Energy efficiency tips for small businesses

Every dollar counts when it comes to running a small business. But there’s one cost that can be better managed with regular review, research and a small change in habits.

Research reveals that 34% of small businesses are facing financial strain when it comes to paying their energy bills, and 1 in 5 are struggling to pay their energy bills on time.

The good news? There are simple steps small businesses can take to reduce energy consumption and switch to an energy deal that suits their usage patterns and needs.

Step 1: Conduct an energy audit

The first step is understanding how and when your small business uses energy. Whether you’re a café owner, clothing store, pharmacy or garden centre, the way your business uses energy will depend when busy periods demand the most energy throughout the day. Review your last electricity bill and take note of peaks in energy use. For a more thorough review, book an expert to conduct an energy audit, or request a NABEERS assessment from your building manager.

Step 2: Energy efficient upgrades

Aging, low energy rating appliances could be contributing to higher energy bills. When considering upgrades to new business tools and appliances, choose electric and opt for those with high efficiency ratings.

Lights: Switch to LED lights which use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer.
Appliances: Take note of the energy rating label to choose the most efficient model for your needs.
Heating/Cooling: Review and upgrade wall mounted air conditioning systems for better efficiency. Speak with your building manager to review building insulation and ducted air conditioning systems to ensure your business space is comfortable for employees and patrons and also energy efficient.

Step 3: Change habits

Long-term energy savings come down to changing our usage patterns. Encourage employees to be more mindful of the way that energy is used around the business.

Switch off lights in spaces such as storerooms and staff areas when not occupied.
Turn off appliances at the power outlet if they are not expected to be used regularly.
Set the thermostat for heating and cooling systems to the highest value that is comfortable for energy efficient running of the system.

You might consider developing posters and signs for energy saving tips to serve as a friendly reminder to employees that everyone can play a role in better energy management.

Step 4: Research the best energy deal

Do your research and find an energy deal that suits your usage patterns and provides long-term assurance of savings on your energy bill. Nectr offers carbon-neutral, competitively priced energy plans (Nectr and SMEs) for small businesses that can help avoid bill shock for better energy outcomes for your business and the planet.

Small business owners have the power to take control of their power bills. Speak with small business energy experts at Nectr to reduce energy bills and improve business profits.

Nectr has been recognised as the Most Trusted and Best Value electricity brand among Queenslanders in Finder’s Customer Satisfaction Awards for 2024. Speak with Nectr for a better energy deal for your business.

Sources:
https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/Factsheet_Small_businesses_Energy_saving_tips_NSW_20240916.pdf
https://www.cosboa.org.au/post/small-business-is-facing-energy-hardship-and-is-at-the-frontline-of-the-energy-transition-it-needs
https://www.nabers.gov.au/