Part of DraxGroup, 19 year old Opus Energy was formed in 2002 by founder Charlie Crossley Cooke and moved to buying renewable energy one year later in 2003.
Opus pride themselves in buying from over 2,300 independent renewable generators, and as part of DraxGroup, they are working alongside the company to achieve negative carbon emissions and support organisations that also plan to build a more sustainable future. They followed DraxGroup’s enthusiasm as the first business to announce it’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030 by introducing their first renewable generation site shortly after they established. Their Oxford and Northampton branches were the first to supply to small and medium UK businesses but moved to larger offices after 3000 sites signed to them.
Opus Energy achieved mention in The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league following their growth over the years and even raised over £20,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in its tenth year of business to celebrate. They were awarded the “Independent Energy Supplier of the Year award” at the Energy Excellence awards in 2010 for their renewables division to launch early after that the following year, which allowed businesses to sell their unused energy back to Opus.
Drax bought Opus for $340million in December of 2016 and published their final year results in 2019, with an overview of their progress and sustainable sourcing. Alongside their efforts, Opus have also fitted LED lights, installed solar panels and electric vehicle charge points at the Northampton office.

Between April 2010 and March 2013,
- 69% of the energy supplied by Opus came from cleaner, low-carbon sources;
- 48%from renewable generators
- 21% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) provided by generators.
Still, it is a concern that TrustPilot’s 1,475 reviews of Opus leave them with only a 30% “excellent energy”, with the remaining positive options dropping below 5%, and a “bad” review for service reaching 58% among customers, leaving them with only two stars. It is a positive, though, that Opus took to responding to all of these reviews in order to offer them the necessary details to improve their business situation.
Despite Cooke and business partners Fred Esiri and Louise Borland leaving the company after Drax’ takeover, 10 other members involved in forming the business still stand at the heart of the team, and the business themselves claim that the majority of their shares are still owned by their own team members.
“For the financial year ended 31 March 2016, Opus reported a turnover of £573 million, up 9% year on year. The firm, which makes more than half its revenue from SMEs, also reported a profit margin of almost 20%: Gross profit for the year ended 31 March 2016 was £107 million, up 10%.”, TheEnergyst online shared.
Drax Group Acquisition
In 2017 Opus Energy found itself in the midst of a significant development—the acquisition by Drax Group. Drax Group, a leading renewable energy company with a focus on biomass and hydroelectric power, saw the acquisition as an opportunity to bolster its presence in the business energy market and further diversify its portfolio.
The acquisition of Opus Energy by Drax Group marked a significant strategic move for both companies. Opus Energy, known for its commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions, found a like-minded partner in Drax Group. The move aligned with Drax Group’s mission to transition to a low-carbon future and expand its offering of clean energy solutions.
By joining forces, Opus Energy and Drax Group aimed to leverage their combined expertise and resources to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy within the business sector. The acquisition provided Opus Energy with access to Drax Group’s extensive renewable energy generation capabilities, including its biomass power stations. This allowed Opus Energy to enhance its product offerings with a broader range of clean energy options.
Moreover, the acquisition strengthened Drax Group’s position in the business energy market by incorporating Opus Energy’s established customer base and strong market presence. Opus Energy’s reputation as a reliable and customer-centric supplier complemented Drax Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality energy services.
The acquisition also offered operational synergies and opportunities for both companies to drive innovation. With Opus Energy’s expertise in serving businesses, Drax Group aimed to develop tailored energy solutions that catered to the unique needs of commercial customers. By combining resources, knowledge, and technologies, Opus Energy and Drax Group aimed to create an even stronger and more competitive presence in the energy market.
Some main players and key names include;
CEO of Drax Group Will Gardiner
Will Gardiner has been acting as CEO for three years and previously CFO for two. He claims himself to have a wealth of experience in technology and finance through roles with a number of major companies, and earned a Master of Arts with The Johns Hopkins University between 1989 and 1991, aas well as a BA in Russian and Soviet Studies with Harvard University eight years prior.
Managing Director Paul Sheffield
Sheffield has been in this role with Drax for a year and a half now, with two years previously within the company and nine years with big six EDF Energy. He earned a MBA at INSEAD Business School and BCs in Economics from University of Wales, Swansea.
Portfolio Sales and Service Director Rob Milloy
Milloy is an experienced Sales leader and professional with over 5 years experience and up to 4 years with Opus Energy themselves. He studied at the University of Wales to achieve a Masters Degree.
Marketing and Digital Director Pam Conway
Pam Conway has been working under the title of Marketing and Digital Director for two years now, having previously spent up to five and a half years with British Gas. She studied with the University of Aberdeen in 1988 to 1992 to gain a MA Hons in Psychology and Philosophy, and pawns one year at the University of Roehampton for a Post Grad Diploma in Arts Administration. Alongside this, Pamela is noted as a lead volunteer Director at Centrica’s Energy for Tomorrow initiative.
Customer Propositions and Portfolio Director Richard Shakespeare
Richard is leading the development of customer-centric proposition, using customer insight to create a better environment and encourage Opus’ growth strategy. He has been with the company for three years and earned a BA Hons from Durham University between 1997 to 2000.
