How much energy do small businesses use?

If you want to reduce your energy rates, one of the first things you can look for a lower unit rate and lower standing charge than your current deal. By reducing either your unit rate or standing charge, you should be able to lower your utility bill.

Nowadays, there are a variety of tariffs you can choose such as fixed or variable contracts which can make a huge difference in your utility bills especially during the current energy crisis.

If you chose a variable rate tariff, your unit cost will change depending on the current market conditions. If the market prices increase, your unit cost will also increase even if your business gas and electricity usage is consistent.

If you chose a fixed rate tariff, this results in the unit rate being fixed and you will pay the same rate for each unit of gas and electricity your business uses. Fixed tariffs protect you against price hikes similarly to what we saw at the end of 2021.

Reducing the amount of gas and electricity your business uses is the most effective way to cut down on your energy rates. The quickest way to reduce your electricity bills is to switch to a cheaper tariff lowering your unit rate and standing charge.

Our energy experts can handle this process for you and find the best small business energy suppliers for you.

It is extremely important for company to secure a new business energy contract before the current one expires otherwise your energy supplier will put you on out of contract rates which are very expensive. Therefore it is crucial that businesses remember their renewal dates to make sure you never pay more than you need to.

We understand that time is money and not all businesses will have time to do this which is why Utility Bidder can take care of this for you to ensure you never pay more than what you need to.

It is becoming ever more important that businesses become more energy efficiency and lower their average business energy consumption. See below a few of the ways business energy for shops can be reduced:

• Complete an energy audit
• Purchase energy-efficient computers
• Install energy-efficient lighting
• Install energy generation technology
• Encourage your employees to go green

We understand that becoming more efficient on energy can be time-consuming, but we believe that even making a few changes can make a big difference on your average business energy consumption.

• Install motion-activated lighting across the building, as these will turn off automatically if no one’s in the room.
• Replace standard bulbs with low energy options such as CFL bulbs which use less business electricity.  If you use fluorescent tube lighting in your office, you could also replace this for slim line fluorescent tubes, as these use 25% less business electricity.
• Have a ‘switch-off’ culture for lights and equipment and ensure employees switch off all non-critical equipment when not in use.
• Encourage colleagues to become more efficient on energy by doing tasks such as only filling kettles with as much water as is needed or turning off computers and any other electrical appliances when not in use.
• Check energy efficiency measures when purchasing new equipment for your office, particularly for appliances such as fridges, freezers and dishwashers, as these provide a good indicator of how much it will cost to run them in the long-term.
• Use smart technology– for example, smart thermostats will help you to keep better control of your heating.
• Block up any draughts from doors and windows
• Set the thermostat to around 20°C and time it to come on an hour before opening and go off an hour before closing

If your small business energy prices are still too high, you need to check the amount you are being charged for gas and electricity. You can look for the following costs on your bill:

• Billing period charges – The total amount charged within the billing period
• Outstanding charges – Any overdue money owed from previous bills
• VAT charges – This will be charged at 20% or 5%, depending on the rate you pay
• Total amount due – The amount you owe after adding up all the above
• Cost breakdown – A breakdown of charges to highlight how your money is being used

Indoor and outdoor lighting

Lighting is one of the biggest expenses for small businesses and the type of bulbs your use will ultimately influence your business energy bill.

Investing in energy efficient lighting is the best way to save money on your bill.

Heating and cooling systems

Regulating the temperature in your small business can require quite a bit of energy.

In office buildings, heating and cooling can account for more than 40% of total energy consumption.

This is especially true for offices based in colder climates.

Computers and laptops

Computers, laptops and accessories are also capable of drawing a lot of energy in your business.

To reduce your average small business electricity consumption, it’s best to unplug laptops and work off the battery whenever possible to obtain energy savings.

Printers and copy machines

Depending on your industry, you may rely on printers, copy machines and other office equipment to operate your business.

In light of these expenses, you may want to consider going paperless in your small business.

Security systems

Although most security cameras are only 2 to 15 watts, they’re often running 24/7, meaning they can use a sizable amount of energy over time.

However, this small-business energy cost could be well worth the added protection you receive.

Refrigerators and freezers

Businesses in some industries, such as food service, depend on refrigerators, freezers and other equipment to keep their operations running.

These types of appliances can consume a substantial amount of energy. One business energy-saving tip is to exchange outdated appliances for more energy-efficient models.

If you want to take control of your rising energy, we recommend taking some time to look at all of your energy costs and look into where savings could be made.

Our energy experts are ready to help you save money on your business electricity today. Contact us today to find out more!