Former Extra Energy CEO and Inenco Direct managing director Geoff Childs has joined utility smart billing firm Junifer Systems.
Childs joins as business development director.
Paul Fitzgerald, the outfit’s sales director, said Childs’ knowledge of founding and rapidly scaling an energy retail company would benefit clients, some of which are local authorities preparing to enter the energy market.
“We are delighted that Geoff is joining the ever growing team here at Junifer. Having set up and developed an extremely successful energy supplier, Geoff brings a wealth of in-depth industry experience to support our customers through the often complex industry entry process. His experience will add value to our new and existing customers alike, offering a consultancy approach to their set-up and ongoing business development.”
Childs said he was attracted to the firm’s product and growth potential, given that its customer information management and billing platform “enables new smart technologies.”
Junifer supports 25 live energy suppliers across domestic, SME, industrial and commercial and district energy schemes, with several more due to go live in early 2017.
The local authority energy market is beginning to build up a head of steam – and could be pivotal in the success of the smart meter rollout, given the challenges of engaging customers that do not have to accept a smart meter.
Bristol Energy is now a fully licensed supplier, with both domestic and business customers. Nottingham’s Robin Hood Energy is white labelling its services to other local councils, such as Liverpool’s ‘The Leccy’ energy company, with neighbouring Wirral Council also weighing up whether to take the same route to market.
Several other local authorities are also set to announce plans in the coming weeks.
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