We all use electricity and we all have to pay for it - some more than others. Have you wondered why your businesses’ electricity bill is higher than it should be? We’ve done the hard work for you and have provided you with the top 5 ways to reduce your business’ next electricity bill.
The first step to reduce your electricity usage is to switch off your lights during the working day. However if your workplace does not get enough natural light throughout the day, then considering the type of lighting can be your next best option.
If your facility uses older methods of lighting such as fluorescents, you should consider upgrading your conventional lighting with energy efficient LED lighting. LED lights consume less power and last 40 times as long as the average incandescent bulb.
Additionally, conventional lighting draws a significant amount of heat, causing your AC units to work harder to cool your workplace.
Upgrading your lighting solutions can not only save your facility approximately 50% on running costs, but it can drastically reduce maintenance costs as well.
On top of upgrading your lighting with energy efficient LED’s, you can implement measures and systems that control how your lighting is properly used.
We recommend to compliment your existing light switches with presence and daylight harvesting sensors.
What is Daylight Harvesting?
To put it simply, daylight harvesting is a process of saving the energy costs associated with lighting by using what available sunlight there is.
These daylight sensors detect the level of sunlight and can even discern sunlight from the light emitted by an LED.
As the level of daylight fluctuates throughout the day, these sensors will adjust the level of light appropriately keeping a consistent level of light in your workplace.
As well as daylight harvesting, you can also install presence sensors so that your lighting is only activated if someone is in the work area.
With all of these sensors installed, it removes the need for anybody in the facility to remember turning off/on the light when you enter/leave. This can reduce your running costs by 70% in some cases.
Another option to reduce your electricity consumption is to find any electrical equipment being used in your workplace that may be outdated, old or no longer working at their maximal efficiency.
These kinds of electrical equipment will only draw more power than they need to resulting in a lower power factor score, (read step 5 for more on power factor) costing you more money.
Take control of your electricity consumption and save the planet at the same time with, you guessed it… solar energy!
Other than being an incredible source of renewable energy, installing solar panels onto your worksite/facility is cleaner and doesn’t need as much maintenance after it is implemented.
Renewable energy options will not only save your business money, but it can also make you money. In Australia, solar power solutions can make your business eligible for financial incentives. This occurs in the form of small-scale technology certificates (STCs), which are issued up front for a system’s expected power generation (based on its installation date and geographical location).
On top of this, whatever surplus in energy you generate can be pushed back into the power grid. This is called ‘Feed-In Tariffs'. A Feed-In Tariff is the rate you are paid for any electricity generated by your rooftop solar system that is fed back into the grid.
Are you considering implementing solar power into your business? Contact us and we can help you through every stage of the process.
Our last piece of advice to reduce your electrical consumption and save your business money is Power Factor Correction.
If your business is using electrical equipment that is not performing at its optimal efficient level, you could be suffering from a poor power factor ratio.
Having a poor Power Factor could mean your business is paying for more energy than is being used, resulting in loss of energy, money and time. Additionally, if a buildings Power Factor drops beneath a standardised ratio, then your electricity company may add Reactive Power fees to your next bill.
To read all about how we can ensure your business has a good power factor ratio, click here to learn all about Power Factor Correction.
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