Understanding Energy Consumption in your Business

Amidst the recent energy crisis that has led to surging energy prices across Ireland and Europe, organisations are now focusing significantly on their energy consumption, elevating it to a top priority for ensuring financial stability. The key lies in understanding energy usage, an integral aspect of managing the financial health of a business.

Familiarising members of the business with energy bills is crucial for achieving substantial cost savings, aligning seamlessly with the broader goal of optimising energy usage and controlling operational costs. Proactive engagement with energy usage not only shields organisations from market fluctuations but also actively contributes to a more sustainable future.

Compliance with established standards and regulations is essential for businesses to avoid potential penalties. Energy bill readings are subject to various methods of assessment, including estimated, actual, and customer reading metrics, all of which play a crucial role in determining charges based on consumption.

Breaking down your electricity bill involves displaying the kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed on your meter, categorised into three primary types:

• A – Actual reading provided by the electricity provider
• C – Customer reading submitted to the electricity provider
• E – Estimated reading provided by the electricity provider

Opting for actual meter readings ensures that you pay only for the energy you use, thereby improving the accuracy of your billing data and potentially resulting in cost savings.

Understanding and actively managing a business’s energy consumption is essential for reducing financial burdens to the business and supporting global sustainability efforts.

For many businesses, energy bills can be challenging to fully understand and are often overlooked. The first step towards mastering your energy consumption is to decipher these bills. Understanding the terminology, recognising usage patterns, and identifying key cost components are fundamental to regaining control over your energy expenses.

The Advantages of Proficiently Understanding Your Energy Bill:

Cost Transparency:

• A comprehensive grasp of your energy bill allows you to identify where your money is going and uncover any clear issues shown.

Identifying Consumption Trends:

• By examining historical usage data, businesses can identify patterns in consumption. Recognising peak usage periods empowers proactive planning to minimize energy-intensive operations during costly times. Examples include shifting equipment usage to off-peak hours, negotiating better rates with utility providers based on your consumption, or implementing energy-saving measures during inactive hours

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• With a clear understanding of your energy costs, budgeting becomes more accurate. Accurate forecasting allows businesses to allocate resources efficiently and avoid unpleasant financial surprises.

Energy Efficiency Opportunities:

• Energy bills can serve as diagnostic tools, revealing areas for improvement in energy efficiency. Armed with this knowledge, businesses can implement targeted measures to reduce consumption and enhance sustainability.

Deciphering Rate Types:

• Understanding different rate types is essential for navigating through a maze of pricing structures. Different utility companies offer diverse rate options, each with its implications for your bottom line. These include Fixed Rate, Time of Use Rate, Seasonal Rate, Service Charge Rate, and Demand Charges, among others.

In conclusion, unravelling the complexities of energy bills and comprehending rate types empower businesses to make informed decisions and enhance operational efficiency.

The ORS Energy Management team have provided comprehensive Energy Master Plans for businesses across Ireland, where they educate communities and individuals on energy efficiency for a more sustainable future, while making cost savings. Get in touch with the ORS Energy Management team today to discuss how we can help you on your journey to becoming a more sustainable organisation.