From modernising technology to simply keeping the lights off, there’s a number of easy ways that businesses can make changes in order to cut business energy costs. And while prices will differ, especially depending on the size of the business, such little acts can make a difference and help save your business hundreds of pounds in annual energy costs.
Small Business Energy Prices
For small businesses the cost of energy is not only impactful on the cash-flow of the business but can be detrimental to the survival of the business. In recent years we’ve seen small businesses struggling to make ends meet or having to let go of reliable staff members in order to maintain their business in times of rising energy costs. For small businesses cutting costs is an important task and may potentially make the difference between reining open or having to close for good.
However, small businesses are less likely to have the facilities or spare cash to make large changes such as optimising business technology or completely renewing the business premises’ insulation. Instead small, cost-effective strategies are recommended and can be just as effective in cutting business energy costs.
Some of the simplest and cheapest ways to cut business energy costs for small businesses includes:
- Encourage all staff members to reduce energy usage while working
- Carry out regular, routine maintenance checks on equipment
- Replace old, traditional light bulbs with LED bulbs that will significantly reduce usage and cost
- Consider a smart meter to closely observe your usage, you can source these directly from your business energy supplier
- Discuss energy bills with your supplier and inform them if you are struggling with payments
Large Business Energy Prices
Meanwhile, large businesses with an energy consumption of over 55,000 kWh in electricity or 200,000 kWh in gas per year will have different intentions with their energy consumption. Whether reducing and cutting usage is the key to becoming more sustainable or to simply cut business costs, larger businesses will have a few more options when it comes to keeping energy costs and usage down.
From improving the insulation of business buildings to switching to renewable energy and conducting an energy audit. There are many ways in which a large business can assess their usage and keep energy costs low.
- Improve insulation and use draught sealant to improve energy efficiency
- Upgrade to solar panels or tap into renewable energy options
- Consider peak energy times and set timers on devices to keep usage down
- Review different types of meters in order to maintain control over energy usage – some suppliers will offer multi-site meters for businesses with multiple premises
- Modernise business technology and appliances
Overall, the two key areas to focus your attentions when cutting your energy usage and costs are:
Modernising Technology:
- Switching to LED lighting
- Using smart thermostats
- Investing in energy-efficient appliances
- Upgrading to cloud-based software to reduce physical hardware needs
Good Habits:
- Turn off lights and equipment when not in use
- Encourage shorter showers in employee restrooms
- Unplug unused chargers and electronics
- Seal draughty windows and doors
- Optimise heating and cooling systems