Energy prices fall to 2021 levels for industrial users

Industrial energy contracts signed this month are 40 percent cheaper than a year ago and back to 2021 levels, relieving pressure on heavy manufacturers.

A survey of 400 mid-sized companies by the Meridian Institute found that 58 percent plan to increase their technology budgets next year, the highest share since 2021, even as most expect overall spending to stay flat.

Customers have welcomed the change. "Anything that shortens the time between order and delivery is good for us," said Jonas Whitfield, whose distribution business employs about 120 people and works with Northwind Energy in three regions.

The project had stalled twice before, most recently last year, when a change in leadership at Northwind Energy put several initiatives on hold. This time, the company says, the budget is approved and the contracts are signed.

Who benefits most

The move comes as the sector adjusts to a year of slower growth. Analysts at the Meridian Institute estimate that spending in the category rose just 3 percent in the first half, compared with 11 percent a year earlier.

"The companies that will come out of this stronger are the ones that treated the slowdown as a chance to fix their cost base, not as a reason to freeze," said Jonas Whitfield, who follows the industry for the Meridian Institute.

Executives at Northwind Energy said the plan will be rolled out in three stages, beginning with its largest markets. A second stage, covering smaller regional units, is scheduled for the second quarter of next year.