With energy bills proving to be a major cost for farming enterprises the Farmers' Union of Wales has teamed up with a leading UK electricity and gas company to offer its members a dedicated account management service to give them best value prices.
The new service, provided by E.ON in partnership with the union's energy consultants Adamian Davis Meade, will be unveiled at the FUW's revamped pavilion alongside the main ring during next week's Royal Welsh Show.
The one-to-one account management service is intended to develop a close working relationship with members through farm visits timed to suit customers' needs and not confined to normal office or call centre hours.
"These fact-finding visits will be based on members' businesses, understanding their needs and delivering specific solutions," said FUW business development director Emyr James.
During discussions with the FUW, E.ON referred to one example of how the scheme had saved a farmer with two farms and a farmhouse hundreds of pounds.
"The company looked at the customer's bills, discussed how energy was being used and offered a fixed term contract to ensure pricing stability on the bills," said Mr James.
"An estimated annual saving of £1,400 (37%) was achieved based on the previous year's consumption. Energy consumption will be monitored over the coming months and if it's found the customer would benefit from a different tariff then they will replace the meters free of charge, resulting in further savings."
E.ON's head of SME direct sales Scott Dale said they will adopt a consultative approach with FUW members, providing honest and straightforward advice at all times and offer the customer a service based on their needs.
Details of the service will also be available from E.ON and Adamian Davis Meade representatives on the FUW stands at various county shows this summer.
Welsh-speaking assistance will be available during farm visits if the customer requests the meeting is conducted in Welsh.