How to Lower Your Small Business Electricity Bill
There are a lot of small business owners out there who are looking for ways to save money on their electricity bills. After all, electricity costs account for a large portion of a business’s energy use and overall expenditures – and unfortunately, electricity costs aren’t going down any time soon.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to lower your bill without making big changes to your operations. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best tips for reducing your small business electricity bill. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Lower Your Small Business Electricity Bill: 6 Tips
Commercial electricity rates are higher than ever.
Here are six tips to help you lower your small business electricity bill in a snap.
1. Conduct an Energy Audit
One of the best ways to reduce your small business electricity bill is to conduct an energy audit. This will help you to identify areas where you are using more energy than necessary and take steps to improve efficiency.
There are a few different ways to conduct an energy audit, but one of the simplest is to ask your local utility company for a free or low-cost audit. Utility companies offer these audits as a way to encourage customers to save energy and lower their carbon footprint.
Once you have received your audit, take a close look at the report and identify any areas where you can make changes. Some common recommendations include upgrading to more efficient lighting, installing weatherstripping and insulation, and upgrading equipment such as HVAC units.
By taking these simple steps, you can significantly lower your business’s electricity consumption, go green, and save money on your monthly bill.
2. Invest in Efficient Office Equipment
If you own a small business, you know that every penny counts when it comes to operating costs. One way to save money is to invest in energy-efficient office equipment. While these products may cost more upfront, they will quickly pay for themselves in lower electricity bills.
Energy-efficient printers, for example, use less power than traditional models, and LED light bulbs use far less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
By making smart choices about the office equipment you purchase, you can keep your operating costs down and make your business more sustainable in the long run.
3. Reduce Peak Demand
One of the best ways to do this is by reducing peak demand.
Peak demand is the amount of electricity used during the highest demand periods. These periods are typically early in the morning and late at night. By reducing your peak demand, you can lower your overall electricity usage and save money on your bill.
There are a number of ways to reduce peak demand.
For example, you can shift your energy usage to non-peak hours, or you can install energy-efficient appliances and lighting. You can also encourage employees to telecommute or work from home during peak hours.
4. Get Rid of Energy Vampires and Prevent “Phantom Energy”
“Energy vampires” are devices that continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. This “phantom energy” can account for up to 10 percent of your small business electricity bill.
The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of energy vampires and lower your monthly expenses. First, unplug all devices that you’re not using. This includes coffee makers, computers, printers, and chargers for cell phones and other devices. Second, invest in power strips and protectors so you can easily turn off multiple devices with the flip of a switch.
Finally, make a habit of unplugging any device that emits a standby light when it’s not in use. By taking these steps, you can eliminate energy vampires and save money on your small business electricity bill.
5. Think About Your Landscaping
One often overlooked area is your landscaping. Believe it or not, the type of plants you choose and how you maintain your lawn can have a significant impact on your electricity bill.
For example, deciduous trees can provide shade in the summer, lowering the need for air conditioning. In the winter, they lose their leaves, allowing sunlight to warm your building. Evergreens, on the other hand, can block wind, providing insulation and reducing the amount of heating required.
6. Get Your Employees on Board
Here are a few tips to get your employees on board to help lower your small business electricity bill.
First, encourage employees to turn off lights and electronic devices when they are not in use. Ask employees to dress for the season and set the thermostat accordingly. You could even encourage employees to carpool or take public transportation when possible.
Provide water bottles for employees to keep at their desks so they don’t have to use the office’s water cooler as often. Finally, hold a contest with a prize for the employee who comes up with the most creative way to save energy.
By enlisting the help of your employees, you can make a significant impact on your bottom line.
7. Compare Electricity Rates
One of the best things you can do if you want to lower your electricity bill is to shop around for the best deals. For instance, if your company is based in Texas, you’ll want to make sure that you are getting the best electricity rate in Texas and the only way to know for sure is to compare offers. Do this on a semi-regular basis, because rates change often.
Final Thoughts
Have you ever wondered how your small business can reduce its electricity bill? We’ve outlined some simple steps below that will help you get started.
Keep in mind that each of these tips may not work for every business, so be sure to experiment and find the techniques that best fit your needs.
