What has the government announced?
Earlier this week, the government announced there will be a new energy discount scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector ahead of the current scheme ending in March.
The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024.
The government deemed the current scheme as ”unsustainable” and ”unprecedented” and that current levels of support were only intended as a bridge to allow businesses to adapt.
What is the new scheme?
From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/MWh automatically applied to their gas bill and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh applied to their electricity bill, except for those benefitting from lower energy prices.
How does my business apply for the new scheme?
There is no need to apply for the new scheme.
As with the current scheme, suppliers will automatically apply reductions to the bills of non-domestic customers if eligible.
How can I reduce my business costs?
Businesses are seeking ways to reduce their overhead costs as we head deeper into the looming recession.
We previously reported on how to mitigate spiralling costs by considering a few simple steps below:
- Heating – Setting a timer for peak times and setting a comfortable temperature for throughout the day
- Appliances – When not in use, turn them off at the socket
- Lighting – Still using halogen bulbs – Time to swap those out for energy efficient LED bulbs
- Go paperless (As best you can), saving printer energy, ink costs and paper!
However, the above steps may not see your business achieving the savings needed.
That’s where a longer term, higher investment may become necessary such as solar energy if permissible. Solar panels are initially expensive, but are a renewable energy source which will also put your firm ahead of growing net zero legislation designed to curb emissions.
Further steps on reducing energy costs
Heating
- If the heating is on, keep the windows closed – Which leads to the question, does the heating really need to be switched on?
- Are doors and windows well kept and insulated? – Energy can escape from cracks and gaps, in turn allowing air to penetrate and make your office or unit colder (or warmer during summer months!)
- Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature – Between 19 and 24 degrees is deemed the ideal working temperature
- Keep windows and doors closed if there is no requirement for them to be open
Electricity
- Switch lights and equipment off in rooms that aren’t being used
- Communal equipment still switched on? Get your team into a routine of switching off equipment that isn’t in use (and at home time too)
- Are your office electricals in need of replacing? A new energy efficient kettle or fridge may help save money in the long run as well as reducing electricity consumption
- Activate power saving settings on equipment
And finally, speak with your team and educate them on how to help reduce energy wastage, whilst maintaining a happy, warm and workable atmosphere.
If you missed our last blog, see the link below:
How we can help you and your business
If you have any queries on The New Energy Bills Discount Scheme or Business Savings, please contact us at mail@seavorchartered.co.uk or 01228 904904.
