The post The Changing Face of your Energy Bill appeared first on Next Business Energy.

Understanding Your Energy Usage

Before diving into energy-saving strategies, it’s vital to understand your kitchen’s energy usage. This involves identifying the primary areas of energy consumption, such as cooking equipment, refrigeration, and lighting. Once you have a clear picture, you can implement effective energy-saving measures.

Efficient Cooking Equipment

• Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: Investing in energy-efficient cooking equipment can significantly reduce energy consumption. Look for appliances with high energy star ratings, as they use less energy without compromising performance.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your cooking equipment in top shape through periodic maintenance. This includes cleaning, servicing, and promptly repairing issues to ensure optimal efficiency.
• Smart Cooking Practices: Train your staff in energy-efficient cooking practices. This may include considering alternatives to gas cooking, such as an induction cooking unit.  

Refrigeration: Keeping It Cool and Efficient

• Opt for Energy-Efficient Refrigerators: Choose refrigerators and freezers with good energy ratings. Modern, energy-efficient models can cut energy costs drastically compared to older units.
• Keep Your Refrigeration Units Well-Maintained: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the coils and ensuring seals are intact, helps refrigeration units operate more efficiently.
• Smart Usage: Organise your refrigerator for optimal airflow and avoid overfilling. Also, keeping the doors closed as much as possible minimises energy loss.

Smart Lighting Solutions

• LED Lighting: Switch to LED lighting in your kitchen. LEDs are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and emit less heat, reducing cooling costs.
• Use Natural Light: Where possible, make the most of natural light. This reduces electricity usage and creates a more pleasant working environment.
• Install Motion Sensors: In areas that are not continuously used, such as storage rooms, install motion sensors to automatically turn off lights when not in use.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Efficiency

• Regular HVAC Maintenance: Ensure your HVAC system is regularly serviced and filters are changed as needed. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently and effectively.
• Smart Thermostats: Use smart thermostats to control your kitchen’s temperature more accurately. This ensures that energy is not wasted on unnecessary heating or cooling.
• Proper Insulation: Good insulation in your kitchen keeps the heat in during winter and out during summer, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.

Water Efficiency

• Install Low-Flow Faucets: Reduce water usage with low-flow faucets and pre-rinse spray valves. This not only saves water but also the energy used to heat it.
• Fix Leaks Promptly: Even small leaks can lead to significant water and energy wastage over time. Regularly check for and fix any leaks.

Employee Training and Engagement

• Energy Awareness: Educate your staff about the importance of energy efficiency. An energy-aware team can make a big difference in reducing consumption.
• Encourage Energy-Saving Habits: Foster a culture of energy conservation in the workplace. Simple habits like turning off lights and equipment when not in use can accumulate significant savings.

Monitoring and Managing Energy Usage

• Use Smart Meters: Smart meters provide real-time information about your energy usage, helping you identify areas for improvement.
• Regular Energy Audits: Conduct regular energy audits to assess your kitchen’s energy efficiency. This can highlight opportunities for further savings.

Partnering with Next Business Energy

• Tailored Energy Solutions: NBE offers energy solutions specifically tailored to the needs of your commercial kitchen, ensuring you get the most cost-effective and sustainable options.
• Expert Advice and Support: Our team of experts can provide valuable advice on maximising energy efficiency in your commercial kitchen.
• Sustainable Energy Options: Talk to us about how we can help with carbon-neutral and renewable energy-based plans.

Energising Your Commercial Kitchen

By maximising energy savings in your commercial kitchen, you’re cutting costs and contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business model. Next Business Energy can help you turn your kitchen into a more efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly operation.

The post Maximising energy savings in your commercial kitchen appeared first on Next Business Energy.

Deciphering the Energy Retail Market

To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to understand what separates one energy retailer from another:

• Competitive and Fair Pricing: Look for retailers providing straightforward, competitive rates without hidden charges.
• Bespoke Solutions: A retailer that offers customised plans according to your business size and industry is invaluable.
• Customer Support: Responsive and effective customer service is a must.
• Eco-Friendly Options: With growing environmental concerns, retailers offering sustainable energy solutions are increasingly important.

