When switching from one business energy supplier to another, this process shouldn’t be taken lightly, in fact businesses and business owners should read carefully so as not to be caught out. In this blog we uncover 5 simple things you should be considering before you switch business energy supplier, providing advice on what you should look out for, to ensure you get the best deal for your business.
Compare prices with a variety of energy suppliers
One of the first things you should do when considering switching energy suppliers is to compare a range of different suppliers. Specifically business energy suppliers. Those that specialise in supplying gas and electricity to businesses are often the best suited for businesses of all different sizes and with various needs.
By comparing competitors you will gain a better understanding of the market. Discovering the average prices across the current market but also identifying differences between each supplier. Some may offer better prices while others may be more expensive but have much higher rated customer satisfaction. It’s important to understand what it is you are looking for so you find the perfect supplier for your business and your requirements.
Price comparison sites are often some of the most effective ways to compare, however it is important to bear in mind that some energy suppliers are not included on such sites. Sometimes your own individual research is best.
Check for exit fees with your current energy supplier
Before you make a decision about leaving your current energy supplier, be sure to read the small print. Often customers may wish to leave but your contract will put roadblocks in place to stop you from doing this so easily.
Speak with your current energy supplier to determine what exit fees may apply and when the best time to change the contract would be. Typically this is within the weeks leading up to your current contract reaching completion. Most businesses and energy customers will start to shop around just before their contract expires, letting their energy suppliers know in advance that they will not be renewing their contract. This is the best way to avoid paying any unexpected fees.
Consider the length of deal you have found
If you have found a contract that ticks your boxes, there’s one thing to pay close attention to. This is the length of the contract. Sometimes energy suppliers will make this information less obvious to catch out new customers. The typical energy contract is between 12-24 months, anything longer than that should be reconsidered or given a closer inspection.
Read reviews of your chosen energy supplier
Often something that is overlooked but is so important, is customer reviews and satisfaction ratings. Understanding the services your potential new energy supplier offers will give you a good idea of what you can expect once you sign a contract with them. Hearing what others have to say about them on Trustpilot, especially businesses in a similar industry to your own, will help you in making your decision. Afterall, customer service makes up a huge part of the company’s role, making sure all energy customers are receiving the services they need.
Look beyond your quote
If you’ve requested a quote from an energy supplier and you’re happy with the price, you should be cautious in your next steps. While this final price may sound great, there could be some hidden costs or a chance that this price will change. Be sure to get details about your quote, what it means, what it covers, and other terms and conditions that may apply. While reading the small print isn’t the most enjoyable part of signing a contract, it will certainly save you in the long run.
At D-ENERGi we can provide you with a free quote, providing some of the most competitive and unbeatable prices for business energy customers. We are also providing excellent customer services with 5-star rated on Trustpilot. If you’re looking for a change, get a quick quote from us and see how much you could save on your business energy bills.
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Business energy bills are a guaranteed cost for a business of any kind. Even the smallest sole trader businesses will have to pay the expense of lighting, electricity supply for technology and other things such as heating and air conditioning. Since this is a cost that every business has to contend with, there are many different solutions for businesses who want to reduce their costs to improve business cash flow. In this latest blog we review the many business upgrades that you can carry out to your business premises, be it an office, work site, or somewhere else, to help reduce your electricity usage and cut down spending on your electricity bills.
Upgrades you can make to your business premises
In order to ensure that your business is as energy efficient as possible and your energy bills are kept as low as possible, you can make the following upgrades and adjustments to your building: Invest in new insulation – if you’re not aware of how long your business has had insulation, be it in the roof or the walls, it may be time to upgrade. Signs of old insulation include:
Draughty rooms
Higher energy bills than usual
Inconsistencies in room temperature
Trouble with condensation and mould
These signs are a sure sign that your insulation solutions have aged and it is time to upgrade. With a range of insulation materials and options you can choose to insulate your business premises according to your budget. Certain materials such as fibre glass are some of the cheapest to purchase and install. However, it is important to always consult an expert to ensure your insulation is fitted correctly and safely. What’s more, according to the Carbon Trust, an uninsulated office building will lose 60% of heat waste through the structure of the building. Either through the walls, loft, windows, or floors. Investing in quality insulation will save your business from losing hundreds of pounds worth of heating, whilst also creating a much more comfortable and sustainable environment for your employees and teams.
