Whether you’re an energy manager looking for peace of mind that you’re doing things correctly, a business owner looking to cut your costs, or a member of staff tasked with managing your business’ energy, our guide to switching business energy is ideal for you.
The days of simply ringing a supplier and requesting a price are gone. Many businesses focus solely on the price of their energy and are failing to grasp the bigger picture.
Look at it like this, if it’s your job role to manage the energy consumption and contracts at your firm, wouldn’t it be great to show your boss you have every angle covered? We’ve all been there when our boss has asked us a difficult question and we haven’t got the answer, don’t be that person!
Our guide below provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know when it comes to changing, renewing or managing your energy.
Price comparison websites. Most of us have used them for one thing or another, whether it’s our car insurance or home energy use. We often view them as the easiest and most cost-effective option for switching providers. This viewpoint has brought many to question whether they’re the best solution for their business.
The answer is not so clear as it seems.
Despite their reputation, comparison websites aren’t as convenient for switching business energy as they are for domestic energy users. The factors influencing a business energy price far outnumber those determining a domestic rate.
Some of the limitations of using these sites, and why people are turning elsewhere, include:
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It’s only natural that once you’ve renewed your energy, you put it to the back of your mind and focus on those tasks approaching in the more immediate future. Whilst it makes sense to do this initially, if you don’t maintain an eye on the sector over the duration of your contract, you could be in for a big surprise come renewal date.
Future energy prices are volatile and likely to fluctuate over time. We need only look at the current uncertainties facing the sector with the impact/influence of Brexit and rising inflation rates.
Remember, any competent energy supplier can extend your current contract on today’s rates.
Regardless of all of this, there’s also the very real threat of going into out of contract rates. This is when a gas or electricity contract expires, and no suitable alternative has been found, the rates you’re paying will alter to a default charge. In most cases, this will be a lot higher than whatever you’re currently paying.
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When it comes to deciding your energy contract, there is no “one size fits all”.
Every business has their own needs and requirements. If you’re a local corner shop, you’re going to differ significantly to a large manufacturing firm with numerous plants.
Traditionally speaking, you are normally presented with two different options when purchasing energy: Fixed or Flexible.
Fixed Rate: The simplest, and for that reason, most common option for businesses. With a fixed rate contract, you agree all your total energy costs upfront, safeguarding you from unexpected price hikes in the energy sector. There are many variants available, such as a standard fixed rate or a pass through contract.
Flexible: Flexible procurement is a method of purchasing your energy in large or small “blocks” prior to usage. The size of these blocks varies between businesses. This approach is ideal for large businesses with a high consumption rate.
Which one is right for you?
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kVA is a common electrical term used to describe the amount of electrical power that a meter can feed to a building or site. It stands for Kilo Volt Amperes and one kVA equals 1,000 Watts of power.
If you exceed your kVA, it can be serious. In a worst-case scenario, you could actually blow the meter and your supply, leaving you with no electricity until the costly repairs can be made. For a business, this is going to hit you hard in the pocket. But this can now cost you even more.
This means you need to understand your max demand in advance of new legislations taking effect in April 2018. Make sure your meter has the right KVA – it could cost you more to have a higher kVA meter, but not as much as the penalty charges for exceeding your capacity could incur. Applying for extra electricity in your area can be a lengthy process, so the time to act is now.
The other option, of course, is to reduce your consumption – the best way to guarantee a drop in your energy expenditure.
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It doesn’t matter what size your business is, if you’re using more energy than you need, then you’re wasting money.
As part of your energy switch, you should always carry out a full audit of your premises to identify where you are overspending on your energy. You’ll have to invest some time or money to conduct a full audit, but the results will be worth it in the long term.
Having an expert assess your premises in detail will throw up numerous areas for improvement. There are low-cost quick-wins and there are capital expenditure projects which could take a healthy chunk out of your carbon footprint and your energy usage.
Monitoring and Targeting software (quite often a SMART meter) can allow a business to see in minute detail where energy is being used and where it’s being wasted. Simple management of this can be hugely beneficial and is one of the most cost-effective methods available to you.