Why Small Businesses Should Reconsider Their Energy Retailer

Enhanced Cost Management

Switching energy retailers can lead to significant cost savings and provide more predictable energy expenditures. This is crucial for any small business’s financial health and stability, especially in times of economic fluctuation. 

Small businesses can allocate their resources more effectively by finding a retailer that offers better rates and terms, leading to overall financial growth and stability.

Superior Service Quality

A change in energy provider can dramatically upgrade the level of customer service and support you receive. This enhanced support means more than just resolving issues quickly; it’s about having a partner that proactively helps you manage your energy consumption more efficiently, making energy management a seamless and hassle-free aspect of your business operations.

Technological and Environmental Advancements

By opting for a retailer that offers innovative and eco-friendly energy solutions, you can position your business at the cutting edge of your industry. I’s about leveraging the latest technology to improve efficiency and productivity while demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility, which is increasingly important to consumers and business partners.

The Advantages of Switching to NBE

Tailored Energy Plans for Small Businesses

NBE stands out by creating energy plans specifically designed for the unique needs of small businesses. This means that your energy package is a tailored strategy that perfectly aligns with your business’s operational requirements and goals. Such customisation ensures that you’re not paying for unnecessary services.

Competitive Pricing Without Hidden Surprises

Our commitment at NBE is towards transparent and fair pricing. This means no hidden fees, price hikes, or confusing tariffs. Price clarity allows businesses to plan and budget their expenses more effectively, leading to potential cost reductions and better financial planning.

Unmatched Customer Support

At NBE, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service, setting us apart in the energy market. We understand that quick and effective responses are crucial, so we ensure that our team is always ready to address your needs promptly and efficiently. This level of support provides a smooth and stress-free energy management experience for your business.

A Commitment to Green Energy

NBE offers diverse green energy options, allowing your business to contribute actively to environmental sustainability. By choosing our green energy plans, you reduce your carbon footprint and improve your corporate image as an eco-friendly brand. This commitment to sustainability can open new doors for your business, attracting eco-conscious customers and partners who value environmental responsibility.

NBE’s Additional Services

At NBE, we go beyond just supplying energy. We offer:

• Energy Audits: Understand your energy usage better and identify saving opportunities.
• Smart Technology Solutions: Utilise our advanced technology for efficient energy management.
• Renewable Energy Consultations: Explore how your business can benefit from renewable energy sources.

Energising Your Business’s Future

Choosing the right energy retailer is a step towards a more sustainable and efficient operational model. By switching to Next Business Energy, your business not only gains access to cost-effective energy plans but also becomes part of a movement towards innovation and sustainability in energy usage. Empower your business’s future with NBE.

The post Choosing an energy retailer & benefits of switching to NBE appeared first on Next Business Energy.

As we enter the New Year, let’s explore how Next Business Energy can help you find more efficient and economical business energy solutions.

Understanding Your Current Electricity Plan

Before you consider new options, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your current situation. Assessing your existing electricity plan involves several key factors:

• Examine Your Expenditure: Take a close look at your energy bills. Understand the rates you are being charged and consider if they reflect good value for your business.
• Service and Support: Evaluate the service and support you’re receiving from your current provider. Does it meet your business’s unique needs?
• Analyse Usage Patterns: Recognise your business’s energy usage trends. Identifying peak consumption times can be pivotal in understanding how to better manage your electricity.

This baseline knowledge is essential for comparison and will guide you in identifying areas ripe for improvement.

The Benefits of Comparing Energy Plans

Cost-Effective Solutions

For small businesses, managing budgets is paramount. Comparing electricity plans can reveal opportunities for significant cost savings, allowing you to allocate financial resources more effectively elsewhere in your business.

Customised Services

Every business has its unique requirements. By exploring different plans, you can find a provider that offers services and solutions best suited to the specific needs of your business, from customer service excellence to flexible billing options.

