Ever wonder where your business’s energy bill is going?
Energy powers your business, from running equipment to keeping the lights on. But your monthly bill doesn’t always reveal the full picture.
Do you know when your business uses the most energy, even after closing?
A smart meter now enables you to know the answers!
The information it provides can be useful for small businesses when looking at their energy usage, operating costs, and deciding where changes might be worthwhile.
Wondering, what information would a smart meter provide?
Let’s find out more.
Why Not Get the Meter that Does Reading for You!
A smart meter measures your business’s electricity or gas consumption and automatically sends readings to your energy supplier.
It takes the hassle out of manual meter readings and gives you a clearer picture of how much energy your business uses. Depending on your meter and supplier, you may also be able to track your energy usage, spot patterns, and identify ways to reduce waste and save energy.
How Can a Smart Meter Help Your Business?
An unexpectedly high energy bill can put pressure on a small business’s budget. With rent, wages, stock, and other running costs to manage, an unexpected expense can make financial planning much more difficult.
Smart meters can help reduce the chances of estimated bills by automatically sending your energy readings directly to your supplier. This means your bills are more likely to reflect your actual energy usage, helping you manage your budget with greater confidence.
Identify Areas to Reduce Your Consumption
Here’s an interesting question: What if two businesses consume the same amount of energy but follow different usage patterns?
Absolutely!
A retail shop may use the most electricity during opening hours, while a workshop may consume more energy when its machinery is running. A restaurant, on the other hand, may use more energy during meal preparation before customers arrive.
Understanding your energy usage can help you spot these patterns. If your energy meter and supplier offer detailed usage data, you can compare consumption across different hours, days, weekends, or months to better understand when your business uses the most energy.
The After-Hours Energy Mystery
It’s time for your business to get its detective hat on!
DID YOU KNOW?
Your smart meter could help uncover energy usage after closing time. Sometimes, the real mystery is what’s still switched on!
If there is a notable amount of consumption after working hours, check what is still running.
When unusual usage patterns are detected, the meter data can be used to help identify and fix the problem. A closer examination can then give a clue to the cause.
Your Energy Detective Checklist!
- Compare energy use during opening hours with evenings and weekends.
- Review heating and cooling schedules.
- Check whether any unnecessary lights or equipment have been left switched on.
- Compare consumption before and after any change.
How Much Does a Smart Meter Cost?
Smart meter installation is free for businesses in the UK when arranged through your energy supplier. However, additional work or specific installation requirements may involve extra costs.
Before arranging installation, ask your supplier whether any additional electrical work or site preparation is needed and whether the installation could disrupt your normal business operations.
Want to learn more? Visit our Smart Meter page for more information.
Are Smart Meters Useful for Various Small Businesses?
The value of a smart meter depends on how your business operates.
- Offices: Analyse day and night usage patterns and assess heating, cooling, lighting, and office equipment.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Analyse the energy consumption during and after meal preparation. Reviewing refrigerators and cooking appliances could be more beneficial.
- Launderettes and workshops: Analyse the effects on consumption during the machinery’s active state versus its inactive state.
- Retail stores: Check electricity consumption during working hours and after business hours, especially in lighting and refrigeration.
Thinking about smart energy use for a more profitable business? Click here.
Is It Possible For Every Small Business to Obtain a Smart Meter?
Eligibility depends upon the premises, current metering setups, and provider.
Advanced metering requirements may apply to businesses with larger energy supplies. If you are unsure which metering option is right for your business, contact your energy supplier for guidance.
Smart Meter: Myths Busted
How is a Smart Meter a Game-Changer for Business Owners?
A smart meter can be your business’s energy detective, but it is not a magic button for lowering your energy bills.
It takes the hassle out of manual meter readings and helps you explore important questions about your energy use:
- Why has your energy consumption increased?
- How can you reduce energy use outside business hours?
- Have changes in your daily routine affected your energy consumption?
A smart meter won’t solve every energy cost challenge, but with access to the right consumption data, you can better understand how your business uses energy, identify opportunities to reduce waste, and make more informed decisions about managing energy costs.
