Knowledge and smart energy management made all the difference for ‘t Zusje Terneuzen during the crisis

Where energy had previously been just an expense, it suddenly became a source of stress for franchise owner Joost d’Hondt, owner of the restaurant ‘t Zusje in Terneuzen and Middelburg. Unpredictable prices, rising bills, and little control. On top of that, margins were under pressure, and every month the same question would arise: How am I going to solve this? According to Joost, COMCAM played a decisive role in this. “Thanks to COMCAM, I’m still in business. They really pulled me through the energy crisis.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing energy crisis, the hospitality industry came under severe pressure. Skyrocketing energy prices and uncertain market conditions made it clear that energy is not a given, but a strategic component of business operations. For Joost d’Hondt, it was precisely during this period that the difference between a standard energy supplier and an active knowledge and advisory partner became apparent.

An Extremely Complex World

“To me, energy is just electricity and gas,” Joost d’Hondt begins, “but the world surrounding it is extremely complex.” He opened ’t Zusje Terneuzen in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. During that initial phase, he came into contact with COMCAM. “I always found the energy world complicated. Suppliers and the government make it complex, and you quickly end up comparing apples to oranges.”

After a few conversations with COMCAM, Joost decided to make the switch. It wasn’t an easy choice, because for many business owners, signing energy contracts feels like a leap of faith. “I couldn’t always tell from the quotes: is this really better than another supplier? But I trusted them. And that was the deciding factor.”

A collaboration that proved itself precisely during a time of crisis

Shortly after the start of the collaboration, the coronavirus outbreak occurred. Not long after, the energy crisis followed, with explosively rising prices. For many entrepreneurs, that came as a shock. Not for ’t Zusje. It was precisely during that period that the strength of COMCAM's approach became apparent.

Stefan Hassels Monning, portfolio manager at COMCAM, checks the market several times a day (morning, afternoon, end of day) and monitors price developments for daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual contracts for companies like ‘t Zusje. Based on market developments and consultations with clients regarding how much risk they are willing to take and what their preferences are, Stefan decides daily when to purchase energy or lock in prices. “We observe, analyze, and advise continuously. If we did nothing for a week, clients would miss opportunities.”

By continuously monitoring the market, actively purchasing, and making decisions at the right moment, ’t Zusje’s energy contract was already locked in before the peak. “During the energy crisis, I had a great contract thanks to COMCAM. That really helped me get through it.”

Less trouble with peaks

Many entrepreneurs choose either a fixed contract (certainty, but often more expensive) or a variable contract (flexible, but with the risk of peaks). In practice, this means either paying too much or facing uncertainty. COMCAM takes a different approach; they actively manage the energy portfolio. A sudden rise in gas prices shows how quickly the market can turn. Entrepreneurs who wait risk falling behind again. Entrepreneurs who steer actively can keep control.

COMCAM also provides input regarding growth. ’t Zusje Terneuzen wants to expand but is facing grid congestion: extra capacity is not a given. COMCAM acts as a knowledge partner here, providing analyses of peak consumption, research into solutions, and honest advice. Even if something is not (yet) sensible. Joost emphasizes this. “I submit all my energy questions to COMCAM. They take my questions seriously and really think along with me.”

Why business owners are better off not trying to do this themselves

The energy market consists of the day-ahead market, the intraday market, and the imbalance market, all of which feature extreme prices (both positive and negative). In addition, you have to contend with political influences, weather conditions, CO₂ allowances, and international factors. These are issues that COMCAM’s experts have been closely monitoring for years and know how to assess properly.

“Business owners often follow the news. For traders, however, that’s actually a counter-indicator. You need knowledge, experience, and tools to handle this effectively.”

For Joost, the partnership with COMCAM ultimately comes down to trust. “When I have questions, I get a quick answer. I can tell they stay on top of things. And I know I’m getting my money’s worth.” That trust also makes him an ambassador: “When I talk to other entrepreneurs in different industries, I always mention COMCAM.”

The True Value of COMCAM

What’s so special about good energy management? You often don’t even notice it. After all, you don’t have to deal with sky-high energy bills, panic over market fluctuations, or unpleasant surprises. But especially in a market that’s becoming volatile again, sitting on the sidelines isn’t a strategy. Price hikes show just how quickly things can change. Above all, good energy management brings a lot of peace of mind. That goes for Joost, too. “For us, energy is just energy, but a lot is happening behind the scenes. And luckily, I don’t have to deal with that every day.”

Finally, Stefan has some clear advice: “Stick to what you know. Focus on your own business. Energy prices can fluctuate wildly, and the risk of making a decision too late is high. Let the experts handle this, because we’ll take care of everything for you from A to Z.” And Joost agrees: “I still don’t fully understand the energy world. But I do know that my prices stay competitive. And that gives me peace of mind.”

The question isn’t whether the market will shift again. The question is: are you prepared when it happens?