Valda SmartChoice puts energy supply control back in hands of SME businesses

Oxfordshire-based B2B energy supplier Valda Energy has launched Valda SmartChoice, a unique energy proposition which gives SME businesses in every sector access to competitive prices, the latest smart meter technology and flexible payment options.

The financial fallout of Covid-19 has resulted in traditional energy suppliers exercising caution regarding which businesses they are willing to accept as customers. Through no fault of their own, businesses in such sectors as hospitality, travel and many more have found that signing up for competitive energy deals can be problematic. Valda Energy has addressed this issue with SmartChoice – a solution which enables customers to purchase energy in advance and only pay for what is used. 

Valda SmartChoice is a real industry first, putting payment control firmly in the hands of business users. Customers make an initial payment pre-live which immediately shows as credit on their account. They can then monitor their usage via the Valda Energy app or web-based portal. The customer can choose for automatic payments to be taken when the account dips low, or to take full control and top-up themselves via debit or credit card, standing order or Direct Debit. 

Taking payments in advance enables Valda Energy to keep its own operating costs low and to pass those savings back to SmartChoice customers.

Steve James, CEO, Valda Energy, comments: “With SmartChoice we’ve developed an innovative energy solution that aligns perfectly with the needs of all smaller businesses. The solution serves an immediate need by providing businesses who might be struggling to find sensible energy deals right now with access to competitively priced, 100% renewable energy. But additionally, SmartChoice enables every SME to take back control of its energy spend, to buy what it needs up-front and to avoid any surprises that can arise from monthly bills.

“Small business owners need flexibility from service suppliers – solutions that recognise that these businesses may be seasonal or may have to close on certain days or might require room to negotiate cash-flow bottlenecks. SmartChoice provides exactly this level of flexibility, enabling businesses to pay for what they need and to grow and develop at their own pace.”

Valda SmartChoice is a smart meter solution, with the latest SMETS2 meters installed for every customer – where one isn’t already on site. Once the meter is in place, the customer is given the option of complete account management control and can pay how they want, when they want, via the app or website customer portal.  Alternatively, customers can choose to remain on automatic based payments, triggered when the account is running low. 

Using the app or web portal customers can track usage, see their current balance, download invoices and set up payment options. This instant, holistic view of their energy account enables businesses to make quicker, more informed decisions about energy consumption and drive towards improved energy efficiency.

Launched in 2019 by a senior management team with over 20 years’ industry experience, Valda Energy is a British-owned B2B energy supplier operating in the SME market.  Based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, the company focuses on cloud-based technology, customer focused solutions, 100% renewable energy and outstanding customer service with its UK-based customer services centre, to bring customers the best energy solutions available.