6 steps to reduce your energy costs

As the second round of Covid-19 restrictions take effect, it’s the perfect time to look at how to reduce costs in your business. Energy costs are a large contributor to operating expenses of every business. Taking a few simple steps to review your energy bills can help you make changes  that will save you money, both now and into the future.

These 6 tips highlight federal and state government programs that have been designed to help small and medium businesses to take control of their energy spend and identify ways to make changes that will help you cut costs.

And there are more than just cost savings at stake. Sustainability Victoria reports that businesses who have taken on the energy challenge see more benefit than just a financial reduction. They have also found improvements in environmental impact, staff morale and customer satisfaction.

1.      Check your energy spend

Head to the Check Your Energy Spend website to learn how your energy spend compares to other businesses in your industry and area, which will help you to work out if you are paying too much for your energy. The simple questions take about 3 minutes to answer and will provide you with a summary comparison of businesses in your area in the same or similar industry as you. From here, you can start the process of potentially finding a better deal.

2.      Speak to the Energy Advisory Service

This free service is provided as part of the federal Business Energy Advice Program (BEAP) and delivers face-to-face, phone and digital advice to small businesses across Australia. This service helps small businesses understand their energy savings opportunities, choose the best energy plan for their business, and receive tailored advice on energy efficiency opportunities best suited to their industry. Bookings for this service can be made once you have completed the Small Business Energy Check steps or by calling 1300 415 224

3.      Compare and Select an Energy Offer

Victorian Energy Compare is an independent price comparison site supported by the Victorian Government. Using a recent energy bill, you enter your details and the site will search for available energy offers, calculate usage (based on either your smart meter or billing information) and then provide you with the best priced offers based on the information you provided.

While you are there, you could also do a search for your residential bill and grab some more savings.

4.      Use Energy Efficient products

Save money on the installation of energy-efficient products, reduce your energy bill and help the environment by getting involved in Victorian Energy Upgrades.

Victorian Energy Upgrades is providing businesses with access to discounts on a wide range of energy-saving products through accredited providers. The program can save small to medium businesses on average $670 a year off energy bills. Depending on the upgrades, these savings can go into the thousands.

The Victorian Energy Saver site provides links and contacts of accredited providers who can assist with the installation of energy efficient products.

Find out more via this fact sheet

5.      Apply for a grant

The Energy Efficient Communities Program – Small Business Grants provides small businesses with grants of up to $20,000 to improve energy efficiency. Grants may be used for equipment and component improvements, energy audits, feasibility studies and/or energy use and emission monitoring.

Head to the Australian Government’s Business website for eligibility criteria and how to apply. But don’t delay, applications close on Wednesday 26 August 2020.

6.      Learn More

Sustainability Victoria works with businesses and industry to help change inefficient practices to save you money, reduce your energy costs and boost productivity.

Australian Energy Foundations (AEF) is an initiative supported by 13 councils across Victoria. The foundation is an independent organisation that has been delivering award-winning community sustainability solutions for more than 14 years. Head to their website for business case studies and to consider an energy assessment.

BONUS: Free E-Book

Head to the Energy Cut website to download the free E-book ‘The 20 Step Guide to Cutting Energy Bills in your Business’

To discuss how to implement changes into your business or for more information, contact the Economic Development & Tourism team on 9747 7157 or venturemelton@melton.vic.gov.au

Susan Beniston
Visitor Servicing & Development Officer