Green Markets and Renewables Director Valpy Fitzgerald
Valpy Fitzgerald is one of the main members of the Opus team, with eighteen years in a number of different positions including Risk Manager and Head of Renewables. Previously spending time with Centrica Plc to run risk teams in UK and Spanish operations.
Major shareholder GDF SUEZ and Telecom Plus
French owned GDF Suez is a merger of Gaz de France and Suez, and is known as one of the worlds leading companies across the electricity and gas sectors. Operating since 1999, it is the seventh largest dedicated business supplier in the UK and offers a fuel mix of 33% gas, 2% nuclear, 38% coal and 26% renewable energy.
DGF produced CO2 of 486.68g/kWh and High Level Radioactive Waste of 0.000153g/kWh over the same period the national average was:
- Coal: 34.0%
- Gas: 25.6%
- Nuclear: 21.6%
- Renewable: 16.7%
- Other sources: 2.1%
Producing CO2 of 428g/kWh and High Level Radioactive Waste of 0.0017g/kWh
Customer Issues
Several customers have reported difficulties with the Opus Energy login process, experiencing issues accessing their online accounts and managing their energy usage. This has caused frustration and inconvenience for many business owners who rely on the platform for efficient energy management.
One particular area of concern has been the half-hourly settlement process. Opus Energy customers have encountered challenges when migrating to this system, which aims to provide more accurate and detailed energy consumption data. However, the transition has not been smooth for some, leading to billing errors and discrepancies. Customers have struggled to understand their invoices, as the readings and calculations may appear different from their previous bills. This lack of clarity has caused confusion and raised questions about the accuracy of Opus Energy’s billing practices.
Another issue that has contributed to the negative news surrounding Opus Energy is the difficulty in reaching their customer service. Despite providing a contact number for assistance, customers have reported long wait times and challenges in getting through to a representative. This has led to frustration and hindered prompt resolution of their energy-related concerns.
Furthermore, Opus Energy has received complaints regarding their terms and conditions, which some customers find complex and restrictive. The contractual agreements and obligations associated with Opus Energy’s services have left customers feeling trapped and limited in their ability to switch to alternative suppliers. This lack of flexibility has caused dissatisfaction among business owners who are seeking more competitive energy deals or better customer service experiences.
It is essential for Opus Energy to address these concerns promptly and effectively to regain the trust and satisfaction of their customers. Improving the login process, streamlining the half-hourly settlement transition, and enhancing customer service accessibility should be top priorities for Opus Energy. Additionally, they should strive for greater transparency and clarity in their billing practices, ensuring that customers can easily understand and verify their energy invoices.
What Does The Future Hold?
Customers have praised Opus Energy’s user-friendly online platform, including the Opus Energy login process, which provides convenient access to account information and energy management tools. With easy-to-use features, customers can monitor their energy usage, track their invoices, and manage their accounts seamlessly. This level of accessibility and transparency has enhanced the overall customer experience and empowered businesses to make informed decisions regarding their energy consumption.
Opus Energy has also garnered positive reviews on independent review platforms like Trustpilot, where customers have expressed satisfaction with the company’s services. The positive feedback highlights Opus Energy’s commitment to delivering reliable and efficient energy solutions to businesses across various industries.
In addition to providing excellent customer service, Opus Energy has focused on innovative approaches to energy management. The introduction of half-hourly settlement, a process that provides more accurate and detailed energy consumption data, has been well-received. This initiative allows businesses to gain better insights into their energy usage patterns, enabling them to identify opportunities for optimization and cost savings.
Opus Energy has demonstrated its dedication to assisting businesses during the migration process. Their knowledgeable support staff has been readily available to address customer inquiries and provide guidance throughout the transition. By proactively assisting customers during this period, Opus Energy has minimized disruptions and ensured a smooth migration experience.
Opus Energy’s commitment to environmental sustainability is another positive aspect that has garnered attention. The company offers renewable electricity options, allowing businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. This commitment aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and demonstrates Opus Energy’s proactive approach in supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Sponsorship and Support
One of the teams Opus Energy supports is their own employee team. They prioritize the well-being and development of their staff by offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career progression initiatives. Opus Energy values its employees and recognizes the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Opus Energy also extends its support to charitable organizations. They partner with local and national charities that align with their values and objectives. By collaborating with these organizations, Opus Energy aims to make a meaningful difference in society and address key social and environmental issues.
In addition to their direct involvement, Opus Energy encourages their employees to engage in charitable activities and volunteering. They provide employees with the opportunity to participate in fundraising events, community projects, and charitable initiatives. This approach fosters a sense of social responsibility among employees and contributes to a positive company culture.
Opus Energy’s commitment to supporting organizations goes beyond their immediate community. They actively engage with industry associations and organizations related to the energy sector. By participating in industry events, conferences, and forums, Opus Energy stays informed about the latest developments and collaborates with other industry leaders to drive positive change and innovation.
Furthermore, Opus Energy values partnerships with organizations that promote sustainable practices and environmental conservation. They actively seek opportunities to collaborate with like-minded entities to advance renewable energy solutions and reduce carbon footprints.