Embracing Sustainability

Environmental responsibility is increasingly important in today’s business world. Opting for an electricity plan that supports sustainability not only helps in reducing your ecological footprint but also boosts your reputation as an eco-conscious brand.

Next Business Energy: Your Ally in Energy Efficiency

Next Business Energy is dedicated to providing small businesses with energy plans that are not just competitive and transparent but also customised to their specific needs. Our approach includes:

• Competitive Rates: We actively monitor market trends to ensure our pricing is among the best available.
• Tailored Support: Our dedicated account managers provide bespoke advice and support, understanding that each business is unique.
• Smart Technology: Utilise our cutting-edge technology to manage and optimise your energy usage.
• Green Energy Options: Choose from our range of sustainable energy solutions to align with your environmental values.

How to Compare and Choose the Right Plan

Define Your Requirements

First, understand your business’s energy needs. Factors such as business size, hours of operation, and special energy requirements should influence your decision.

Explore and Compare

Investigate various energy suppliers and compare what they offer. Pay close attention to tariff rates, contract terms, and the range of services provided.

Transparency in Costs

Avoid unexpected expenses by thoroughly understanding the terms and conditions of any plan. This transparency is critical to making an informed decision.

Transferring Supplier Made Easy

Are you concerned about the complexities of switching providers? Next Business Energy ensures a smooth and straightforward transition, managing the process from start to finish with minimal disruption to your business operations. Our processes are specially designed to expedite your transfer with zero fees.

Empowering Your Business for the Future

The New Year is a time for positive change. Reassessing and optimising your business energy plan can bring significant benefits, from cost savings to improved sustainability. Next Business Energy is not just an energy supplier; we are a partner dedicated to empowering your business with efficient and sustainable energy solutions. Compare, switch, and step into the New Year with a renewed focus on business efficiency and growth.

The post Happy New Year! Is It Time To Compare Your Business Energy Plan? appeared first on Next Business Energy.

By minimising their environmental footprint and embracing energy-saving initiatives, businesses can work together to go green and significantly cut costs. 

Raising Awareness

One of the most cost-effective energy conservation methods can be found in raising awareness. Although many employees understand the implications of their actions, some may need teaching and encouragement to adopt sustainable habits. Businesses can conduct workshops, provide educational materials, and integrate energy-saving tips into the company’s culture to raise awareness and foster change. 

To foster these changes in employee energy usage, businesses can explain how employees may make some changes at home. Showing how it can directly help their homes might encourage them to adopt the same practices at work. 

Companies may also incentivise change through competition and rewards. By giving something for employees to work towards, they’ll likely want to take part and may learn about the importance of saving energy. 

Encourage Workspace Efficiency

Businesses might encourage employees to customise their workspace while keeping efficiency in mind.  There is evidence that a lot of energy can be saved by doing/implementing the following:

Occupancy lighting and sensing heating systems – These systems only activate when they detect movement within a specific range, meaning they only work when needed. Companies may use these to provide convenience as they don’t have to be manually adjusted. This adds comfort and convenience for employees, increasing productivity without wasting energy. 

Automating desk cluster plugs – These are plugs that switch off power if devices go unused for an extended period. Automating these tasks allows employees to focus more on their work without wasting electricity.   

Automation through desktop apps – Employees who use apps to control laptops, monitors, phones and desk lights will likely participate in energy conservation as the process will be easier to do from one application. 

Turn the lights off – Employers can encourage their staff to turn off lights when leaving offices or instead maximise using natural light sources. 

After Hours Audit – Conducting an after-hours audit can ensure that all necessary equipment is switched off. This action alone can return significant energy savings over time. 

By collectively using multiple methods listed and turning them into cultural norms, businesses will see substantial energy savings over time. 

Thermostat Policy 

Creating a temperature-setting policy can prevent unnecessary heating, cooling and conflict between staff. Employers should instead encourage employees to dress in layers to adapt to minor temperature changes. However, companies can tell their team to provide personal climate control to balance comfort and conservation. 

