4 energy bill-busting hacks for energy-intensive businesses

High energy bills can be a challenge for many businesses, but the good news is there are practical strategies to reduce costs without compromising operations. From shopping around for competitive rates to refining your energy usage patterns, taking control of your energy expenses is entirely achievable. Here’s how your business can make significant savings with a few targeted approaches.

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1. Shop around for competitive energy rates

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Energy contracts are rarely one-size fits-all, and with the diversity of options available, there’s often room to save. Many businesses stick with their existing provider out of habit, but this could mean missing out on better deals. Start by reviewing your current contract and comparing rates from other suppliers. Here are some practical steps to take:

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• Contact your existing supplier to renegotiate your rates. Even a slight reduction can add up across large-scale consumption.
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• Request quotes from alternative providers, ensuring you’re seeking terms that match your needs. This could include lower rates during off-peak hours if your operations allow for flexible scheduling.
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• Consider using an energy consultant like Zembl to handle the negotiation process. Energy markets are complex, but experts like these can secure competitive deals tailored to your specific demands.
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Savings on the unit cost of energy may seem small, but when multiplied across the huge volumes required by industries such as manufacturing and logistics, the overall impact can be dramatic.
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2. Reduce peak power use

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The timing of your energy consumption plays a pivotal role in determining the size of your energy bill. Rates often spike during peak demand periods, making it worthwhile to understand your business’s consumption patterns and adjust them where possible.
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Here’s what you can do:
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• Assess your energy data from smart metres. Many metering systems provide insights into your hourly usage, helping to identify peak and off-peak trends in your energy demand.
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• Shift non-urgent operations to off-peak times. If your equipment or operations can run overnight or during times of lower energy demand, you could save significantly.
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• Automate processes. Use timers and smart controls for equipment or machinery to ensure energy-intensive tasks occur when tariffs are lowest.
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By taking these actions, your business can better align its energy use with cheaper rates, helping to manage costs effectively.
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3. Utilise power factor correction

Poor energy efficiency can lead to unnecessary costs, and one lesser-known culprit is a low power factor. This measures how efficiently your equipment uses electricity. A lower power factor often results in wasted energy, which can lead to penalties or higher charges from energy suppliers.

Improving your power factor is simpler than you might think:
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• Introduce power factor correction (PFC) equipment. These systems work by reducing energy wastage and improving electrical efficiency.
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• Consult with experts. Identifying inefficiencies related to your power factor can be technical, but with the help of an energy expert like Zembl, your business can uncover hidden efficiency opportunities and implement cost-saving solutions effectively.
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Small adjustments in this area can make a tremendous difference to your electricity bills, especially for energy-intensive operations.
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4. Future-proof your energy savings

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Beyond these targeted strategies, evaluating your overall energy management approach can identify additional savings. Here are a few more tips to consider:
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• Use smart lighting systems and motion sensors to prevent unnecessary lighting during downtime.
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• Upgrade ageing equipment. Newer machinery often features better energy efficiency, helping cut costs while boosting productivity.
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• Periodically review contracts to ensure rates remain competitive and your contract terms align with market shifts.
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Lastly, ensuring your business stays informed on energy efficiency trends and technologies can lead to even greater savings. With expertise and data-driven solutions, Zembl’s team can help identify savings through both energy procurement and advanced efficiency techniques.
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Take charge of your energy expenses

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Reducing your energy bills doesn’t require extreme measures, just insight, planning, and the right support. By shopping around for better rates, managing your peak power use, and implementing strategies like power factor correction, your business can improve efficiency while lowering costs. Reach out to an expert team, like Zembl, for tailored advice to unlock your business’s energy-saving potential. With the right strategies, the benefits to your bottom line are closer than you think.
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Download our full High-Energy Users Energy Guide here.