Business Energy

How can I reduce my business energy bills?

By Hazel Cottrell- hazel@consumerchoices.co.uk

Whatever the size of you business, you can cut your energy bills by following these simple top tips... (29/10/09)

To make your business as profitable as possible, you’ll need to ensure your costs are as low as possible.

Reducing your energy bill is a good place to start as a making few simple changes can cut your energy costs significantly. Follow our top five tips and start saving today…

1. Compare and switch tariffs

The best way to ensure your business energy bills are as low as possible is to compare business energy tariffs and switch to a better deal if possible.

Different energy suppliers charge different business electricity and gas prices, and the best deal for you will depend on how much energy you use and where your business is based.

It’s crucial to shop around when choosing an energy supplier, looking both at introductory offers and their underlying rates.

To find out how much you could save by switching energy tariffs, you can call the Energychoices.co.uk free business energy comparison service on 0800 094 9089.

2. Sign up for a contract

If your business has just moved to a new location, you could be paying “out-of-contract” rates which are usually significantly higher than standard rates.

If this is the case, you could cut your business energy bills dramatically by entering a service contract with an energy supplier.

Before you sign up though, be sure to compare business energy deals to make sure you get the cheapest tariff for your business’ specific needs and read the terms and conditions.

Once you’ve got your contract, make a note of the renewal date so you will be ready to compare and possibly switch again when the contract ends. Be aware that some providers will automatically roll you into a new contract unless you contact them to opt out.

3. Change your lightbulbs

Switching to energy saving light bulbs is a quick and easy way to start saving energy immediately.

This may seem like a small change, but depending on the size of your business, replacing your standard light bulbs with energy efficient ones could save you hundreds if not thousands of pounds in the long run.

Advances in technology mean that energy saving bulbs are now available in a wide variety of fittings, shapes and sizes. They typically last 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and could potentially save your business £7 per year per bulb.

4. Change your appliances

Investing in energy efficient appliances will save you money in the long run. They may cost a little extra up-front but over time they will use less electricity than their standard counterparts.

So, when buying any type of electrical equipment, you should always consider energy efficient options.

The type of business you have will determine how much you will be able to save by doing this i.e. businesses that use a lot of electrical equipment will have more potential to save.

5. Change your habits

Making some simple changes to your behaviour and that of you colleagues can reduce your energy usage, which will be good for your business’ finances and the environment.

Switching lights off when they are not needed is important, as is turning off all office equipment when you’re not using it – especially overnight and at the weekend.

Electrical equipment uses energy even when on stand-by so you should try to get into the habit of turning everything off at the socket.

If your workplace has heating or air-conditioning, ensure this is only switched on when necessary and keep windows and doors closed to keep the heat (or cool) in.