PERTH-BASED transport group Stagecoach are introducing environmentally-friendly measures including the use of smart meters at 240 sites to help cut energy use.

The company yesterday said that electricity generated from mostly small-scale hydro, as well as on-shore wind and biomass, will provide more than 70% of the company’s required supply, with the remainder coming from cleaner, low-carbon sources.

Stagecoach is also installing smart meters to help cut energy use as part of a £3.5 million contract with Opus Energy, a leading independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses.

The new two-year contract covers electricity supply to around 240 UK sites operated by Stagecoach, which runs 7000 buses, one of the UK’s largest fleets.

Smart meters will allow Stagecoach to monitor electricity consumption at each site, receive accurate readings and bills, and take steps to improve energy efficiency.

According to the Carbon Trust, an average business can reduce its consumption by 12.3% per annum through the use of smart meters.

Les Warneford, managing director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said, “This new partnership with Opus Energy is a key element of our strategy to make our business more sustainable, offer greener, smarter travel solutions to our customers, and help tackle the challenge of climate change.”

Mr Warneford said that the installation of smart meters at most of the company’s sites also means they can be more vigilant about what energy is being used, and when, which

then helps the business take steps to cut energy consumption and its carbon footprint.

“It will ensure our electricity requirements are sourced mostly from renewables and further cut CO2 emissions from our operations.”

Steve James, head of corporate accounts at Opus Energy, said, “The combination of using smart meters in tandem with the Opus Evolution product allows them to directly monitor their usage and then plan and purchase energy accordingly.

“Large companies like Stagecoach need to have an even greater understanding of and control over their energy purchasing requirements in these times of increased market volatility.

“This is a sterling example of how independent energy providers can offer great solutions to suit the large corporate energy buyers’ needs.”