Published on 08/02/2018 by Any Business.Com.Au

New energy prices: how you can reduce the impact on your business

In a time where imminent energy price increases are a hot topic, we look at how you can reduce energy costs in your business on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Reducing energy use is not always an option. However, managing how and when you use energy can go a long way towards helping you negotiate a better energy contract and reducing your bills.

Managing your energy use can also help you to:

• improve your business budgeting and planning by keeping track of your energy use

• reduce the maintenance costs of equipment by using them more efficiently or upgrading to more effective equipment. For example, upgrade to more energy efficient air conditioners in your office to reduce your cooling costs

• improve your business reputation by reducing your impact on the environment

• boost staff morale through improved business culture and opportunities for innovation.

Carefully consider the following options to see what best suits your energy needs:

Shift your energy use to cheaper periods

Reduce your energy use during peak periods by switching off unnecessary equipment, installing automatic timers or using alternative energy. This allows you to spread out your energy use to cheaper periods and may help reduce your network charges. Shifting your energy use also allows you to negotiate a better contract.

Choose energy efficient options

Although switching to energy efficient technology can cost money up front, it can save you in the long run. Some options to consider include:

• purchasing or leasing energy efficient equipment

• regularly maintaining equipment

• switching to gas or electric vehicles

• changing to energy efficient lighting

• managing standby power use

• installing timers, smart meters and displays.

Some states and territories offer rebates and programs for small businesses switching to energy efficient options.

There are a range of industry and government programs that provide support for businesses wanting to understand more about their energy use and implement energy-efficient practices.

Tips for saving energy in your business

In your home or business:

• Reduce heat escaping by double glazing windows and insulating walls.

• Reduce draught by sealing doors and windows and installing automatic doors.

• Buy energy efficient light bulbs and install timers for lighting.

• Consider more energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and use the thermostat to automate temperatures.

• For businesses that use more energy such as offices, hotels and data centres, consider systems that generate heating, cooling and power such as cogeneration or tri-generation technology. Cogeneration systems generate heat and power, while tri-generation systems generate heat, power and cooling.

• See how you can improve your NABERS energy rating and save money on your energy bills on the NABERS website.

In your car:

• Learn how fuel quality standards are an important part of energy efficiency on the road.

• Find out about advances in vehicle emissions, vehicle noise and fuel consumption labelling on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website.

• Learn how The Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 covers national safety and environmental provisions for all vehicles built in Australia.

• Find a good fuel-efficient vehicle on the Green Vehicle Guide website.

• Read more about the Australian Design Rules on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website.

Energy providers and assistance:

• Compare energy offers on the Energy Made Easy website.

• View a range of energy-related publications you can download, view or print on the Australian Energy Regulator website.

• The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage can help you compare finance options and guide you step by step through your chosen finance option.

• Search our grants and assistance to find energy grants available for business. For local energy programs see our Energy management in your state or territory page.

• See other potential tips on the Energy Exchange grants and funding page, in particular the loan financing options.

Access your energy data

Understanding where and when your business uses energy is crucial to finding the best ways to save money. Your energy bills can give you some of the information, but detailed data and assessments will help you fully understand your energy use.

How to get energy data

To get a complete picture of your electricity and gas use, you'll need at least 12 months of data that shows your energy use patterns. You can request this information directly from your energy supplier or you can authorise a third party to access your data on your behalf.

Current energy industry regulations already protect your right to access your own energy usage data. Electricity retailers and network distributors must provide your data in a standard format within 10 days.

While this data is mostly free, charges may apply if you make frequent requests, requests that cover long periods or authorise a third party to request your electricity data.

For details on your energy rights, visit the Australian Energy Regulator website. To request a copy of your data, contact your energy provider.

What to do...

• Compare electricity and gas offers on the Energy Made Easy website.

• Keep a close eye on wholesale energy market prices on the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) website.

• Find out more about energy pricing information on the Energy Exchange (EEX) website.

• Weigh up the pros and cons of procuring and managing energy for your energy contract on the EEX website.

• Search for energy program grants and assistance

AnyBusiness.com.au

Curtis is a leading expert in the business-for-sale industry, serving as a senior content creator at anybusiness.com.au.

With a career spanning over fifteen years, Curtis has accumulated extensive knowledge in the domain of business sales, acquisitions, and valuations. His deep understanding of market dynamics and his ability to translate complex industry jargon into accessible insights make him a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to buy or sell businesses.

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New energy prices: how you can reduce the impact on your business

08/02/2018 by AnyBusiness.com.au

In a time where imminent energy price increases are a hot topic, we look at how you can reduce energy costs in your business on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.Reducing energy use is not always an option. However, managing how and when you use energy can go a long way towards helping you negotiate a better energy contract and reducing your bills.Managing your energy use can also help you to:• improve your business budgeti...