The ESPO 191_28 Electricity framework represents a significant upcoming opportunity for licensed electricity suppliers and businesses progressing through the Ofgem licensing process. Recently announced by Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation), the framework aims to shape the next 4-year procurement strategy for electricity supply, scheduled to commence in 2028.
This preliminary market engagement phase is not a live tender, but it gives electricity suppliers an important chance to help shape the structure and requirements of a future multi-authority public sector framework.
If you are considering engaging with the upcoming ESPO 191_28 Electricity framework, Thornton & Lowe can provide a rapid, expert review so you can decide whether investing your time to shape or bid on this opportunity is worthwhile. Contact us to discuss your aims and ensure your interest aligns with the framework’s ambitions.
Why Engage with the ESPO Electricity Framework?
The 191_28 Electricity framework is uniquely valuable due to ESPO’s reputation for bringing together a consortium of public sector buyers, often spanning local government, education, health and emergency services. Participating as a supplier in this early market engagement gives you a unique opportunity to influence how the final framework will operate, from route to market and specification details to expected contract performance mechanisms.
For electricity suppliers, this is not just about future supply volumes. It’s about helping set the standards, helping shape areas such as flexible purchasing products, Smart Export Guarantees, renewable energies and social value, and being at the table during the formative stages. This can directly impact your competitiveness and compliance down the line, as well as allow your business to prepare for upcoming demands around sustainability and innovation.
Bidding Considerations & Supplier Tips
This is a pre-market engagement notice, so no bid submission is yet required. However, the decisions made now by ESPO—with your input—will affect the framework’s lot structure, delivery model and supplier qualification needs. Here are some targeted tips for making the most of this phase:
- Review Buyer Requirements in Detail: ESPO’s broad base means framework contracts can be complex. Early input allows you to flag key features or challenges and align your future offer accordingly.
- Shape the Future Framework Design: If you have views on flexible purchasing models, renewable supply options or social value requirements, use the RFI to make them clear.
- Consider Scale and Collaboration: Given ESPO’s aggregation power, reflect on your ability to supply at scale or as part of consortia. Express preferences or insights where scalability or local/regional focus is important.
- Examine Framework Duration: At 4 years, the agreement offers stability, but also means evolving market conditions (such as price volatility or decarbonisation) should be considered and communicated during feedback.
- Value Not Stated – Understand Market Potential: While the overall contract value is not published, suppliers should look at ESPO’s previous frameworks for benchmarking and be ready for significant volumes and multiple end users.
Quick Facts
- Framework agreement: Pre-market engagement, not yet at tender stage
- Buyer: Leicestershire County Council (ESPO)
- Scope: Electricity supply to a range of public sector bodies
- Value: Not stated
- Term: 4 years
- CPV areas: Electricity, and electricity distribution and related services
Key Dates
- Supplier feedback deadline: 17 April 2026
- Estimated framework term: 1 October 2028 to 30 September 2032
With ESPO seeking supplier input to design this strategic, cross-sector framework agreement, Fuels-Utility-Supply providers have a rare chance to influence the procurement design and futureproof their position in a changing energy sector. Begin conversations with partners, review the official notice in detail, and ensure your firm’s voice shapes the next chapter of UK public sector electricity procurement.
Ready to maximise your engagement? Speak to us at Thornton & Lowe for tailored insights and expert bid strategy, shaped specifically for major public sector frameworks like ESPO 191_28 Electricity.
