Dr Cost Limited is a London-based utility cost consultancy specializing in strategic energy and water procurement, cost recovery, efficiency improvements, and regulatory compliance for businesses across the UK. Through expert negotiation, technical advisory, and audit-driven services, Dr Cost helps clients reduce operational expenditure and improve sustainability outcomes.
Company History
Founded by energy and utilities specialist Samuel Strom, Dr Cost was established to offer transparent, performance-driven consultancy to organizations navigating the complexities of utility contracts and compliance requirements. Since its inception, the firm has grown into a trusted partner for SMEs, large corporates, and public sector bodies seeking to optimize utility spend and performance.
Core Business
Dr Cost’s primary business functions include:
- Utility procurement and negotiation for gas, electricity, and water.
- Validation of utility billing and correction of overcharges.
- Management of site works, including new meter installations and infrastructure upgrades.
- Energy efficiency implementation through lighting, controls, and monitoring systems.
- Compliance and sustainability reporting for government-mandated schemes.
Product and Service Offerings
The company’s services are structured into five main categories:
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Utility Contract Negotiation:
- Strategic tendering and contract comparison for energy and water.
- Tailored purchasing models: fixed, flexible, basket, and pass-through.
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Bill Validation Services:
- Detection of errors in supplier invoices.
- Retroactive billing audits with recovery of historic overcharges.
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Site Works Coordination:
- New meter installations, upgrades, disconnections.
- MPAN/MPRN management and DNO liaison.
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Energy Efficiency Solutions:
- LED lighting retrofit projects.
- Building Management Systems (BMS) integration.
- Energy monitoring tools for real-time analytics.
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Compliance Services:
- Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
- Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)
- CCA and CRC advisory
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Dr Cost differentiates itself through:
- Zero-upfront-cost business model: Fee structures are performance-based, incentivizing verified savings.
- Independent supplier relationships: Unbiased contract comparisons across the entire UK utility market.
- In-house auditing software: Proprietary tools for accurate validation and monitoring of utility bills.
- Compliance integration: Bundled services that align procurement and efficiency with ESG and legal frameworks.
Financials
As a private SME, Dr Cost does not publish full financials. However, based on service volume and sector engagement, estimates suggest:
- Annual revenue in the range of £2–3.5 million.
- Over £25 million in utility savings secured for clients since inception.
- 2024 figures reflect a 20% year-on-year growth, with the surge in demand for energy efficiency and carbon reporting solutions.
Client Portfolio and Case Performance
Dr Cost supports clients across sectors including:
- Hospitality and Foodservice
- Education and Local Authorities
- Commercial Real Estate
- Retail and Warehousing
Sample results include:
- £180,000 recovered for a UK hotel chain through historical utility bill audits.
- 25% energy savings for a London university via BMS optimization.
- Full ESOS Phase 2 compliance for over 120 commercial properties by deadline.
Shipment and Installation Capabilities
While not an importer, Dr Cost manages infrastructure projects involving:
- Nationwide meter installations and upgrades in partnership with DNOs and metering contractors.
- Project coordination of efficiency retrofits (e.g. lighting, controls) at over 400 client sites to date.
Target Market
Dr Cost focuses on mid-to-large businesses with complex utility demands, including:
- Multisite operations requiring central procurement.
- Facilities with high energy loads or poor energy visibility.
- Organizations needing carbon reporting and compliance support.
Its modular services allow tailored engagement from one-off audits to full portfolio management.
Capabilities
The firm’s service delivery model is supported by:
- Experienced in-house energy consultants and auditors
- Advanced audit and procurement software platforms
- Project management capabilities for physical site works and retrofits
- National coverage through regional partnerships and remote monitoring tools
Dr Cost offers a full-cycle utility and compliance management platform.
Certifications and Compliance
Dr Cost operates under full compliance with UK regulatory and professional standards, including:
- ESOS Lead Assessor registered staff
- Data handling protocols aligned with GDPR
- Registered SECR compliance consultants
- ISO 9001 and ISO 14001-aligned operating procedures
Customer Testimonials
“Dr Cost helped us secure savings of over £120,000 across our retail portfolio. Their insights and transparency were invaluable.”
— Head of Operations, UK Retail Group
“We engaged them for ESOS and were impressed by how seamlessly they integrated compliance into our procurement strategy.”
— Facilities Director, Hospitality Chain
Major Achievements
- Delivered ESOS Phase 2 compliance for over 250 sites across the UK.
- Achieved £2.3 million in validated cost savings for clients in 2023 alone.
- Launched Dr Cost Carbon Dashboard in 2024 for real-time emissions tracking.
- Named Top Utility Consultancy by UK Facilities Insight Awards in 2023.
- Expanded service offerings to include Net Zero strategy advisory from Q4 2024.
Dr Cost continues to lead in intelligent utility management, enabling clients to control costs, remain compliant, and meet sustainability goals through data-driven strategy and hands-on execution.
