Business energy saving in winter
Business energy spending increases enormously in the winter, but we can help you make savings
Have more control of your business energy during the winter
Use energy more efficiently
Follow our practical tips to reduce your business energy consumption, stop wasting energy and start using it more efficiently.
Upgrade to a smart meter
Smart meters are the clever way to measure your business energy use. Once your smart meter is connected and sending smart readings to us you'll receive accurate bills.
Get more control
Energy360 DataView is the free platform for existing customers to help view your energy data - and ultimately - get better control.
Table to show typical rises in energy use over winter
| Hardware retailer | |
|---|---|
| Increase in energy usage autumn to winter |
40% (gas) |
| % of annual energy use in winter |
30% (gas) 25% (electricity) |
This is when typical dual fuel annual energy use is:
- Hardware retailer - 210MWh
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Increase in energy usage autumn to winter |
70% (gas) 38% (electricity) |
| % of annual energy use in winter |
51% (gas) 39% (electricity) |
This is when typical dual fuel annual energy use is:
- Manufacturer - 165MWh
| 25 offices | |
|---|---|
| Increase in energy usage autumn to winter |
63% (gas) |
| % of annual energy use in winter |
50% (gas) |
This is when typical dual fuel annual energy use is:
- 25 offices - 1.6GWh
Checklist to prepare your business for winter
- Cover the basics
- Clearly label light switches and encourage staff to turn them off when not needed
- Position thermostats away from places where heat fluctuates e.g. in drafts or near machinery
- Take regular floor walks to check for things like drafts and unused computers that have been left on
- Keep windows and doors closed when the heating's on
- Don't overheat little-used areas
- Set up a Direct Debit to spread the cost of bills and get a discount
- Avoid estimated bills by submitting meter readings on time
- Get informed
- Review your historic energy bills so you can understand energy use
- A business smart meter can help you save time, manage costs and get more accurate energy bills
- People power
- Raise staff awareness of energy usage at work and share energy-saving tips
- Motivate behavioural change by displaying energy saving posters, stickers and fast facts around the workplace. These are most effective when placed at sites of frequent energy misuse e.g. doors, computers and kettles
- Empower staff by setting up a company 'green team'
- Smaller businesses could appoint an individual energy efficiency champion
- Set company energy reduction targets at the start of the winter and reward success
- Motivate behavioural change by creating a sense of fun competition within the business
- Consider investing for long-term energy savings
- Insulate your hot water boiler and lag your pipes
- Install timer switches and presence detector sensors
- Insulate your building's roof and external wall cavities
- Fit energy-efficient light bulbs
- Update older business equipment with more energy efficient versions
- Consider replacing your boiler with a new A-rated, energy efficient one
Follow our calendar timeline
October
- Report on your greenhouse gas emissions as part of your director's report. See the Government website for guidance on greenhouse gas emissions
- Remember that the clocks go back in October - adjust lighting and heating controls appropriately
- Analyse your previous winter bill history to see when energy use starts to rise
- Conduct an energy-saving audit of your business and share the findings with your staff
November
- As the nights draw in, remember to turn off lights and other appliances before you leave the building
- Ensure that supply and water pipes are well insulated to protect them in icy conditions
December
- Check heating settings to avoid overheating the workplace - every 1oC of overheating can increase energy costs by 8% 1
- If your business is closing over the Christmas holiday, notify staff in advance with an updated energy-saving policy
January
- Adjust heating settings before staff return to work so the temperature is warm and comfortable
- Display a list of business energy-saving New Year's resolutions and reward energy-efficient behaviour
- Having a comfortable, well-lit environment will boost both staff and customers through the gloomy winter
February
- Ensure you're prepared for heavy snow and prolonged freezing conditions - have a cold weather policy and discuss logistics with your staff
- Make sure signage is still visible in low light and bad weather
- Ensure parking and customer facilities are safe and accessible
March
- Remember that the clocks go forward in March - adjust lighting and heating controls appropriately
- Maximise natural light as the days get longer by making sure windows and skylights are clean
- Review how your winter energy-saving measures have performed
- Make a note of what you've learned and plan actions for next winter
Read more about business energy saving
Business Electricity
We offer Zero carbon electricity as standard on all new and renewed fixed term contracts.
Energy help for micro businesses
The energy regulator Ofgem has set out a number of standards, rules and guidelines for all suppliers to help support micro businesses.
Our latest blogs about energy efficiency
Explore practical strategies on our blog to enhance your business's energy efficiency and lower costs.
Additional information
Source: The Carbon Trust
The guidance on this page is for information purposes only and should not be taken as a recommendation that all products and/or services will be suitable for all customers