Upgrade lighting systems – With around 20% of energy costs coming from the use of lighting, both in business and domestic scenarios, it becomes important to know how much your energy bills are impacted by your lighting choice. As one of the most energy efficient lighting options, LED light bulbs are highly recommended to businesses looking to cut costs. While the initial cost to fit these lightbulbs throughout a business premise, particularly an office, will require a larger budget than usual for bulbs, the long term cost savings make this worthwhile. LED lighting offers a longer lasting, brighter and safer solution for business use whilst also being the most eco-friendly option of them all!
Install solar panels – have you ever wondered how renewable energy could benefit your business? Solar panels are an accessible option for businesses looking to invest into renewable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint. Solar panels can be installed to a range of buildings and will help cut the costs of your electricity bill by sourcing energy from the sun rather than traditional means. It is however, important to invest in a quality solar panel system that will be capable of providing the very best results.
Install first time central heating system – in older buildings, particularly older office buildings, central heating may never have been installed. Central heating is one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to heat a home without having to rely on the use of single electric room heaters or other alternative energy sources. While central heating is a costly investment it will certainly provide many benefits and not just to the cost of your electricity but it will also help to improve the comfort of your working environment. Making the heating of rooms much more manageable.
Get help and support for your business
While current energy rates are not as high as they were in the midst of the energy crisis, there are still many businesses in the UK struggling to make ends meet. In order to protect these businesses and keep them afloat, there are a number of support avenues that are still available to utilise. From financial support from the government to charities and your own energy supplier. Finding the help you need can make a huge difference, and take some weight off your shoulders as you continue to run and grow your business. The UK government currently has a business support service which is available to contact for free advice in England. They can be contacted in a number of ways:
[email protected]
Telephone: 0800 998 1098
Webchat
There is also a wide range of financial support available across the nation, with different services provided in different regions and counties. Click here to find a suitable funding scheme for your business. A great example of this is the SME Energy Efficiency Scheme (SMEES) for small businesses located in Tees Valley to improve their energy efficiency. Support from your energy supplier. If you are struggling to cover the cost of your business energy bills, it is important that you let your supplier know. At D-ENERGi we support a wide range of businesses with their business energy supply and are on hand to provide you with help and guidance to ensure you do not get stuck or caught out by an unexpected bill. Simply get in touch with our friendly team for more information or get a quick quote by filling out a short online form.
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There’s no doubt that by calling around a few business energy providers, the tariffs available vary greatly and it is possible to get a great business energy quote easily.
There’s no doubt that by putting in a small amount of effort and calling around a few business energy providers, the tariffs available vary greatly and it is possible to get a great business energy quote easily.
Indeed, depending on the business size and postal code, the potential savings by switching energy suppliers for a business could be substantial. According to some energy experts, a business could save several thousand pounds of its energy bill by simply switching business energy suppliers.
Considering that a small business may spend around £5,000 on its electricity bill and £4,000 on gas bill, there could be a large amount of money to be saved. And for a business, all money saved is a boost to profitability in the success of the business.
Enjoy lower business energy prices
So while switching business energy suppliers is relatively straightforward and easy, it is still not a very popular tactic for a business to undertake in a bid to cut its energy costs by enjoying lower business energy prices.
This has been underlined by an investigation last year by the Competition and Markets Authority which revealed that around 40% of businesses in the UK had not switched their energy supplier in five years.
Another surprising statistic is that 30% of businesses have never switched suppliers, so they are probably overpaying hugely on their energy bills.
However, with a quick search of online comparison websites, an annual electricity bill was reduced from £3,000 to £2,800 and then after contacting a few business energy suppliers by phone, they managed to cut this down to £2,600 every year with the same energy consumption. Your business can even save more money by reducing your consumption with a lower unit rate.
With a few minutes of effort, a small business could save £900 on what they would have been paying for their business energy needs.
Get the best business energy price
For any business owner who is thinking of switching business energy suppliers, it’s always worthwhile having a comparison breakdown of unit rates and standing charges to compare a quote with a few business energy suppliers.
There are some simple steps to take to ensure a business gets the best deal and that is to establish a benchmark price first. This can be done by using an online comparison website for business energy costs.
With this figure in mind, it’s worthwhile calling around a few business energy suppliers to see who will offer the best price and the best customer service. Not everyone will do but it’s still worth making the effort.
This is where an established popular business such as D-ENERGi comes into its own with its friendly and helpful team of experts who are UK-based, able to answer the calls promptly, providing the competitive rates when it comes to switching their business energy suppliers.
