Energy inefficiency could be costing small businesses as much as £7.7 billion a year, according to new research by one of the leading energy companies, according to partner site GreenWise.
New data released by E.ON this week suggests nearly four million of the UK’s 4.8 million small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are potentially missing out on savings of up £2,000 per year each by not implementing energy efficiency measures, such as lighting timers and energy monitors.
The results of a survey of around 1000 UK SMEs last month, found almost nine out of 10 (86 per cent) did not have lighting timers or motion sensors in their workplace, while eight out of 10 (81 per cent) were without energy monitors. A further 13 per cent admitted leaving the windows open when the air conditioning or heating was on. The number that had installed smart meters was higher, however, accounting for 15 per cent of SMEs.
The least energy savvy SMEs were found to be in the financial services sector, where 97 per cent claimed to be unaware of the savings that could be achieved through energy efficiency measures.
"Worryingly, four out of five small businesses are not aware of the significant financial savings that can be made by becoming more energy efficient in the workplace," Iain Walker, head of Business Sales at E.ON, said. "Introducing small changes in your business behaviour, like installing energy saving equipment, light sensors and smart meters, can have a significant financial impact on your energy bills."
Last week, the Carbon Trust issued new guidance for companies that showed that turning down the heating by one degree could save UK workplaces £35 million a year alone.
E.ON is among the Big Six energy firms trying to win back the trust of domestic and business customers following energy price hikes this year. Last week, they agreed to a package of measures with the Government to help cut the fuel bills of UK households this winter.
For business customers, E.ON says it provides a Business EnergyManager service, which as well as fixed prices provides a free energy monitor, with downloadable software, and an app to help businesses manage their account on the go.
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