Is Commuting Worth It?

Employees can consider the impact of how they get to and from work. Businesses can help by encouraging and incentivising carpooling, biking, and public transportation. Since COVID-19, many companies have Introduced working-from-home options that reduce the need to travel and save office space. 

Making Impactful Change With Energy Usage

To understand the benefits of these initiatives, it is important to regularly monitor and audit all processes to generate valuable data to understand what measures need to be taken and what ones need improving to make the biggest savings.  

The benefits of addressing employee habits on energy usage should be taken seriously. By encouraging a culture of awareness while providing the necessary tools, businesses can generate significant reductions in energy consumption while making impactful cost savings. 

At Next Business Energy, we champion the move towards a more sustainable and cost-effective future. Embrace energy efficiency, and watch your business thrive both financially and ethically.
Visit our website for more information on the impact of investing in energy-efficient lighting for your business.

The post The Impact of Employee Habits on Energy Usage and Cost Savings appeared first on Next Business Energy.

If you haven’t recently compared your business energy plan, now may be the time to do so, to see if you could be saving more. 

The right energy plan

Choosing the right energy plan can have a big impact on your energy costs. You need it to suit your specific business needs, and there are numerous factors to consider. 

Your energy plan should suit the size of your business premises to ensure you’re getting charged for the amount of energy you’re using, and not getting charged more than you need to be.

Consider your heating and cooling needs. Heating and cooling uses a significant amount of energy, so depending on how much heating and cooling you use, you may need this to be factored into your energy plan, so you’re not paying through the roof. If your business uses a significant amount of refrigeration, this will also impact your energy bills. 

What kind of energy meter do you have at your premises? If you have a smart meter, it can provide more accurate information on your energy usage. Time of use can impact energy costs, especially if you’re on a demand meter, and you’re using energy during peak demand times. 

When looking at energy plans, consider whether you want a fixed price over a longer period, or a price that changes with market price changes. 

If your business is looking to invest in renewable energy, whether through installing solar panels or by selecting Next GreenPower for your electricity plan, this can impact your energy plan. 

Review your energy consumption and costs from the previous year to get an idea of whether your current energy plan still suits your needs. You are likely to find areas where you could be saving on energy. 

There are many options when it comes to energy plans, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. 

Changing business needs

Your energy needs can change throughout the year, so it’s important to review your energy plan and business needs on a regular basis. 

Your business may grow over the year, which may involve expanding with more employees, moving to a new premises, and purchasing more equipment. All these factors will increase energy consumption. 

Alternatively, you may downsize your business and have more people working remotely. This may involve you moving to a smaller office, and will result in a decrease of your energy usage, however, if you remain on the same energy plan you may be paying the same amount even though you’re using less energy. 

Energy bill comparison

While comparing energy plans from various providers requires time and research, it may help your business save a considerable amount of money on energy bills. 

Electricity prices can change regularly, as the electricity market changes (both up and down),  so it’s a good idea to compare your plan on an annual basis to find the best deal for your business. Before looking elsewhere, you may want to speak to your current provider about whether they can offer you a better deal on your energy. Though it may still be worthwhile doing some research into other plans available, so you have a better understanding of what you can ask for. 

At Next Business Energy, we pride ourselves on providing competitive rates. Compare your current energy provider to our rates to see if you could be saving money on your energy bill.

The post Is it time to compare your business energy plan? Find out if you could save more appeared first on Next Business Energy.

It’s important for business owners to assess their energy needs regularly and make sure they are getting the best deal with their energy plan, and not paying more for business energy than they need to. 

Understand the energy market and your energy needs

Many business owners, after signing up for an energy plan, don’t bother to review it regularly to see if they can get a better plan, but getting the best energy offer that suits your business needs is worth doing. 

Keep on top of the energy market and regularly review your energy plan and invoices to ensure you’re getting the best rates for your business. 

