Practical ways to reduce energy and save money year-round.

Business owners facing higher utility bills are not alone. Eighty percent of small businesses report that energy costs have had a significant impact on their business, according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. While accepting lower profits and higher prices are two ways to address higher utility costs, there are other options.

Adjust for peak usage times

Utility companies charge more for electricity during peak hours. Shifting the timing of some activities takes advantage of the lower rates. Common activities scheduled for off-peak hours include recharging equipment, running large print jobs and laundry.

Reduce energy use

To cut energy use right away, adopt these practices:

• Turn off equipment when not in use.
• Use occupant sensors that turn lights on when people are present and off when they leave the area.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR® LED bulbs and lamps.
• Install smart thermostats and program them to take advantage of lower rate hours. For example, in summer, set the A/C to a lower temperature before peak rates, and increase it during the hours rates are highest.
• Regularly service the HVAC system to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.
• Install window film and insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Choose energy-efficient replacements

When it’s time to replace or upgrade anything from the refrigerator in the lunch room to the HVAC system, look for ENERGY STAR-qualified options.

Get an energy assessment

Energy assessments identify opportunities for eliminating waste and saving money. Small businesses can do an assessment themselves or take advantage of free services.

If you opt for an in-house energy assessment, the ENERGY STAR Treasure Hunt program provides the guidance you need to uncover opportunities to save energy. “Treasure Hunts focus on quick fixes with a short payback period,” the Treasure Hunt How-to Guide says. “Many improvements can be made immediately … During an Energy Treasure Hunt, groups of people walk around a building looking for quick ways to save energy. Many ENERGY STAR partners have used Energy Treasure Hunts to reduce their facilities’ energy use by up to 15 percent.”

Utility companies are experts in saving energy and usually their assessments are free. Locally, Consumers Energy offers free walk-through and virtual assessments as well as free efficiency equipment, like LED light bulbs, faucet aerators and more. If you use a different utility company, ask if they offer an energy assessment.

Another resource for small- and medium-sized businesses is the Michigan State University Industrial Assessment Center. Their team provides free energy, productivity and waste assessments for businesses with annual energy bills of $100,000 to $3.5 million. See if your company is eligible.

When it comes to cutting utility costs, the sooner you start, the sooner your business can start saving money.

 

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