Voltage optimisation specialist set for further investment

Powerdown220 has successfully overseen the largest voltage optimisation rollout in UK history in the past year and is expecting further large projects to follow. Powerdown is now celebrating a year of unprecedented success.

The Macclesfield-based energy company, founded in 2017 by Stuart Hawkwood, has seen its turnover rise by 800% in just over a year and has more than doubled its workforce to expand its position in this niche market. Leveraging its close relationship with manufacturer GWE and installers Ashcrofts, Powerdown220 has rapidly emerged as the leading supplier of voltage optimisers in the UK, measured by quantity supplied.

Key to the company’s recent success has the been the appointment of James Goodby to the position of Director. James helped secure a contract with Mitchells & Butlers, one of the UK’s largest pub and restaurant chains, to provide voltage optimisers across its 1600-site estate. The voltage rollout, which is currently close to completion, is by far the largest project of its kind undertaken in the UK.

“Our year of growth puts us in a unique position in the UK market,” reflects Stuart. “There are only two or three companies specialising in this area and we are the only company in the country with the experience of deliver large projects of this kind.”

Having begun as a company supplying one or two machines per project, the recent success marks the Powerdown220’s transition to a specialist in multi-site projects. The most recent project included installation of voltage optimisers at over 1,100 UK sites. The increased revenue resulting from recent successes is being used to plan for future growth. “We’ve got specialist technical departments and specialist engineers now,” Stuart explains, “and the massive increase in turnover is allowing us to invest more in data and technology.”

Another factor that has underpinned Powerdown220’s recent growth has been rising energy costs, which have encouraged companies to find more ways to reduce their bills. “Voltage optimisation is not a new technology. Unfortunately, not enough businesses are aware of it but we are trying to spread the word. Those who do know about it are increasingly finding the case for adoption more compelling in the current energy climate.”

Powerdown220 has also recently launched a shared-savings model, allowing high energy consumers to invest in voltage optimisation technology without paying up front for the cost of the optimisers. In total, the company is planning to give away £1 million of equipment for free.