At D-ENERGi, we work with businesses of all sizes to help them lower their business energy bills and provide tailored solutions. Speak to our friendly experts to find out how much you could save and get a quick quote designed to suit your needs. We ensure that your calls will be answered promptly within five rings or less, without a long waiting time.
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When it comes to saving your business money, it’s all about making smart choices. Decisions that will focus on saving you pennies and allowing you to reap the rewards in the long term. When it comes to something like business energy costs, which are a difficult thing to predict, it pays to have some smart strategies in place.
1. Conduct an Energy Audit
An energy audit is a thorough examination of your business’s energy usage and potential areas for improvement. This can be done by hiring a professional or using online tools. By conducting an energy audit, you can identify areas where you may be wasting energy and make smarter decisions to save yourself money. Whether you choose to invest in upgrades to your business premises, or choose to remove certain energy-draining devices that are no longer needed, by following the recommendations of the energy audit, you will notice gradual savings overtime.
2. Embrace Energy Efficient Technology
As technology continues to advance, businesses now have access to a variety of energy-efficient options. From energy-saving light bulbs and smart thermostats to solar panels and renewable energy sources, there are plenty of options for businesses looking to reduce their energy costs. Investing in these technologies may require an initial upfront cost, but the long -term savings will make it worth your while. Additionally, implementing energy-efficient technology can also improve your business’s overall sustainability and promote a positive image to customers.
3. Educate Your Employees
One of the most overlooked strategies for reducing energy costs is educating employees on ways they can help save energy in the workplace. Simple actions like turning off lights and electronics when not in use, using natural light whenever possible, and keeping doors and windows closed can make a significant difference in energy consumption. By educating your employees on the importance of energy conservation, you are not only reducing costs for your business but also promoting a culture of sustainability within your company.
4. Consider Time-of-Use Pricing
Many energy providers offer time-of-use pricing , where the cost of energy fluctuates based on the time of day. By shifting your business’s energy usage to off-peak hours, you can take advantage of lower rates and save money on your overall energy costs. This strategy requires some planning and coordination, but it can result in significant savings for businesses that rely heavily on electricity.
5. Explore Renewable Energy Options
Rather than sticking to the traditional sources of energy, considering options such as wind or solar power, is a smart and future-proof way of saving money. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly accessible and affordable, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce their energy costs. Not only will this be a cost-saving measure in the long run, but it also promotes environmental sustainability.
6. Implement Energy Management Systems
Energy management systems (EMS) allow businesses to monitor and control their energy usage in real-time. These systems can track energy consumption and provide data that can help identify areas for improvement. By analysing this data, businesses can make informed decisions about their energy usage and implement strategies to reduce costs. Additionally, EMS can also provide alerts for any potential issues with energy usage, allowing businesses to address them promptly.
In conclusion, managing energy costs requires a combination of smart strategies and constant monitoring of energy usage. By conducting an energy audit, embracing energy-efficient technology, educating employees, considering time-of-use pricing, exploring renewable energy options and implementing energy management systems, businesses can effectively reduce their energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable future. So why not start implementing these strategies in your business today?
If you would like to know more energy-saving tips, please visit our blog. Speak to our friendly experts to get the best business energy rates and start saving on your energy costs today.
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The business energy industry is certainly a complex and sometimes misunderstood one. And with many technical aspects to understand and jargon, there can be a lot of confusion and mis-information. Leading to the spread of myths and misconceptions that result in many not knowing what is fact or fiction. In this blog we will delve into the most common business energy myths and help decipher what is true and what isn’t, so you can have a clearer understanding of business energy and what you are paying for.
Myth 1: Switching business energy suppliers is time consuming and complicated
One of the biggest myths in the business energy industry is that switching suppliers is a long, complicated process. Many believe that it will take up a lot of their valuable time when in reality, it can be done quickly and easily. With an increase in online tools and comparison websites available, businesses now have the resources to compare energy plans and switch in a matter of minutes. And with a few simple details and meter readings, you can ensure you are getting the best deal for your energy needs.
It is also worth noting that switching suppliers does not require any major changes or installations in your business premises. In fact, everything remains the same from your perspective as a customer, except for a potential decrease in your energy bills.
If you are interested in switching business energy suppliers and would like to know more about the services we provide, speak to an energy expert of our team for a quote.
Myth 2: All business energy suppliers are the same
Another common misconception is that all business energy suppliers offer the same services and prices. This could not be further from the truth. Business energy suppliers vary greatly in terms of their pricing, customer service, and renewable energy options. It’s important to research and compare different suppliers to find the one that best fits your business’s needs and requirements.