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If you weren’t aware already, in line with the government led national upgrade scheme to improve energy efficiency, all UK businesses are required by law to have smart meters installed by 2020.
But this isn’t the only reason you need one….
A smart meter measures exactly how much gas and electricity you’re using and (literally to the penny) how much it’s costing you! You won’t even need to send the meter readings to your supplier as they have access to the same data.
So, remember, a smart meter:
By identifying the activities that cost you the most – you can actually do something about it!
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So far, we’ve highlighted many ways in which you can save on your business energy.
There’s no point in going through the first steps of changing if you aren’t going to manage your energy usage effectively. If you’re to do that, you must also look to change the culture of your business.
Promote “energy awareness” training within your firm. You’d be surprised how much you could save annually by people doing simple things like turning the lights off when they leave the room!
We’re not silly, and we understand that your staff are human beings. Realistically, not everyone will take energy saving to heart, and in truth, old habits die hard. This is why appointing “Energy Champions” – someone who’s role it is to encourage energy behavioural changes in the workplace, would be the ideal first step to changing this.
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So, you’ve procured the best energy rates available on the market, implemented the correct energy management procedures and trained your staff up appropriately. After all your hard work, the last thing you want is unnecessary fines imposed on you because you’ve failed to meet basic compliance standards.
ESOS, EPBD, TM-44, EPC & DEC – Do any of these terms ring a bell? If the answer is no, it’s time to act.
Failure to comply with all three can see significant charges. An energy consultant should be able to conduct a quick analysis of your business energy procedures and identify whether there are any outstanding issues that could cost you down the line.
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THANKS FOR READING!
You should now have everything you need to approach your energy renewal with confidence. If there’s anything else we can help with, or any queries you have that remain unanswered, get in touch and discuss switching business energy with our team today.
Having founded GAS in 2012, Brad has overseen the company’s huge growth in a short space of time. Starting from modest surroundings in South Shields, rapid progress has seen the business move to its current office in Seaham, which is being expanded across the business park to create an 80,000 square foot GAS campus, featuring one of the finest headquarters buildings outside of London and Manchester.
The majority of Brad’s career has been spent on the boards of FTSE companies, at board level in the private sector and in turnaround private equity. He was Group MD of Caudwell Group and worked on its sale in 2006 for £1.5 billion.
Brad says:
"Certain businesses we’ve worked with have made six-figure savings over their contract terms. We cover the widest range of business variable costs in the market in one place. When we get involved with a company, it allows them to focus on their core business. The extra time we allow them to spend on their strategies can often prove as valuable as the cash we save them."
Did you know?
Brad is the proud Owner and Chief Executive of Spennymoor Town Football Club, who have achieved four promotions and eleven trophies since his takeover in 2009. His interests outside of business and sport include a passion for animal welfare and he has been an avid dog owner for decades.
Judith was part of the team who initially set up Great Annual Savings in 2012, she brings with her an abundance of senior management experience, managing the HR/Resourcing functions in numerous fast growing FTSE250 companies including De La Rue International PLC, Blacks Leisure Group PLC and most recently G4S PLC. Judith has played a pivotal role in helping move the business forward with our ambitious growth plans and her impact has seen our head count grow significantly year on year with significant plans in place to manage and lead the continued growth going forward.
Judith says:
"Businesses who are pro-active continually look at managing their costs effectively, those who wait until a recession hits, are reactive and often too late. We want companies to be pro-active and take the pain away by saving costs now, letting GAS do the fully managed cost solution just makes good business sense for any company, whatever the size or industry. Our business ethos is something I truly believe in and want every company to benefit from our help and support, working collaboratively together is a great way to build long term relationships.”
Did you know?
Outside of work, Judith is a member of the Employer Committee for the East Durham area, which helps businesses network with one another in the Durham region as well as helps to attract people & companies to this area. When she’s not networking across the North East you’ll find her doing some form of health & fitness and be having a coffee somewhere with someone!
