7 reasons to review your business energy consumption data

From setting new energy goals, to implementing energy-saving measures – the new year is a great opportunity to refocus your efforts and set an agenda for the future. Depending on where your organisation is on its net zero journey, you might also want to review your sustainability strategy (if you have one) to make sure it’s fit for purpose for the year ahead.

One of the biggest challenges is knowing where to focus your efforts. So, to set your business up for success, you’ll want to have as much insight into your business energy consumption as you can get. Then you can roll out cost-effective, energy efficient measures in line with your goals and net zero journey. And since making changes to your company culture goes hand-in-hand with innovation, having a well-thought-out strategy based on accurate consumption data will go a long way to help with staff engagement. After all, real change comes when your employees are on board. But first they need to know what they’re getting on board with – and why. And that’s why accurate consumption data is so important.

To help you make the most out of your data, we have created Energy360 DataView, a free platform which lets you view, download and track your consumption data in one place.¹

DataView at a glance

Through your data, you can unlock valuable insights that guide your decision-making and instil confidence across the business that they’re the right ones, including:

1. Peak consumption times

Understanding the peak consumption times for your business is key to improving energy efficiency and saving money. Armed with this insight, you’re better equipped to “strategise” your energy use during non-peak hours. You might also be able to adjust operations, or at the very least, implement energy-saving measures during peak times to help increase efficiencies and lower costs.

2. Seasonal trends

Finding out how your business energy consumption changes with the seasons can help with forecasting and budgeting for the year ahead. Through your smart meter data, you can get insight into energy consumption patterns, which makes it easier to manage your energy. And by anticipating high usage periods, you can allocate resources more efficiently, helping to minimise any wastage and control costs.

3. Energy waste and cost-saving opportunities

By looking at your consumption data and seeing exactly when your business uses energy you might be able to spot any irregularities. For example, if there are times when your energy use is high but the business is not operational (like overnight or during holidays), this could indicate areas of energy waste. Analysing the data might reveal opportunities for cost savings.

4. Efficiency and equipment performance

If you find your energy use is higher than you were expecting it might suggest that certain processes or equipment are not as efficient as they could be. Managing your energy use regularly through an online account, puts you in a better position to spot sudden changes, which might indicate problems with equipment or machinery. It can also help you keep on top of regular maintenance, which is so important for keeping equipment working as efficiently as possible.

5. Impact of energy-saving measures

If you implemented energy-saving measures last year, accessing your consumption data can help show how effective these have been and where further improvements can be made. Not only is this information important for progressing your net zero journey, it’s great to share with your employees.

6. Environmental impact

Since your consumption data provides current and historical information about your energy use and overall business energy efficiency, it’s a useful tool when it comes to meeting your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements. Through the data, you have a quantifiable measure of the business’ environmental impact. And by analysing and reducing your energy use, you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and compliance with ever-changing regulations.

If reducing your carbon footprint is one of your business goals this year, it’s important to work with a partner that’s as committed as you are. We offer zero carbon electricity as standard on all new and renewed fixed term contracts and can help you get the best renewable energy plan for your business.

7. Forecasting

From uncertain economic factors to a volatile energy market and rising energy prices – there are some things you can’t plan for. However, by accessing your historical consumption data or reviewing last year’s energy bills through your online account, you can shed some light on what to expect over the next quarter. In the meantime, you can also keep track of what’s going on in the energy market in our quarterly energy market reports.

Get help managing your energy

Set up and regularly use your online account to take control of your business energy and unlock insights that can help you on your net zero journey.

You can also request access to your historical smart meter data and review it on Energy360 DataView, a free an energy monitoring platform for existing business energy customers.

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