Frequently Asked Questions about your energy basket
Welcome to our Energy Basket FAQ page – here to help you understand everything you need to know about joining and benefiting from our group energy procurement solution.
Our Energy Basket brings together organisations across the UK to combine their energy needs and secure stable pricing, greener energy and expert procurement support.
If you don’t see your question here, our team is always happy to help – just get in touch.
Will I know my pricing before signing up?
By joining the basket, you’ll benefit from the collective purchasing power of the group. However, final pricing is not confirmed until just before the contract begins.
This model allows our energy experts to monitor the market and secure the best possible prices based on live conditions. While this requires a level of trust, our energy basket has delivered long-term price stability, with a 98% retention rate over 10 years.
Your final rates will be locked in annually, giving you predictability for the next 12 months.
How long does the basket run for?
The basket runs for 5 years, from 1st October 2025 to 30th September 2030. You can join at any point and benefit from competitive pricing and expert contract management throughout the term.
What happens if energy prices rise significantly during the contract?
This is where the Energy Basket really comes into its own. A volume tolerance is built into the basket, providing flexibility to manage changes in demand without exposing members to immediate market spikes.
For customers already in the basket, pricing is fixed for each year, meaning any increases in the wider energy market will not affect your agreed rates during that period.
In addition, our structured buying strategy is designed to reduce exposure to volatility over time, helping to smooth out price spikes and support more stable pricing in future years of the basket.
I’ve seen you’ve mentioned “volume tolerance” – what does that mean and how does it benefit me?
Volume tolerance refers to a level of flexibility built into the Energy Basket that allows for variations in your expected energy usage without penalising your organisation.
In many other basket or group purchasing schemes, if your actual consumption differs from the forecasted volume, you may be charged additional fees or required to pay back costs linked to under- or over-usage.
Within the 2buy2 Energy Basket, a volume tolerance is included to account for these natural fluctuations, meaning you are not penalised if your usage changes. This helps protect you from unexpected additional charges and provides greater confidence and flexibility over the contract term.
Can the basket help if my contract ends at an inconvenient time?
Yes – we understand that contract end dates don’t always align with optimal market entry points.
We can offer short-term or interim contracts to bridge the gap. For example, if your current contract ends in July, we can arrange cover from July to October, allowing you to join the basket at the most advantageous time.
This flexibility ensures you’re not forced into locking in prices during unfavourable market conditions.
How does the basket help manage risk in a volatile energy market?
The Energy Basket is specifically designed to reduce exposure to market volatility. Rather than locking in prices at a single point in time, our experts monitor the market and purchase energy strategically.
Combined with features like the volume tolerance and flexible entry points, this spreads risk and helps secure more stable and competitive pricing over the long term.
Is the basket suitable during an energy crisis?
Yes – in fact, it can be even more beneficial during periods of market uncertainty.
By aggregating demand across multiple organisations, the basket increases buying power and allows for more strategic purchasing decisions. This helps mitigate the impact of sudden price spikes and provides greater stability than going it alone in a volatile market.
What if I’m worried about committing in uncertain market conditions?
That’s completely understandable. The basket is designed to reduce that uncertainty through:
- Expert market monitoring and timing of purchases
- Flexible joining options and interim contracts
- Built-in protections like the volume tolerance
- Annual price setting for predictability
This means you benefit from a managed, strategic approach rather than trying to time the market yourself.
Can I still use my preferred supplier?
The basket supplier is selected through a competitive tender process, designed to achieve the best value, service quality and compliance. While you can’t choose a specific supplier within the basket, rest assured the awarded provider meets stringent industry standards and delivers reliable, cost-effective energy solutions.
If you are set on using your preferred supplier, we can also support you with fixed-term contracts outside of the basket, giving you flexibility while still benefiting from our procurement expertise.
How do I ensure that my organisation pays the correct amount of VAT?
Any organisation that is entitled to a reduction of VAT will be able to complete forms that will have this removed from their bill. They will not be affected by being in a basket with others who pay the full amount.
Why have other energy baskets not worked in the past?
Not all energy baskets are created equal. Common issues with other schemes include:
Lack of transparency on pricing or procurement methods
Limited sector focus, excluding some organisations based on size or type
Rigid structures that don’t allow for flexibility or early exits
The 2buy2 Energy Basket overcomes these pitfalls by offering flexible joining terms, interim cover and a carefully vetted supplier who meets the needs of all types of organisations.