The current energy crisis is of grave concern and significantly impacts large and small businesses. Whether it’s large manufacturing sites, industrial units or smaller premises, there are many things you can do to help reduce your costs in the face of current prices. Here are our Energy Expert Adam’s top tips.

Be Open to Securing your Renewal up to 18 months in advance

It absolutely doesn’t mean you have to, but giving a trusted energy expert the opportunity to look at it as early as possible will give you a bigger opportunity to time the signing of it with a dip in commodity prices.

Many brokers say ‘today is the day’ or ‘prices will not stop going up’. Cross-reference your offer with the market through a trusted partner if you can.

Other factors to be mindful of;

• Tariff type – fixed or variable
• Variability of rates between times of day and days of the week
• Contract duration
• An exit fee may apply if you leave early
• Green energy options
• Discount for paying by direct debit.

An Energy Expert can guide you through this process to ensure maximum savings.

Arrange an energy audit

In addition to tariff switching, you could conduct business energy audits to identify waste areas and maximise savings based on your current energy consumption.

Check your equipment

Look at the equipment you use in your business, from IT equipment and kitchen appliances to machinery. Consider age and efficiency ratings. To reduce costs, you may wish to consider the following:

• Upgrading old and inefficient devices
• Creation of a maintenance plan
• Regularly cleaning appliances such as refrigerators.

Don’t forget to turn devices off when not in use, such as printers and photocopiers, particularly when not in use on the weekend.

Engage employees

Lighting consumes around 20% of the electricity generated in the UK, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). This can be mitigated with lighting controls and sensors. One of the most effective ways to save energy is by talking to your employees. Communicate your plans for energy conservation, including turning off lights and computers at night and using kettles.

Consider timers and thermostats

Timers and thermostats can be used to manage your energy usage during operational hours only. They can also help to manage only heating rooms in use, and guidance can be given to employees about the settings as part of your energy plan.

Insulate

If you find that you’re turning the heating up to maintain a pleasant temperature, check that heat isn’t escaping through open doors or windows. As well as apparent gaps, you could lose heat in your business premises due to uninsulated areas such as cavity walls and lofts. 

Get smart with a meter

A smart meter may help you be more efficient with your energy as it can help you work out your usage and peak times. Your bills will also be based on precisely what you’re using, which is a great incentive to become more efficient (and also additional benefits like managing cash flow).

Contact Adam today if you need support with any aspect of your business energy management.