CLIENT OVERVIEW

Worthing Theatres and Museum is a cultural cornerstone in West Sussex, presenting a vibrant mix of theatre, film, art, and heritage experiences for both local audiences and visitors. As a publicly supported organisation, they are committed not only to providing accessible cultural experiences but also to advancing environmental sustainability in line with the Net Zero ambitions of Worthing and Adur Council. 

FACED CHALLENGES

Worthing Theatres and Museum faced several challenges while navigating the dual demands of financial risk and environmental responsibility: 

• Navigating the Energy Crisis: During the unprecedented volatility of the recent energy crisis, the organisation required expert guidance to manage energy procurement without compromising the stability of utility management. 

• Financial Uncertainty and Budgeting Pressures: As a publicly funded organisation, accurate budgeting and forecasting were critical to remain accountable to stakeholders and ensure continuity of services. 

• Supplier Billing and Disputes: The team had to manage complex issues, including supplier disputes and unexpected back billing caused by metering errors—issues that required specialist knowledge and negotiation. 

• Aligning with Net Zero Targets: As Worthing and Adur Councils progress toward Net Zero, the theatre needed to ensure its energy management strategy supported these broader environmental objectives. 

• Impact of Council-led Heat Network Works: Planned infrastructure changes required practical guidance and forward-thinking budgeting to ensure the organisation could adapt effectively. 

 

THE SOLUTION

CES partnered with Worthing Theatres and Museum to deliver a robust and tailored energy management approach designed to tackle these challenges head-on: 

• Flexible Procurement Strategy: CES implemented a flexible gas procurement and risk management strategy that protected the organisation from market volatility while maintaining energy security. 

• Budgetary Assistance and Forecasting: CES’s team provided ongoing budget support, using financial modelling and forecasting to ensure clarity and control over energy spending during periods of operational change. 

• Bill Validation and Dispute Resolution: CES conducted ad-hoc bill validations and engaged directly with suppliers on complex disputes, including a successful negotiation that reduced a historical back bill by £11,000 due to metering issues. 

• Green Energy Contracts: CES supported the procurement of deep green electricity contracts for key meters across the estate, helping the theatre align its supply with the Council’s Net Zero strategy. 

• Guidance on Heat Network Implementation: CES advised the client on the implications of council-implemented heat works and helped revise energy budgets in response to the changes. 

THE OUTCOME

Thanks to CES’s support, Worthing Theatres and Museum successfully navigated one of the most challenging periods in the UK energy market.  

By implementing a flexible procurement strategy and securing environmentally conscious contracts, the organisation protected its budget, avoided unexpected costs, and took a meaningful step toward its sustainability goals. 

With CES’s guidance, the theatre remains well-positioned to adapt to future developments in energy management while continuing to deliver outstanding cultural programming to its community.  

TESTIMONIAL

“I am pleased to provide this reference on behalf of Worthing Theatre and Museum in recognition of the outstanding service and support we have received from Commercial Energy Solutions (CES), our energy management consultancy, over the past 7 years. 

The team at CES have consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and deep sector knowledge. Their partnership has added significant value to our operations, and we are grateful for the continued support. 

We would highly recommend CES to any organisation seeking reliable, knowledgeable, and results-driven energy consultancy services.” 

Bernard Dodds 

Head of Finance & IT 

Download the case study here.