Running a business means juggling a lot of costs, and electricity can be one of the sneakiest. You don’t always notice it creeping up, but over time, it does. One month the bill looks normal, the next it’s jumped up and you’re not sure why. And the truth is, a lot of businesses end up paying more than they need to, not because they’re careless, but simply because they haven’t had the time to look into it properly.
Take a proper look at what you’re signed up for
Most people assume their electricity deal ticks along quietly in the background. You pay the invoice, the lights stay on, job done. But there’s a catch. If your contract ended a while ago and nothing new was agreed, there’s a good chance you’ve been moved onto a standard rate. And those are usually more expensive. Not always by a huge amount, but over the course of a year, it adds up.
It’s worth checking your paperwork or just calling your supplier to find out what sort of deal you’re actually on. Ask when your current contract started and when it’s due to end. If you’re close to that date, or past it already, you’ve got options. You might be able to lock in a better rate just by having that conversation.
Know how much you’re actually using
You’d be surprised how often bills are based on guesswork. If your business isn’t sending meter readings regularly, you might not be paying for what you’ve used, you could be paying more. Energy companies use estimates when they don’t have up-to-date readings, and those can be way off the mark, especially if your electricity use has gone up or down in recent months.
Getting into the habit of sending in readings yourself can make sure your bills are accurate. And if you’ve got a smart meter installed, that’s even better, you won’t need to think about it at all. But beyond the numbers on the bill, keeping an eye on your energy use day to day can be helpful too. You might spot equipment that’s left running when it’s not needed, or areas where a simple change would lower your usage.
Shop around before you sign anything new
When a contract ends, it’s easy to just say yes to whatever the current supplier offers. It’s quick, it’s simple, and you’ve got a business to run, nobody wants to spend a week comparing rates. But sticking with the same company out of habit can mean missing out on a better deal elsewhere. The UK market for business electricity is competitive, and there are often savings to be made just by switching.
You don’t have to go it alone either. There are services out there that do the legwork for you. They compare business electricity prices from different suppliers, pull together prices, and help you understand what kind of plan might suit your business. Even if you’re not ready to change, knowing what’s out there gives you more power when it comes to renewing your current deal.
Think about when you’re using power
How and when your business uses electricity matters more than most people realise. Some tariffs are cheaper in the evenings or overnight. Others are more expensive during the day when demand is higher. If you’re using lots of energy at certain times, it makes sense to check whether your tariff reflects that. If not, you might be paying more than you need to.
It’s worth having a look at your routines. Do the lights and heating come on hours before anyone arrives? Are machines running all day, even when they’re not being used? Small changes to your schedule or your setup can make a big difference over time, especially if your usage is fairly steady throughout the year.
Taking control of your electricity costs doesn’t mean overhauling your entire business. In many cases, a few simple tweaks, a phone call, a bit of research, a closer look at habits,can make the difference between overpaying and getting good value. And once it’s sorted, it’s one less thing to worry about.
