When considering an energy plan for your business, it’s important to make sure it suits your energy needs.
Whether you are a small or large business, energy requirements can vary significantly from business to business. Factors such as location of your business, size of the building your business occupies and its energy needs, will impact the best energy options available for your business. Large businesses occupy more space and so will often be able to get independent plans, while some smaller businesses may rent space within larger complexes and this could mean their energy plan is part of an existing contract.
No matter if you are a small business or a large business, before you look at energy options you should first conduct an audit. This will help you assess your current energy usage, various equipment that relies on electricity, and will also help you see where energy may be being wasted. Having this information will help you when looking at different energy plans and determining which is best for your business.
Small businesses
Small businesses usually use less energy than large businesses, so the same energy plan is not likely to be suitable for both.
When you’re a small business every little expense makes a big difference, so it’s important to look at all fees included in an energy plan, from usage charges, to connection and moving fees. It’s worth speaking to an energy expert to understand what each of the different fees mean and how they will apply to your business.
Small businesses should look out for things such as daily or fixed cost supply charges, as these costs will apply regardless of how much you use and can make a significant portion of your costs if you’re not using a lot of energy.
Small Businesses should also examine the benefits of moving to “time of use” tariffs (if not on one). These tariffs generally have lower usage rates during off peak and shoulder periods.
A small business may want a plan with more flexibility. Contracts with flexible payment options may be something to keep in mind.
Large businesses
As large businesses have higher energy usage than small businesses, it’s important to get the best deal you can for your usage charge, as this may be the most expensive charge on your monthly energy bill.
When choosing an energy plan for your large business, make sure to research and compare the different options available and look for any potential discounts that can save you money.
As big users of energy, large businesses might want to look at options that offer fixed energy rates and long term contracts to ensure you don’t get caught out with price increases during the period of your contract.
Large businesses might also want to look at energy providers who offer account management services so that you can contact someone directly if there are any issues that need to be resolved quickly. This can help save time and money in the event of something like a power outage, which can hinder operational productivity.
Get expert advice
Make sure you seek out expert advice when considering the different options available for energy plans.
Energy companies offer a range of energy services aimed specifically at small or large large businesses, as energy needs can vary significantly.
Speaking directly to an expert on the energy requirements for your business will help ensure you end up with a suitable plan. Whether you are a small or large business it’s important to get the right energy plan at the best price.
For more information on choosing the right energy plan, check out our blog on how to compare business energy plans.