The challenge
Energy purchasing data are commercially sensitive. A useful benchmark therefore needs more than calculations: participants must understand what is collected, how comparisons are made and who can access the information.
C2C first approached VEMW in 2012. A pilot and agreement followed in 2016 after an extensive security review. The requirement was to create a repeatable process for separate gas and electricity studies without overstating what the relatively compact participant group could support.
The approach
VEMW determines the content and manages the studies operationally. Changes are implemented together where needed, and VEMW performs the validation. C2C supports the configured Survey Tool environment.
The programme does not rely on elaborate peer groups. Preconfigured rules calculate the agreed comparison with the total group. Some individual performances can be shown anonymously, without identifying the organisations behind them.
Each participating site can receive an automatically generated individual PDF report. VEMW can export aggregate/group results for its own communications and advocacy work, while historical results provide context over time.
Who does what?
VEMW — Owns the content, validates data, manages the research operationally and uses aggregate results in member communication and advocacy.
Compare to Compete — Provides and supports the Survey Tool, helps implement changes and supplies technical/research-process support when requested.
What the programme delivers
Participating sites receive an individual view of their energy purchasing position in the context of the benchmark. VEMW receives group-level information it can use to understand and communicate developments.
The case also illustrates that a serious customer security review can be part of implementation. It must not be presented as a certification of C2C or as evidence of ISO 27001 certification.
VEMW can operate the benchmark independently but chooses to use C2C support where that adds capacity or technical expertise.
Why this case matters
VEMW shows how sensitive commercial data can be handled in a deliberately simple benchmark model with clear roles, individual feedback and aggregate sector use.