When running a business, you’re constantly thinking about your outgoings. This means it’s important to guarantee that none of your expenditure is going to waste – a big part of this is ensuring that your workplace is powered by the best energy deals possible. This blog will explore how to switch energy providers to secure a better rate, offering tips on how to choose among the options for your best possible outcome.   Compare energy prices using comparison websites One of the easiest ways to compare business energy suppliers is by using online comparison tools and websites. These sites are designed to compile a wide range of options, offering insights into their prices and offerings, allowing consumers to choose the provider that best fits their needs. Our advice would be to use them for research before going to your preferred provider directly – this can sometimes result in getting an even better deal or bypassing any unexpected costs. Also, pay mind to independent suppliers like D-ENERGi, as they might not appear on the comparison sites.   Explore renewable energy sources Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers and society as a whole, while renewable energy like wind is often cheaper than traditional fuel sources. This makes going renewable a savvy business decision twice over, helping to lower energy bills and enhance your standing with potential customers.   Read customer reviews and ratings Sites like TrustPilot are a great resource for finding the best energy supplier. By sifting through customer reviews and client ratings, you can easily identify the traits you want from a good business energy provider.   Negotiate with your current business energy supplier Many think that energy bills are set in stone, however, more often than not suppliers are open to negotiation. If you’ve found a better rate, bring it to your current energy provider and let them know you’re willing to make the switch. It’s a win-win for your business as if they comply, you’ve saved making the change and if not you’re going to change anyway.   Finding the best business energy deals isn’t all about price Remember, the lowest business energy quotes aren’t necessarily going to be right for your company. Consider things like fixed-term contracts and the specific needs of your business before jumping into a new contract guns blazing. This specificity will ensure you get the right provision for the right price.   For more insights into the energy industry, visit our blog today.   Reach out to our friendly experts for a better rate. Our Price Matching team will match your renewal price to ensure you always get the best rates in the energy market.

Business energy bills are a huge part of the outgoings of any business, costing thousands of pounds even for microbusinesses. On top of that, the demand for electricity alone increases by an average of 36% on winter days compared to summer. With this in mind, it’s important that businesses understand how to save energy throughout the colder months of the year. Beyond choosing the best business electricity supplier, there are plenty of energy saving tips that can be employed to reduce energy bills this winter. This blog will outline some of the most straightforward, intuitive ways, so you can enjoy the benefits of savings.   Lowering/programming the thermostat Reducing the temperature even by a couple of degrees can make a big difference to an energy bill. Wearing extra layers and warmer clothes has the potential to save you a significant amount on your bill. Alternatively, some thermostats can be programmed to adjust temperatures based on schedules and occupancy, to minimise heat wastage.   Encourage remote working If possible in the context of your business, winter is the best time to encourage remote working. By doing so, you can minimise the amount of energy used in the office throughout the season. The vast majority of global employees have a positive view of this practice, which means it can be an attractive option for them rather than having to journey through the cold to work.   Insulating your workplace Insulation is vital. While it might not be plausible to do full-blown structural insulation work, there are plenty of inexpensive DIY options that can make a difference when trying to retain heat and save energy. Some easy techniques include: Using a window film Installing heavier curtains and blinds then keeping them shut Foam and polystyrene insulation boards Placing draught excluders at the bottom of doors   These simple techniques can help you to stay under the average winter energy bill.   Audits & maintenance Making sure that all appliances are running properly is essential to ensuring your winter energy payment isn’t unnecessarily inflated. HVAC systems, taps and cooking equipment can all eat through energy when running even a little behind their best. Regularly check on appliances, clean them and book in/perform maintenance to ensure they’re all in their best possible form. Another easy thing to do is ensure that no unnecessary outlets are on when you’re out of the office.   Don’t let winter freeze you out Small businesses alike need to make efforts to save energy, otherwise they could bear the brunt of unrealistic costs. Beyond these tips, it’s also worth investing in energy-efficient technology and even applying for winter energy support if possible. Either way, the right techniques can keep your property in action, even in the coldest months. Check out our blog for more insights into energy consumption. Contact our friendly team for a quick quote to lower your business energy bills this Winter.

