Welcome to Our Weekly Newsletter!
At Energy Costs Managed, we believe managing your energy costs should be about more than simply finding a tariff.
Every business has different energy requirements, risk tolerances and contract objectives. That's why we provide tailored procurement and ongoing energy management support designed to help businesses manage risk, control costs and make informed decisions.
The Energy You're Paying For But Not Using
When energy bills increase, it's natural to look at tariffs, contracts and supplier prices.
But there's another question every business should be asking:
How much energy are we using that we don't actually need?
Energy waste can be easy to overlook. A light left on overnight might seem insignificant. Heating an empty office for several hours may not feel like a major expense. Equipment running when nobody is using it can go unnoticed.
But small amounts of wasted energy can add up over weeks, months and years.
Look at Your Business Outside Working Hours
One of the simplest ways to identify energy waste is to walk around your premises when the business isn't operating.
Check whether:
- Lights are still switched on.
- Heating or cooling is running unnecessarily.
- Computers and office equipment have been left on.
- Machinery or other equipment is operating when it isn't required.
- Areas that aren't being used are still being heated or lit.
You don't necessarily need expensive technology to spot some of these opportunities. Sometimes, a simple walk-around can reveal more than expected.
Review Your Heating Controls
Heating is often one of the biggest areas of energy use for UK businesses, particularly during colder months.
Check your heating schedules and temperature settings.
Is the heating coming on earlier than necessary? Is it continuing after staff have left? Are areas being heated when they're rarely occupied?
Making sure heating is aligned with your actual operating hours can help reduce unnecessary consumption without compromising comfort.
Don't Forget About Equipment
Business equipment can consume energy even when it isn't being actively used.
Depending on your business, this could include computers, printers, kitchen equipment, refrigeration, machinery or other electrical systems.
Review what needs to remain operational outside normal working hours and what could be switched off safely.
For larger businesses, it may also be worth identifying equipment that is older, inefficient or operating unnecessarily.
Understand Your Energy Usage
You can't manage what you don't understand.
Take a look at your energy bills and available consumption information. Look for unusual increases, seasonal patterns and periods where your usage doesn't appear to match your business activity.
If your business has multiple premises, meters or operating areas, understanding where energy is being consumed can be particularly valuable.
The aim isn't simply to use less energy.
It's to make sure the energy you're paying for is actually being used productively.
Small Changes Can Become Big Improvements
Energy efficiency doesn't always require a major investment.
Simple operational changes can make a difference:
- Adjusting heating schedules.
- Switching off equipment when it's no longer needed.
- Using lighting controls effectively.
- Keeping doors and windows closed when heating is running.
- Encouraging staff to switch off equipment.
- Regularly reviewing energy consumption.
The most effective approach is usually one that becomes part of normal business operations rather than a one-off exercise.
A Quick Energy Check for Your Business
This week, take 15 minutes to walk around your premises outside normal operating hours.
Ask yourself:
What is switched on?
Does it need to be?
Could the operating schedule be improved?
Are there areas where we're paying for energy without getting any real benefit?
You might identify a few simple changes worth making.
Don't Stop at Energy Efficiency
Reducing unnecessary consumption is one part of managing energy costs.
It's also important to regularly review your energy contracts, understand your current pricing and make sure your procurement strategy reflects how your business operates today.
Your energy requirements can change as your business grows, premises change or operating patterns evolve.
That's why energy management should be an ongoing process not something you only think about when your contract is due for renewal.
Energy Costs Managed
AtEnergy Costs Managed, we help UK businesses take a more informed approach to managing their energy costs.
Whether you're reviewing your current position, preparing for a contract renewal or simply looking for ways to take greater control of your energy, understanding the bigger picture is a good place to start.
Don't just focus on what you're paying for energy. Look at how you're using it too.
Wholesale Energy Market Update
Wholesale energy prices have remained volatile this week, with movements across the forward periods we monitor.
For businesses approaching contract renewal, keeping an eye on wholesale market movements can provide useful context when considering your next energy contract.
If your contract is due for renewal within the next 12 months, our team can help you understand how current market movements could affect your next agreement.
Book a complimentary 15-minute energy contract review.
Week to date - 2nd September to 9th September
Gas
- October 2026: ↑ 182.15p to 197.67p/therm
- December 2026: ↑ 186.75p to 201.55p/therm
- March 2027: ↑ 169.65p to 186.79p/therm
- June 2027: ↑ 118.35p to 126.87p/therm
Electricity
- October 2026: ↑ £141.56 to £152.00/MWh
- December 2026: ↑ £150.01 to £160.53/MWh
- March 2027: ↑ £140.55 to £152.46/MWh
- June 2027: ↑ £98.27 to £102.97/MWh
Wholesale energy markets remain highly volatile. The prices shown are indicative only and are intended to illustrate wholesale market movements. They should not be considered an offer to supply, a guaranteed contract price, or financial/trading advice.Thank you for reading this weeks newsletter.
We'll be back next week with the latest wholesale energy market movements, practical advice and expert insight to help your business manage energy costs more effectively.
If you would like to discuss your current energy contract or arrange a complimentary energy review, we'd be delighted to help.
Have a great weekend!
Chris Horsley
