Tips to Help Save & Cut Your Small Business Energy Bill

Between 2012 and 2022 business electricity consumption reduced by 13.6%. But there's still a long way to go. For busy business owners, finding solutions that are efficient and easy to implement is essential. These energy-saving measures can help your bottom line, whilst also contributing to a sustainable future — a virtuous cycle that benefits both your business and the environment.

1. Know your business energy use and waste

If you only take meter readings every now and then, it’s hard to tell when you use the most energy and where you might be wasting it. Plus, you may be billed based on estimates rather than your actual energy consumption. The solution? Smart meters – an energy meter that gives you more control.

Time savings: smart meters automatically submit your usage data, eliminating the need for manual readings.
Cost efficiency: you’ll be billed based on actual consumption, avoiding unexpected charges from estimated billing.

2. Understand your energy usage & take control

We now have Energy Hub for some of our small business customers! If you have a standard or E7 smart meter you'll get access through MyAccount to:

Check your energy usage in graph form - hourly, daily, weekly, monthly AND yearly.
See peak usage hours and uncover opportunities for savings, especially during non-business hours.

Even more data at your fingertips - switch your meter to half hourly reads and you'll be able to track your usage hourly. Simply switch this in MyAccount under smart meter data preferences. See changes in consumption and see if you can reduce your spend.

3. Use energy-efficient office lighting

Keeping the lights on in your business isn’t cheap. In fact, you could save up to 15% of the energy your business uses, just by having the right lighting. So if you‘re smart about how you use lighting, you could make other savings here.

Upgrade to energy-efficient bulbs: swap out incandescent bulbs for modern LEDs, CFLs, or halogen bulbs. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term savings are significant due to reduced energy consumption and longer lifespan.
Promote energy awareness: encourage employees to turn off lights when rooms are unoccupied - an often-overlooked practice.
Label effectively: clearly label light switches & appliances to help employees use only the necessary lighting.

Extra mile saving: Consider getting motion sensors in your corridors and toilets that only turn the lights on when they’re needed. Or use light sensors that help you make the most of free natural light.

4. Turn down the heat

Climate control in your business can account for a significant portion of your energy bill, particularly during extreme weather. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Smart thermostats: install programmable thermostats to optimise heating and cooling depending on your opening times and how many people are in.
Regular maintenance: clean vents, fans, and air conditioning filters to improve efficiency.
Don’t block your heat off: move filing cabinets, workbenches and other pieces of work furniture that are blocking your radiators. They absorb some of the heat and cost your business a little bit more.
Natural ventilation: we all love a bit of fresh air. Utilise natural ventilation instead of air conditioning when possible. Close windows during cooler months to reduce heating costs.
Air curtain doors: shops often leave doors open to invite customers, but this can lead to significant energy loss. Installing air curtains can help retain heat in winter and cool air in summer.

5. Turn things off in the office

Almost half of business electricity usage happens when the business is closed! See if you can save by turning things off when they're not needed.

Good news: laptops use less energy than desktop computers. Bad news: many employees don’t turn them off at night, which can cost you an extra £6 a year for every desk. Consider these actions:

Unplug devices: make it a routine to unplug unused printers, chargers, and other electronics. Even standby devices can draw unnecessary power.
Specific appliance management: turn off non-essential equipment, like display fridge lights or coffee machines, at the end of the day.
Smart plugs: to schedule and remotely control appliances that are connected with a smart plug.

6. Snip out some costs in the office kitchen

Most people already know to only boil as much water in the kettle as they need for their cuppa, but there are even more ways to save energy in the kitchen at work than there are at home. Whether you have a small office kitchen or you run a kitchen as part of your business – these tips will come in handy.

Switch off the microwave at the plug after use. And, if your business prepares food for customers, switch off backup fryers and ovens during quieter production times.
Wait until the dishwasher is full before switching it on.
Keep your fridges and freezers efficient by cleaning filters regularly and ensuring they have enough space so they don’t overheat.
Make sure oven doors fit tightly by adjusting door latches and that gasket seals are in good condition.
Keep pots covered to reduce heat loss and cook quicker.
Preheat cooking equipment at the manufacturer's recommended setting.
Buy insulated cooking equipment whenever possible (e.g. fryers, ovens, coffee machines).

Extra mile saving: Invest in A+++ rated appliances for long-term energy savings.

7. Less is more on the workshop floor

If you have a workshop area in your business, three words of advice can really keep your energy usage as efficient as your production: turn down, shift and watch out.

Adjust equipment settings: lowering settings on machinery can enhance efficiency without affecting performance.
Regular inspections: keep an eye out for leaks in pipes and joints; even small holes can result in significant energy loss.

8. Avoid energy waste in customer areas as well as providing a welcoming environment

From boutiques to convenience stores, if customers come to you to buy goods and services, then creating a welcoming front of the house is very important. But while you’re thinking about ambience, have you considered how you can save energy? We’ve got a few handy tips to help you save energy while your customers are shopping.

Refrigeration strategies: install pull-down blinds on open dairy cases when closed to maintain temperature.
Smart positioning: place chilled cabinets away from external doors to minimise cold air loss.
Keep the heat in: Keep your exterior and goods doors closed as much as possible. Don’t turn up the heat and leave the doors wide open!

9. Rally your teams to help you save

Many of the tips you’ve learned are even more valuable when the whole team is playing along. So now that you’re a pro at saving energy make sure everyone - from reception to finance – follows your lead.

Some businesses put up posters to remind employees how to save on energy and why it’s important to their business.
Doing regular walkthroughs of your office to check on your equipment and spot wastage is a great way to keep costs down.
Having monthly management meetings to share progress and new ideas is also a good way to keep energy saving on the agenda.
Encourage everyone to dress appropriately for the weather, e.g. putting a jumper on in winter rather than hiking up the heating.

Finally, are you on the right tariff for your business?

We know different businesses have different needs - you may be best fixing a tariff for longer to get price protection and avoid fluctuations with market prices. Spend less time worrying about your energy bills! Compare EDF small business tariffs in 60 seconds.

Implementing these energy-saving tips can have a significant impact on your small business's operational costs and environmental footprint. By focusing on efficiency and engaging your entire team, you can create a sustainable workplace that not only reduces expenses but also contributes to a greener future. Start today and enjoy the benefits of a more energy-conscious business!

Sources

Better business guide to energy saving | The Carbon Trust

Compare Business Energy for Offices | MoneySuperMarket

You searched for small business - Energy Saving Trust

Looking for energy efficiency support for your business? - Energy Saving Trust

Energy Saving Trust

Actions for saving energy | Ofgem

FSB | Sustainability and net zero

FSB | Sustainability and net zero support for small businesses | FSB

FSB | Cost of living: How employers can support staff and boost retention