There’s no denying that businesses are now paying hefty energy bills – did you know that the average business forks out annual bills that run into thousands? Becoming energy aware (and energy smart) can greatly help businesses boost their bottom line, and make a hefty amount of savings in the long run.

The emphasis on energy awareness has pushed many businesses to conduct assessments to ascertain the changes they can make to cut down their energy bills, and reduce their carbon footprints. This has ushered them to pick up new practices, and switch to more sustainable alternatives.

One such change is in the use of solar energy, which has provided millions with clean electricity. Another sees the usage of alternative heating fuels such as propane (that you can find at reggiesoil.com). Propane is a much more eco-friendly fuel which burns slower, thereby saving money in the process. Companies across the world have further emphasised using energy in a smart way to make the most of what they have. This has, in turn, enabled them to enjoy the smoother operation of heating systems, contributing to a more profitable, greener company all around.

Business spend

There have been a lot of government initiatives across different countries put in place to help businesses become more aware of their own energy use and spending. For most SMEs, gas and electricity charges now make up a considerable chunk of their monthly outgoings – taking a hefty portion of their profits. A majority of businesses use between 15,000 and 25,000 kWh of power per year, but annual consumption figures for large businesses and industries can reach in excess of 250,000 kWh.

Will this impact business bills? The latest data shows that businesses in the are spending an average of 3,061 on their annual electricity bills, and an additional 856 a year on gas. Small businesses in particular fare slightly better – but with the average electricity bill for an SME reaching 2,958 (and that’s before putting business mains gas into the equation), it’s still a considerable outlay.

Reducing the overall cost

There are a lot of industries that could benefit from reduced costs – think hospitality, catering and manufacturing. Nicky Bannister, Head of Business, at mains gas supplier Flogas Energy shares some expert tips on how companies can slash their energy costs.

1. Are you aware of your energy habits?

Do you know how much your business currently spends on energy? The average unit prices are currently 14.36p per kWh for electricity and 4.25p per kWh for gas, with standing charges on top of this. Finding out your business’s annual usage figures – and knowing when your contract is due to come to an end – means you’re well-equipped to accurately compare your current supplier’s prices with others on the market.

2. Have you considered using cheaper suppliers?

You can’t go wrong with shopping for other energy suppliers. Ahead of your contract ending, it’s worth finding out how much switching could save you. And, whether you use a broker, online search, or go direct, make sure you don’t limit yourself to the Big Six. Switching to a smaller business energy supplier could mean significantly lower bills and benefits like better customer service.

3. Have you reviewed your current contract?

Make sure you’re paying the right price for what you use, and there’s no harm in shopping for a cheaper supplier. For example, an extended fixed-term contract could help protect you against future price rises, giving some valuable peace of mind and making budgeting easier. Or there might be an additional discount on the offer if you opt for a Direct Debit payment plan.

4. Always try to use your energy wisely

You should look at using your energy more wisely to help cut down on costs. It could be as simple as making sure computers are switched off outside of office hours, or putting your lights on a timer, but encouraging employees to find more efficient ways of working is a great place to start. Some companies even introduce incentive schemes to help foster better habits, offering staff tangible rewards for greener behaviour.

Office glazing can significantly reduce business energy costs by enhancing the insulation and natural lighting of the workspace. High-quality glazing minimizes heat transfer, ensuring that the office remains cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for extensive heating and cooling. Moreover, it maximizes natural daylight, reducing the necessity for artificial lighting, which contributes to energy savings. Rope Access Specialists by SGS High Level or a similar company can play a crucial role in this process by providing professional installation and maintenance services for high-rise buildings, ensuring the glazing is well-fitted and properly sealed. They can also address repair needs promptly, ensuring that the glazing remains energy-efficient over time.

HVAC systems should be maintained well because regular usage can cause wear and tear that leads to poorer performance over time. And considering that most business establishments are air-conditioned throughout the day, the energy efficiency is bound to go down. So, every few months, you should have inspections performed by professionals, perhaps from the likes of https://www.sandri.com/ or other similar portals. This makes sure that there isn’t an excess of energy consumption.

7. Look at other opportunities to save energy

The shift toward energy-efficient appliances in businesses is a wise investment despite the initial higher cost. These appliances not only contribute to a greener environment but also yield substantial long-term savings. Energy-efficient equipment consumes less power during daily operations, resulting in reduced utility bills, which, in turn, offsets the initial investment. Moreover, they tend to have longer lifespans, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance costs. As technology advances, these appliances are becoming increasingly affordable, making them a smart choice for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts while enjoying a positive impact on their bottom line.