A sheltered workshop at the heart of the social economy
Le Perron (www.leperron.be) is a sheltered workshop whose mission is clear: to promote the professional reintegration of people with mild physical or mental disabilities, through demanding and meaningful industrial activities.
We met with Mr. Afano, manager of Le Perron Sheltered Workshop, to discuss the collaboration with Mon Courtier Énergie, Belgian specialist in energy brokerage for professionals and businesses.
“Work, an essential lever for inclusion”
Le Perron is above all a company committed to the social economy. Our goal is to provide stable and fulfilling employment to people who face difficulties accessing the traditional labour market.
We operate in several technical sectors:
- industrial electronics
- electrical engineering
- precision mechanics
- industrial packaging and conditioning
These activities require high-performance equipment, rigorous organisation and, naturally, significant energy consumption.
High energy needs in an industrial context
Our site includes 7,000 m² of workshops to heat, which already represents a substantial consumption item. More than 100 employees work there daily, implying continuous use of the installations.
Despite good insulation, the activity remains energy-intensive, particularly due to:
- heating of industrial volumes
- workshop lighting
- production machinery
In figures, this represents approximately 200,000 MWh of gas per year and 50,000 kWh of electricity per year, not counting the contribution of our solar panels. Energy management is therefore a strategic challenge, both economically and environmentally.
Why work with Mon Courtier Énergie?
Calling on an energy broker has become essential. We have been working with an energy broker for several years, and this has proven particularly relevant since the liberalisation of the energy market in Belgium.
The market has become complex:
- a multitude of energy suppliers
- diversity of gas and electricity contracts
- variable pricing formulas
- conditions that are sometimes difficult to compare
Mon Courtier Énergie brings us sharp expertise in the energy market. Financially, the gains are tangible, but above all, we have the certainty of subscribing to contracts tailored to our professional consumption profile.
Tailored and ongoing support
Concretely, Mon Courtier Énergie compares suppliers, analyses energy contracts, and studies with us the most advantageous solutions based on our actual needs. This work is continuous. I expect them to monitor the energy market and come back to me with:
- new offers
- pricing opportunities
- possible optimisations
It is a true long-term partnership, not a one-off intervention.
The importance of human connection in energy
The difference with them lies in the human contact. At Mon Courtier Énergie, there is genuine personalised follow-up. They pick up the phone, explain, anticipate and support. In an increasingly digitalised world, this human support is key for us. It allows us to have exchanges, answers and support that are, in a certain way, very reassuring.
A collaboration aligned with shared values
To sum up this partnership, I would describe it as an efficient, competent and human collaboration. Mon Courtier Énergie helps us optimise a strategic cost item, while respecting our values and social mission. It is a partnership that makes sense, both on an economic, energy and human level.
