talk  · ctb) 23:59, 29 July 2016 (UTC)

Additional edit request
Add the following.

(Under Controversy Section)

On 28th July 2016 BES Utilities were raided by the Police in a joint effort between Lancashire Police and National Trading Standards.

This continues to bear relevance as Trading Standards have confirmed a criminal investigation us under way, which will take several months.

Reference here: http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/police-and-trading-standards-raid-bes-utilities-offices-at-fleetwood-town-1-8039226

Additionally under controversy, add the following like to the recent Daily Mail article:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/experts/article-3726878/TONY-HETHERINGTON-Damned-Ofgem-raided-police-beware-energy-supplier-BES.html

This relates to a recent case of mis-selling and criticism of multiple law firms uses by BES. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.139.191.17 (talk) 23:18, 6 August 2016 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 19 October 2016
Under 'Renewable Energy'

BES Commercial Electricity Ltd. supply 36% more electricity from renewable sources than the UK national average. Reference is: https://www.besutilities.co.uk/about-us/latest-news/2016/bes-utilities-focusses-on-supplying-electricity-from-renewable-sources/ 5.61.122.162 (talk) 14:46, 19 October 2016 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done for now: does the section not exist anymore? — Andy W. ( talk ) 01:07, 4 November 2016 (UTC)

Edit request
The high court victory piece needs to be removed Bes did not win a high court victory The case was settled out of court with no judgement made The newspaper articles used as citations are a press release by BES Utilities and most have since been removed or edited substantially This passage is basically an outright lie Chasen121 (talk) 17:25, 13 February 2018 (UTC)
 * Oddly enough, I'm somewhat in agreement with this. Primefac (talk) 12:47, 14 February 2018 (UTC)
 * If no one disagrees, I'll (per WP:SILENCE) consider it worth removing. Primefac (talk) 18:40, 14 February 2018 (UTC)
 * Support, just came across this via Huggle. if it's to be included, it needs rewriting. -- Thanks, Alfie. talk to me &#124; contribs 19:07, 15 February 2018 (UTC)

BES Successful High Court Legal Action
"In January 2018, BES Utilities successfully concluded a High Court battle that saw BES take on two men accused of waging a three-year hate campaign against the company. The online hate campaign was believed to have been designed to damage BES and its reputation, by way of publishing articles including abusive and homophobic images with the intention of humiliating the directors, employees and legal representatives."

There is one particular Wikipedia user called 'Chasen121' who continuously reverts this back and removes it. This user does the same on the 'Andrew Pilley' page too. It seems, looking at Chasen121's contributions, they have an obsession with this and ALL of their contributions involve this page and 'Andrew Pilley'.

Now, this information is factual and is written unbiased. The court battle was concluded in BES' favour, making it successful, but I do not mention that they 'won' or it was a 'victory'. Please tell me what is nonfactual about this information?

This information has been published on the Blackpool Gazette, The Sun newspaper, The Energyst and various other online publications. BES have indeed written a press release on their website, but this has no tie ins with the aforementioned articles/references.

Chasen121, please can you advise why you keep reverting this information? Are you involved in it in some way and wish it not to be published here? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.43.120.15 (talk) 23:19, 19 February 2018 (UTC)

Whoever is defending Pilley needs to admit they're either is mate or in his payment! The man is a complete crook. BES Utilities are victimising thousands of small business and yes of course they're creating enemies? Pilley understands this he's part of the Lancashire criminal underworld it's a well known fact. BES Utilities do not operate like mainstream respectable energy suppliers. They're proven to edit front end calls to their own benefit. they've been proven to have no idea what they're billing people for and it appears they make up bills willy nilly. they don't accept direct customers only via a broker? This is to protect themselves against the regulators. For example Energy search (independent brokers owned by pilleys mate) are not regulated, so they call the business. They promise the owner the earth. then BES bill the owner 10 times the amount and say we accepted your business in good faith you need to take it up with the broker! they then block you from switching supply and you've had it. Trapped with bills coming in of £700 when they should be £70, This is not an exaggerated figure!! Meanwhile the ombudsman will tell you BES did nothing wrong as they didn't know what energy search had promised and there is no regulator to bring a broker to task. It's a slimey horrible world but a clever rip off. trading standards are currently investigating in depth and i'm certain Pilley will end up where he belongs in prison — Preceding unsigned comment added by 5.68.119.20 (talk) 18:57, 6 September 2018 (UTC)