Business electricity is a non-negotiable expense, as no company can be efficient without it. However, it also represents one of the largest outgoings for a company, and can seem like a daunting cost. Fortunately, if you're smart, your company might be able to save money on its electricity by making use of a variety of simple tips. Keeping on top of your electricity use, as well as shopping around, will help you decrease unnecessary costs so that you can focus on other areas of the business, rather than worrying about electricity prices.

Buying gas and electricity together as a bundle can help you make sure that prices are kept down. Based on an economy of scale, buying gas and electricity from the same provider will mean that you can negotiate a better deal. In addition, shopping around and asking providers to match quotes from other providers will help you get the lowest possible price. Most providers have special business rates, which will allow you to easily compare different tariffs. If your office is open at non-standard hours, you should try to customise your electricity for your specific needs, as this will be cheaper. Speaking to a customer liaison will allow you to chat about the best electricity plan for you, and is a good idea for anyone who's serious about saving money on electricity.

Planning ahead will also help you to reduce your prices. Many electricity tariffs are based on location, so checking with different providers may mean you get a better deal than the advertised price. In addition, most providers will appoint a business advisor who can travel to your office and make suggestions as to how you can best reduce your energy consumption. In some businesses, energy use can be lowered by 10% with only a few changes, which will save you 10% off your bill. Remember, a series of small changes can add up to large savings across the course of a whole year.

Tracking your energy-use throughout the year is another important aspect of saving money on your business electricity, as you may be surprised at how many bad habits your company has accumulated over the years. Business electricity prices need not be your biggest outgoing, and by treating your business electricity like any other cost you will be able to reduce the price. Negotiating and shopping around are a good starting point, but it's also crucial to minimise general electricity waste as well. By applying business practices to your use of energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and make your business more profitable at the same time.

Bruce Giles 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.