To help small-to-medium business owners understand the fluctuations in your business energy bills, we’ve put together a list of the most common reasons for high bills at the workplace:
There’s been a change in the seasons
The weather can play a major factor on your company’s energy consumption. Air conditioning will increase your energy usage in summer, while the shorter days and colder temperatures in winter mean lights are on earlier than normal.
We recommend comparing bills from the same time period to map your usage (in kWh or MJ) and cost trends over seasons. If you were with us then, you’ll find your bill charges listed for the same time last year in your . You can also see a breakdown of in the app or My Account.Payment historyyour usage
There’s been changes at the property
You’ll often see a spike in your energy costs if there’s been more activity at your business, including having more people on-site or changing your business hours. The busier your business gets, the more energy you’re likely to use.
You’ve been using appliances or machinery that consume more energy
You might be surprised at how much energy some appliances or machinery use. For more information on their usage, take a look at the manual, the manufacturer’s website or its ‘energy efficiency’ label. You’ll find the power rating printed on the back or underneath many appliances or by visiting the .Energy Rating website
It’s a longer billing period than usual
Energy bills rarely cover the same exact number of days per billing period. So if you notice a small variation, this could explain it. to take a closer look.View your bills
You still owe money from a previous bill
If you didn’t happen to pay the full amount of your last business energy bill, the remainder will carry over to your next one – and continue to do so if you don’t pay the full amount each month. You can in the app or My Account.check your account balance
There was a price increase
Prices increase from time to time. If this is the case, we’ll always let you know. You can check your current bill to see if your prices have recently increased or .view our Energy Fact Sheets
We gave you an estimated meter reading
Your meter reader can’t always get to your gas or electricity meter, so sometimes we need to ‘estimate’ your property’s energy usage based on the year before. When we do this, the bill you receive will be an .Estimated bill
You can tell if your bill is based on an estimated or actual reading by looking in the 'Total charges' section. You’ll see either an (A) or (E) after the meter reading numbers, A = actual and E = estimated.
You can share your actual energy usage with us by , so you're only billed for what you've used.submitting a meter read
Did your energy plan benefits finish?
Your plan, and any discounts it comes with, may have ended. If it has, then it’s time to choose another one. You can .find a business plan to suit your needs
You can see which business energy plan you’re on by or looking at the front page of your bill.logging onto My Account
Struggling to pay your bill?
We understand that it can be difficult when bills are higher than expected. If you need some help managing your business energy bills, speak to our team to learn more about your .financial and hardship support options
For ideas on how to reduce your energy use, check out our .energy efficiency tips
Received a high bill at home? Check out our some of the common reasons for .high bills at home