Energy costs and climate change are reshaping the way businesses think about energy consumption. With prices fluctuating and sustainability becoming a priority, managing energy use effectively is no longer just a way to cut costs—it’s becoming essential for long-term business resilience.
Smart energy management can provide financial stability, reduce environmental impact, and future-proof your operations.
The changing energy landscape
The way we manage energy use is going through a transformation. Several factors are driving this shift:
- Rising energy costs—global oil and gas prices remain unpredictable, making it increasingly important to optimise energy use and avoid unnecessary waste.
- Climate change and net-zero goals—governments and industries are setting ambitious carbon reduction targets. You could give your business a competitive advantage by acting now to stay ahead of evolving sustainability regulations.
- Technology and data-driven decisions—advances in energy monitoring tools provide near real-time insights, helping your business make informed choices about its consumption and costs.
- Battery storage and on-premises energy generation—the increasing accessibility of battery technology and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can enable you to generate and store your own power.
How your business can take control of energy costs
Effective energy management moves beyond just reducing costs—and focuses on long-term financial stability and operational efficiency.
One way you can help take control of energy costs in your business is by getting a smart meter. A smart meter can help you to:
- Have a better understanding of how your business consumes energy.
- Take advantage of flexible time-of-use tariffs by shifting high-energy tasks to off-peak hours.
- Move away from estimated bills and only pay for actual usage, improving cash flow management.
If your microbusiness operates machinery, refrigeration units, or charging stations, scheduling these to run during cheaper periods could lead to noticeable savings.
The role of technology in energy efficiency
Technology is making energy management more accessible. Smart meters, for example, send automatic readings to your energy supplier. They ensure you pay for what you use rather than the supplier relying on an estimate or forecast.
This is particularly valuable for businesses operating on tight budgets as you’re no longer relying on estimated bills and can know how much energy you’re using and when. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about how to reduce energy use and potentially cut down costs.
Some smart meters also come with In-Home Displays (IHDs). An IHD is a display device that will show you how much energy you are consuming and what this will cost you.
It’s important to note that not all businesses will be offered an IHD, and some may choose not to have one. If a display isn’t available, your supplier will provide the information by default.
Beyond smart meters, cloud-based accounting tools like Sage Earth Carbon Accounting can help your business track and reduce its carbon footprint.
By integrating energy usage data with financial reporting, your business, can gain a full picture of its sustainability performance and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency early on.
The link between energy use, sustainability, and financial planning
As customers and clients increasingly prioritise environmentally responsible businesses, those that improve their energy efficiency can strengthen their reputation and attract new opportunities. Notably, a PwC report highlights that consumers are willing to pay a 9.4% premium on sustainable products and services.
Additionally, many financial institutions now offer green loans or preferential lending terms for businesses investing in energy-efficient technologies. If you’re able to demonstrate a commitment to lowering your carbon emissions, supported by the right technology tools, you could be eligible for financial solutions like these.
Preparing for the future
With energy costs likely to remain a challenge and sustainability regulations becoming more stringent, businesses that proactively manage their energy consumption will be in a stronger position moving forward.
Take the next step with simple actions—such as monitoring energy use more closely, optimising energy-intensive processes, and integrating sustainability tracking into financial planning—to make a measurable difference.
Why should I switch to a smart meter?
Here are three reasons you should consider switching your business to a smart meter:
| Smart meter | No smart meter |
| Smart meters put you in greater control and give you visibility of your energy use, which can help with managing finances and cashflow. | Less visibility on energy usage, making cashflow and forecasting more difficult. |
| Smart meters can put an end to unnecessary meter readings. Smart meters send automated bills direct to your energy supplier, saving you time for other tasks. | Submitting meter readings regularly to know how much your energy use will cost you. |
| Smart meters provide access to a wider range of tariffs, including flexible tariffs and schemes. | Without a smart meter, you have less choice and access to tariffs. This could lead to less opportunities to save on energy and your bills. |
Start saving with a smart meter
Overall, switching to a smart meter can be a practical and impactful way for your business to gain better control over its energy use, reduce costs, and support your sustainability goals.
Over half of all microbusinesses across Great Britain now have a smart meter installed.
To learn more about how a smart meter could benefit your business, contact your energy supplier or visit Smart Energy GB to explore your options. It’s a small change that could make a big difference.
Consumer action required. Eligibility may vary. Reward schemes and tariffs available to selected customers from selected suppliers.
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