5 Insider Tips to Keep Utility Costs Low
5 Insider Tips to Keep Your Utility Costs Low
How happy would you be if you could run your business for free?
It’s not really a possibility, but there are lots of things you can do to drastically reduce the amount you spend on day to day things like energy and water.
You’ll probably get to the end of this list and kick yourself for not thinking about it sooner, but don’t worry – you’re not alone.
Check your bills
“You’d honestly be surprised at how often energy bills are completely inaccurate against the tariff rate and usage.” - Head of Bureau Services
How often do you pay an energy bill without checking and validating every single aspect of it? If your answer is anything other than “never” then you’re probably overspending on the cost of your utilities.
By validating bills, we saved one of our customers from an incorrect bill that would have overcharged them by £300,000 in a single month!
Billing errors, incorrect readings, clerical mistakes and estimated bills can all add up and if you aren’t checking every bill and raising each issue you find then you risk potentially losing thousands each year to errors.
Know what’s there
“Understanding the lay of the land before you break ground can make a huge difference to the overall cost of your project.” - Head of Connections & Infrastructure
Imagine breaking ground on a new site and finding that it was going to cost you hundreds of thousands more than you anticipated. Unfortunately, this isn’t an uncommon occurrence but luckily it can be easily prevented.
A feasibility study will show you exactly what utilities are available in that location – including ones that you don’t want to be there. A study like this helped to save one of our clients over £111,000 by applying to independent network operators as well as the hosts.
Monitor your usage
“If you don’t know how much energy you’re using, or when it’s being used, you’ll never be able to effectively reduce your consumption.” - Head of Energy Efficiency and Engineering
The first aspect of any energy efficiency project is to identify where the energy is being used by setting up monitoring. We’ve seen everything from air-conditioning running 24/7 even though the site was only being used 3 days a week through to old machinery running inefficiently and driving up costs.
In one location, we found that we could reduce energy consumption by 30% just by switching over from halogen light bulbs to low-watt LED bulbs. However, without monitoring, we wouldn’t have been able to justify the cost of making this change or have shown the impact it made.
Strategic energy purchasing
“It’s not about getting the best deal, it’s about getting the best deal on the best day of the year.” - Head of Procurement
Buying your energy strategically can save your business a small fortune every year in the cost of energy, although this isn’t as easy as it sounds. At amber, we carefully monitor the market in order to find the lowest point in the market to procure your energy.
Online comparison sites and some other brokers just look at the best price on a single day, at amber, we can look up to five years in advance to predict when the best day to purchase energy will be. Due to how much energy prices can change, the potential savings through this tactic are practically endless.
Just change your water supplier
“The water market opened up in April 2017, which means that you could save money just by switching water supplier.” - Head of Water Services
So, in April 2017 the UK’s business water market opened up, meaning that you’re no longer tied to a supplier based on your location. Did you know that? No? You’re not the only one, lots of businesses are still with their legacy supplier just because they didn’t know you could switch.
Just because water is cheap, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look into it. Depending on your water use, there is a huge potential for savings just by changing who you buy your water from.
Moving from Wessex Water to Yorkshire Water, for example, could save you nearly £1 for every M3 of water you use. Over the space of a year, that could easily run into the thousands saved! You could also benefit from consolidated bills, if you have multiple locations across the country, meaning that it’s much easier to keep track of your usage and your spend.
To celebrate amber energy turning ten we turn back the clocks to see what we’ve achieved during our time.
Our trading team looks at one of the biggest issues to influence the price of oil - the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes, which has the potential to cause significant economic impact around the world.
To celebrate 10 years of being in business, Nick has put together his 10 top tips to help you start a successful business.
Why Most Businesses Overpay for Utilities
Most businesses don't realise they're overpaying because utility costs are often seen as fixed overheads. But the truth is, the market is dynamic, and without active management, you're likely paying more than you should. At amber energy, we've seen companies reduce their utility spend by up to 20% simply by taking a proactive approach.
One common pitfall is relying on automatic renewals or sticking with the same supplier out of habit. Energy and water markets change frequently, and what was a good deal a year ago may not be today. Regularly reviewing your contracts and understanding your consumption patterns can unlock significant savings.
Another factor is lack of visibility. If you don't know how much energy each site, department, or piece of equipment uses, you can't identify waste. Implementing sub-metering and real-time monitoring gives you the data you need to make informed decisions and drive down costs.
Practical Steps to Start Saving Today
You don't need a massive investment to start cutting utility costs. Here are some actionable steps you can take right now:
- Conduct a utility audit: Review your bills for the last 12 months, check for errors, and compare tariffs against your actual usage.
- Install smart meters: Get real-time data on your energy and water consumption to identify spikes and inefficiencies.
- Engage your team: Encourage employees to turn off lights, equipment, and heating when not in use. Small behavioural changes can add up.
- Consider energy-efficient upgrades: From LED lighting to better insulation, many upgrades pay for themselves within a year or two.
- Review your water contract: Since the market opened, switching suppliers could save you money with no disruption to service.
At amber energy, we help businesses implement these steps and more. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring you maximise savings without compromising operations.
The Hidden Costs of Inaction
Failing to manage your utilities proactively can cost you more than just money. Inefficient energy use often leads to higher carbon emissions, which can affect your brand reputation and compliance with environmental regulations. Many customers and partners now expect businesses to demonstrate sustainability.
Moreover, utility prices are volatile. By not locking in favourable rates when the market dips, you expose your business to sudden price hikes. Strategic purchasing, as mentioned earlier, is not just about saving money today but protecting your budget from future shocks.
Don't wait until your next bill arrives to start thinking about savings. The sooner you take control, the more you stand to gain. Explore our Energy Industry News & Blog for more insights, or read about 5 opportunities helping UK businesses get to net zero to see how efficiency ties into broader goals.
How amber energy Can Help
We're not just a utility broker; we're a partner in your business's efficiency journey. Our services include bill validation, feasibility studies, energy monitoring, strategic procurement, and water contract management. With over a decade of experience, we've helped countless businesses reduce costs and improve sustainability.
Our approach is data-driven and tailored to your unique needs. We start by understanding your current usage and contracts, then identify opportunities for savings. Whether it's renegotiating tariffs, optimising your energy mix, or implementing efficiency measures, we're with you every step of the way.
Interested in learning more? Check out our Blogs for additional resources, or read our spotlight on Quintex to see how we've helped other businesses succeed.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Utility Management
The utility landscape is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and regulations shaping how businesses consume energy and water. Smart grids, renewable energy sources, and demand response programmes are becoming mainstream, offering new ways to save money and reduce environmental impact.
At amber energy, we stay ahead of these trends to provide our clients with the best advice and solutions. From helping you navigate the transition to net zero to leveraging data analytics for smarter decisions, we're committed to your long-term success.
Don't let utility costs drain your profits. Take action today and see the difference proactive management can make. For more inspiration, read our article on Awards mean nothing, would you buy a house without a roof? to understand the value of substance over hype.