If you are running a business, paying for energy can often be one of your biggest expenses. Electricity and gas are must-haves, so it can seem difficult to reduce costs without cutting efficiency. Because of the nature of business energy-use, costs are calculated differently than with consumer electricity. However, this needn’t mean that business energy is relatively more expensive than what you're paying at home.

The primary difference between business and home energy costs is that both use energy at different times of day. Most business energy-use falls within office hours, whereas home energy-use often comes before and after the typical 9-to-5 work day. One of the benefits of this for the manager of a small business is that the middle of the day tends to be the warmest and the lightest, thus reducing costs on heat and lighting. If you are serious about saving money on lighting, you can start your office hours an hour later in the morning, which will reduce your need for early morning lighting.

In addition, installing an energy monitor in your office will help you stay on top of your energy-use. You can appoint one of your employees as Energy Coordinator, and give him or her responsibility for cutting energy costs. Through simple changes, such as installing energy-efficient light bulbs and ensuring all electronic devices are switched off at the end of the day, your business' energy bills can be greatly reduced. In contrast to home energy-use, a large portion of business energy-use is a result of running various office appliances such as printers, computers and copy machines. By replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient models, you can significantly cut energy costs.

Ultimately, one of the major reasons why costs differ between home-use and business-use is that most employees do not have to pay the bill, and are therefore less likely to save energy. You could offer to pay your employees half the difference if the energy bill is cut, and therefore incentivise them to be energy efficient. By making them stakeholders in the energy price, you will ensure that they take the measures seriously.

In addition, by shopping around, you may be able to reduce your energy prices. Many gas and electricity companies have special business energy rates that are competitive within the market. In addition, they will be able to appoint an adviser who will help you keep your costs down. Paying by direct debit over a year will often result in cheaper bills, and whilst it may not be as cheap as home energy, the cost of business energy can be lowered by taking a savvy business approach to energy-use.

Fiona Roy writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.