Conduct an Energy Health Check for Your Business

Businesses nationwide are being urged to improve energy efficiency amidst Australia’s push for decarbonisation. Not only does this contribute to a sustainable future, but it’s a win for local businesses looking for significant operational cost savings. By adopting smarter energy habits, your business can cut expenses and boost efficiency. Get started with an energy health check.

Save Big: Conduct an Energy Health Check for Your Business

Conduct an energy audit

Energy efficiency is usually understood as reducing consumption. But, it’s also about optimising energy use. To gain a comprehensive understanding of your energy use, perform an audit.

Understand your energy costs: The first step is to understand your energy bill and usage patterns. By identifying where and how energy is consumed, you can start making informed decisions to enhance efficiency and cut costs
Identify energy drains: Determine which systems and processes are consuming the most energy
Assess usage patterns: Understand when and how energy is being used
Find inefficiencies: Highlight areas where energy is being wasted and identify opportunities for savings

Manage energy demand

First things first, there are peak and off-peak electricity times. During peak times, Australia’s energy networks are under the biggest strain. So, peak times lead to higher energy costs due to the infrastructure needed to deliver it. The good news is, many energy providers offer incentives for using energy during off-peak times. Depending on your business operations, you might be able to shift to off-peak energy rates and reduce your bills.

Look at your power factor

For large businesses, understanding power factor is essential. Power factor simply measures the efficiency of incoming electricity. A poor power factor can increase electricity consumption and operational costs. So, what should the power factor be for a business? A power factor of 0.5 means that 50 per cent of power supplied is active power, while 50 per cent is reactive. The lower the reactive power, the better. Power factor correction units can enhance your power supply’s efficiency, potentially lowering energy expenses. Talk to your energy provider company for more information.

Upgrade to energy-efficient equipment

While this involves an initial outlay, the long-term cost savings is the goal here. By replacing outdated equipment with energy-efficient models, you can significantly reduce energy consumption. So, consider upgrading to appliances and machinery that offer better performance, while using less power.

Review your tariffs

Network tariffs, set by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), determine how your business is charged for energy. These tariffs are based on your consumption, location and demand patterns. By reviewing your energy consumption (on your energy bill), you might be able to identify opportunities to switch to a better tariff, potentially reducing costs. Talk to your energy provider company for more information.

Switch to solar

Investing in solar energy allows businesses to harness power from the sun, especially during those peak usage hours we mentioned earlier. Solar systems can drastically reduce electricity bills and provide a sustainable energy solution. With flexible payment options, green loans, and more, businesses can adopt solar energy without a substantial upfront cost.

Look for financial incentives and rebates

At a federal and state level, there’s various financial incentives and rebates available for businesses that adopt renewable energy systems. These include government grants, tax incentives, and rebates. Understanding and applying for these incentives can further reduce the cost of switching to solar.

From understanding your energy costs to uncovering solutions, conducting an energy health check can drive significant savings for your business. Embrace smarter energy habits, make the switch to solar if possible, and see the benefits for your business and the environment.

Discover local businesses who’ve made the switch to solar with us, here:
Mount Warning Beverage Co.
Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club
Energising Enterprises: A Glimpse Into Our Recent Commercial Solar Installations