Talk to your provider about your current energy plan. Discuss your energy needs, as they may have changed since you signed your contract. 

You can ask your energy provider to provide you with your energy data for the last 12 months. 

This will show you your business’s energy usage, and how it varies throughout the year. Using this data, you can determine what energy plans may suit your usage needs, as well as look for potential areas of savings. 

Compare energy offers

Do some research on energy plans available, and compare plans and costs in your state. 

You may find that after doing a comparison, you can get a better deal from your current provider, without the need to switch to a different energy provider at all. 

Doing your research is essential to getting a better energy plan. Before speaking to your current provider about getting a better deal, you need to know what other offers are available to your business. Determining how much you may be able to save by switching will put you in a stronger negotiating position for a better business energy plan with your current provider. 

Be ready to make the switch

Before switching to a new provider, you may want to ask if your current provider is willing to give you a better deal on your business energy. If they know you’re serious about changing to a different provider, they may be more likely to offer you a better energy deal to keep you. 

If your current energy provider is not willing to give you a better deal or is unable to, you need to be willing to make the switch to a different provider. Make sure you understand what would be involved in switching, whether there are any additional fees (such as an exit fee for leaving your current plan), and how long it takes to switch to ensure you will not be left without electricity. 

If you do end up switching energy providers, check the full details of the new plan first. It may be worth asking how long the contract is, and if you can get a cheaper deal if you get a longer contract. Find out about all the costs involved, from the cost per kilowatt hour, to any fixed costs, service fees or exit fees. Also, check if the prices can go up during the contract period, which could result in you paying more for energy than you intended. 

If you’re looking for a better energy plan, view our plans and rates here https://nextbusinessenergy.com.au/get-a-quote/. 

The post Getting the right energy deal for your business appeared first on Next Business Energy.

Many business owners are too busy to spend time considering their energy usage, but it’s important to avoid getting complacent about your business’s energy plan. 

Re-evaluating it each year to ensure your existing plan continues to serve your business’s needs and provide you with the best price possible is crucial. 

Understanding your energy consumption

Making an effort to monitor business energy consumption is essential if you want to save on your current consumption. To make savings on energy, you need to know how your business is using it. 

Businesses often face budgeting challenges and costs each month. A large portion of these costs are often attributed to energy usage. Many businesses do not have a good understanding of their energy usage and costs. They pay the bills each month without actually reviewing them or look for opportunities to improve consumption. 

Assessing the energy efficiency of your business may provide valuable insight to help develop ongoing energy-saving habits. This information may also be used to create a more environmentally friendly business and invest in sustainable options such as solar energy.

Conducting an energy efficiency assessment may assist you in identifying your current energy consumption and areas for improvement. This may help you identify the energy consumption of individual pieces of equipment and appliances. 

Understanding your energy usage can help you make decisions for your business. Gain insights into daily energy consumption and overall demand and this may help you identify potential savings or areas of improvement. 

Reducing your energy costs can help you lower overall business overheads. Cutting expenses such as your monthly energy bill thereby has the potential to improve your margins and profitability. 

Changes to your energy usage

Your business energy needs may change year after year, especially as your business grows, so it’s important to continue to assess your energy needs and current consumption to ensure your plan is best suited for your business.

Consider any company growth over the next 12 months. What impact might this have on your energy usage?

If you’re planning to move office or expanding the one you have, consider how this will affect your energy consumption. You may want to talk to your provider to ensure you have a smooth transition if you need to switch your energy to a new address. 

Assessing your current energy usage can help develop strategies for future energy bill savings. This may include upgrading your office equipment to more energy-efficient alternatives or even switching to LED light bulbs and motion sensor lighting.

As your business energy needs change, so too should your energy plan, so make sure to keep assessing it regularly to ensure it continues to be the best fit for your business. 

If you want to assess your energy usage to see where you could save, check out our blog on how to conduct an energy audit. 

The post When was the last time you assessed your energy plan? appeared first on Next Business Energy.