Myth 3: Renewable energy is too expensive for businesses
Many businesses believe that switching to renewable energy sources will result in a significant increase in their energy bills. However, this myth has been debunked as renewable energy prices have become increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuel options. In fact, investing in renewable energy can actually save businesses money in the long run due to lower operating costs and potential tax incentives.
Myth 4: Energy efficiency is only for large corporations
Some may believe that implementing energy efficiency measures is only feasible for large corporations with big budgets. However, even small businesses can benefit from simple changes such as switching to LED lights or installing smart energy meters. These changes can significantly decrease energy consumption and save businesses money on their energy bills.
Myth 5: Businesses have no control over their energy usage
Many believe that once they sign a contract with an energy supplier, they have no control over how much energy they use or the cost of their bills. However, there are many ways for businesses to actively manage and control their energy usage. This includes implementing energy-efficient practices, monitoring energy consumption through smart meters, and negotiating with suppliers for better rates.
Myth 6: Energy suppliers can cut off your supply without warning
There is a common fear that if businesses miss a payment or fall behind on their bills, their energy supplier will immediately cut off their supply without any notice. However, this is not the case. Suppliers are required to provide a warning and give businesses time to make payments before taking any action. At D-ENERGi we will work with you to ensure that you can cover your payments, and for any reason you may not be able to, our team will support you with the implementation of an affordable payment plan.
Myth 7: Fixed price business energy plans are always the best option
Fixed price business energy plans may seem like a good deal at first glance as they offer a set price for a certain period of time. However, these plans can also come with hidden fees and penalties for early termination. It’s important for businesses to carefully read the terms and conditions of their energy plans before committing to a fixed rate.
One thing to note is that with every business energy supplier and every contract, different rules apply. If you are a business energy customer, it is important to pay attention to the terms and conditions of your own contract and ensure that you understand everything that is included with your energy supplier.
Speak to our friendly experts to get a quick and tailored quote for your business.
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Care homes are some of the biggest energy consumers within the service industry. Providing round the clock care and residential assistance to live-in residents. The facilities required to run a care home must be in use at all times, making it difficult for management and staff to cut down on energy consumption and reduce their energy bills.
However, despite the great need for several electrical appliances and equipment, there are ways that care facilities and residential homes can save energy. In this blog we will offer some energy-saving advice that are easily applied into the everyday running of a care home in order to improve energy efficiency.
Why it is important to save energy in the care homes
The care sector is one that is often left under-funded by the government and will regularly rely on additional support from sponsors and charitable organisations and individuals to stay up and running. With energy costs being some of the biggest expenses that care homes must cover, attempting to reduce energy consumption is a good way to save money and put this extra money into the support and care of residents. Overall offering a better care service.
Not only this but by cutting energy consumption, the care home can work towards achieving net zero emissions, helping the environment and working alongside the government towards their emissions reduction across the country.
How to save energy when running a care home
Although small changes can be made, such as turning off appliances that are not in use and encouraging positive energy efficient practices around the care home, in the long-term investment is necessary to improve the efficiency of the building.
In many cases, care homes are run from within old and often dated buildings that will not have modern eco-friendly solutions installed.
Below are some energy-saving advice these buildings, despite their age, can be modernised to improve energy efficiency and save money on their energy bills:
Review the building’s insulation – proper building insulation is key to keeping a building energy efficient. Where an older building may have a lack of insulation, it is more than likely that heat is being lost and more energy is being used to maintain a regular temperature within the care home.
Upgrade the lighting to LED lighting and consider motion-sensor lighting for less-frequented rooms. LED lighting is the most energy efficient and simply upgrading the current, outdated lights, to LEDs will have a significant impact on the cost of electricity.
Motion-sensor lighting is another good way to cut down on the use of electricity, when not necessary. This is particularly great in care homes since elderly residents may forget to turn off their lights at night or when exiting a room.
Ensure heat is not being lost through old windows. Double or even triple glazing will help in preventing any heat loss from windows, particularly in cold winter months. Not only is this important for energy consumption but in general for the comfort of residents.
Switching business energy suppliers to D-ENERGi to reduce energy bills
In order to keep energy costs down and invest money back into the care home, switching business energy suppliers may be the best solution. At D-ENERGi we support micro-businesses and small UK businesses with the best business energy rates.
Switching business energy suppliers to D-ENERGi is easy and hassle-free. Our dedicated account managers will handle all the paperwork for you and will be with you every step of the way.
Talk to our energy experts today to find out more about how much your business could save on your energy bills.
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