Understanding the average energy consumption of a small business is essential for effective budgeting and forecasting energy costs. By knowing these figures, small businesses can better manage their energy costs. While energy usage can vary based on the size and type of business, our latest blog delves into the specifics of energy consumption for small businesses, including electricity and gas usage. What is Considered a Small Business? In the UK, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are defined as businesses with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than £50 million. Specifically, a small business has fewer than 50 employees and a turnover of under £10 million, while a micro business employs fewer than 10 people and has a turnover of less than £2 million. On average, small businesses in the UK consume between 15,000 kWh and 30,000 kWh of gas annually, and between 15,000 kWh and 25,000 kWh of electricity annually.   Industry Variations in Energy Consumption The amount of energy consumed can significantly differ by industry. For example, businesses in manufacturing typically use more energy compared to those in other sectors. High energy-consuming industries also include construction and agriculture. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that the service sector—encompassing small businesses like retail stores and restaurants—experienced a 6% decrease in energy consumption from 2019 to 2020. This shift may reflect a growing awareness of zero-carbon energy and the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Many service-based small businesses have adopted measures to lower their energy usage, contributing to reduced annual consumption.   How to Monitor Your Business Energy Consumption If you’re concerned that your business energy usage exceeds the average for your sector, it may be time to consider installing a smart meter. Smart meters aren’t just for domestic homes! A smart meter allows you to monitor your energy usage effectively. It provides real-time data, enabling you to manage your consumption more efficiently. Additionally, all readings are automatically sent to your business energy supplier, eliminating the need for manual meter readings. This ensures more accurate billing and helps avoid overestimations. If you’re interested in learning more about smart meters, don’t hesitate to contact our team!   What to Do If Your Business Energy Consumption is Too High If you have a smart meter installed and notice that your energy consumption is higher than expected, consider the following tips to reduce usage: Inspect Your Equipment: Evaluate your business equipment and upgrade to more cost-effective equipment if necessary. Power Down: Turn off electrical equipment when not in use, including lighting and heating, which can significantly impact your energy bills. Regulate Temperature: Set a comfortable temperature on your thermostat and maintain it consistently. Promote Energy Awareness: Foster an energy-saving culture among your employees.    For other great tips on lowering your small business energy consumption, check out our blogs! Contact our friendly team for a quick quote to lower your business energy bills.

Integrating sustainable strategies into your business is something companies across the UK are placing greater emphasis on in recent years. The emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives is more pronounced than ever. For businesses, understanding the nexus of ESG and energy is vital for a variety of reasons. These include building trust amongst stakeholders and consumers, and the environmental benefits. In this blog post, we will be delving into the world of ESG and energy, by discussing ways your business can integrate sustainability and become more energy efficient in the process.   Understanding ESG ESG is a set of standards that measure your business’ impact on society and the planet. Below we will break down the three central components of ESG. Environmental – this refers to all factors that may have an impact on the environment. Most notably, energy use, waste, and pollution. Your EPC rating will be taken into account here. Social – This is where your company’s social impact will come into play. How you treat your employees and how you contribute to local communities will be taken into account when evaluating your business under ESG criteria. Governance – This refers to how a company is run, factors like the transparency of a company and how the business holds accountability are considered under governance.   Why ESG is important for businesses ESG principles have become fundamental criteria for assessing a business’ sustainability and overall success. ESG is not just about complying with regulations, businesses that have good ESG practices gain a competitive edge too. Due to consumer demand for transparency and socially conscious investors, ESG has become vital for companies across the UK. ESG can effectively enhance a company’s reputation, and increase the appeal for potential investors. Another reason highlighting the importance of ESG is that it can help identify opportunities for growth and innovation within a company. For example, having the tools to measure your companies energy performance can help your company become more sustainable with energy usage, which could boost your EPC rating.   How to integrate sustainability practices into your strategy The first step in making a sustainable change by integrating ESG into your strategy is by understanding where your company currently is with energy consumption. Conducting an energy audit will help you identify areas for improvement and where your company can improve efficiency and sustainability. An energy audit involves analysing energy usage, assessing equipment and evaluating operational practices. If you’re looking into integrating sustainable strategies into your business, why not start by exploring our 100% UK Wind Power? Please contact our team to learn more.