Rising energy costs are a challenge for many businesses. Businesses are very dependent on gas and electricity no matter what industry they are in. Rising energy costs force businesses to have to either put up their prices or reduce their hours, both of which can have a negative impact on returning customers.
However, there are things businesses can be doing to ensure that energy costs don’t completely take over. Here are ten actionable tips to help you reduce energy costs in a commercial building.
1. Conduct an energy audit
An energy audit is a crucial first step in understanding where your building consumes the most energy and identifying potential areas for improvement. This audit can reveal inefficient lighting, heating, or cooling systems, as well as structural areas like windows and doors that might benefit from better insulation.
An energy audit can also help you see what you are specifically spending more on, either electricity or gas. This could give you more insight into what type of energy contract your business needs to be on.
2. Compare energy contracts
If you always just renew your business energy contract without comparing prices and suppliers, you could be wasting thousands each year. To find the best energy deals you should be finding the cheapest prices and negotiating with suppliers to get the best rate for your business.
3. Work with a consultant
Trying to compare different energy prices, and finding the best time to sign energy contracts and running your business can become difficult. Work with an energy consultant to simplify your energy renewal process. An energy consultant can compare and negotiate rates for you to find the best contract for your business.
4. Energy efficient electrical equipment
Consider upgrading any electrical equipment to use less electricity. For example, LED lights use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs do, in a large corporate building this could make a huge difference. Other older electrical equipment could be using a lot more electricity than is necessary to ensure regular equipment audits to check for faults that could be costing a lot of money.
5. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels can produce renewable energy directly from the sun, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and potentially cutting energy bills substantially. While initial installation costs can be high, government incentives, grants, and tax breaks are often available to offset expenses.
6. Consider Voltage Optimisation
Another way for businesses to reduce their electricity spend is to install a Voltage Optimiser. A Voltage Optimiser reduces how much voltage goes to an appliance to reduce energy savings and extend the lifespan of electrical equipment. Installing a Voltage Optimise could lead to 12-19% savings on your electricity bill.
7. Reduce Peak Demand
Many energy suppliers charge more for energy used during peak hours. By shifting energy-intensive activities, like heavy equipment operation, to off-peak times, you can reduce peak demand charges.
8. Educate and Engage Employees
Employee habits play a critical role in energy efficiency. By educating staff on best practices—such as turning off lights and computers when not in use—you can reduce energy waste. Clear signage, training sessions, and even incentives can make a big difference.
9. Utilise Natural Lighting and Ventilation
Maximising natural lighting reduces the need for artificial light, and proper ventilation can reduce HVAC demand. Open windows and use blinds to control natural light flow and temperature.
10. Ensure you are renewing your contract at the right time
Although becoming more sustainable will reduce your energy bills in the long run, you won’t reduce your business energy bills in the short term unless you renew at the right times. The energy market is currently extremely volatile which means that if you sign into a fixed contract while prices are high you will be stuck with the prices until the contract ends. To avoid this, you should speak to one of our consultants to find out when the best time to renew your energy contract is.
If you're looking to save money on your energy bills then why not get in touch today? The relationships Resolve Energy has developed with over 24 of the UK’s biggest business energy suppliers allows our energy experts to source the best business energy rates available for your company right when you need them. Request a free quote today and start saving money on your energy.
