5 things most faith buildings get wrong about their energy contracts
When you help run a place of worship, energy contracts aren’t always front of mind.
They’re not as visible as the leaky roof. Not as urgent as the next fundraiser. They sit quietly in a drawer or inbox, usually only looked at when something goes wrong or when a bill suddenly feels too high.
We speak to a lot of people who care deeply about the places they help manage. And when it comes to energy, the same problems crop up again and again. Here are five of the most common and how to move past them.
1. Letting old contracts run on without checking them
Many faith buildings are still using contracts set up years ago, sometimes by people who’ve long since stepped down.
They’ve never been reviewed, because nothing seemed wrong. The bills came, the lights stayed on. But over time, rates creep up. Terms change. What once looked like a good deal may now be costing you far more than it should.
We often hear: “We didn’t realise we were overpaying; it was just how things had always been.”
A review doesn’t have to be a big job. But it can make a big difference.
2. Thinking they’re too small to get a better deal
Many buildings assume they don’t have any buying power, especially if they only use a moderate amount of energy.
That’s why most end up on standard tariffs with limited options. But small buildings don’t have to act alone. When you join forces with others through something like a group energy basket, you’re treated more like a large customer.
That opens the door to more competitive pricing, better contract terms, and clearer advice.
This isn’t about handing over control. It’s about getting support that works in your favour.
3. Missing the renewal window, and paying the price
It’s easy to lose track of when your contract ends.
Maybe the person who used to manage it stepped away. Maybe it wasn’t clear in the paperwork. Maybe there were more pressing things on the to-do list.
But if you miss that window, your contract can roll onto a higher rate, often without warning. And those new terms aren’t always easy to get out of.
A lot of buildings we speak to only find out once they’re already stuck. Putting a safeguard in place, like a reminder, or a partner who handles that for you, can prevent real headaches later.
4. Ruling out greener energy options too quickly
There’s a common feeling: “We’d love to go greener, but it’s probably too expensive.”
That concern is valid. Budgets are tight. And when repairs are piling up or fundraising is tough, going green can feel like a luxury.
But it doesn’t always mean higher costs. Some renewable-backed tariffs are price-competitive. And there are even ways to explore solar without needing upfront capital.
You don’t have to overhaul everything. But you can take one small step and build from there.
5. Trying to handle it all alone
Too often, the person managing the energy contract is doing it quietly, on top of everything else.
They didn’t ask to be the go-between for the supplier. They didn’t expect to have to understand half a dozen tariff types or chase up confusing bills. But they care. So they take it on.
We see this all the time, people doing their best with limited time, no training, and a real fear of getting it wrong.
You don’t have to carry it by yourself. Getting someone to share the load, someone who’ll explain things in plain language and help sort out the practical bits, can be a real relief.
The reason this matters
These aren’t just energy admin errors. They’re small issues that build over time and quietly take money away from things that matter more, like keeping your space warm, welcoming, and running.
The Troo Buying Club exists to take some of that pressure off. It brings smaller buildings together to explore pricing and contract options that might not be available when buying alone but just as importantly, it offers steady, ongoing support from people who know what they’re doing and care about doing it well.
If managing your energy has felt like something you’ve had to carry alone, this could be the simplest way to lighten the load.
