Why use an energy consultant?

That’s controversial, especially coming from an award-winning energy consultancy, but it’s true.

Not all businesses require energy consultancy services, sometimes you just want the best price for business energy and other times an energy audit is all you really need.

Then there’s the whole small business/ big business divide – if you have a single site with low to moderate energy consumption then we make small business energy buying simple and cost effective!

However, if you do have a large energy spend then hiring an energy consultant could be the best decision you ever make.

The why here is a big one and it varies from business to business. If your business has complex energy requirements, whether that’s multiple meter types across several sites, high energy bills or complex energy profiles, then an external energy consultant can help to clarify things and clamp down on unnecessary costs.

For some companies, hiring an in-house expert to control energy is a good solution, but for others it makes more sense to utilise multiple experts with a wide variety of experience that a consultancy offers. This wealth of experience is highly beneficial in finding intricate solutions to complex energy problems that may not be answered without taking a wider approach to the business.

They’ve done it all before

Never underestimate how valuable experience is. Having someone on your side who has seen the problem before and solved it can speed up the whole process and do so in the most efficient way possible. In addition to this, an energy consultancy will know exactly what they need to do in order reduce your energy spend through clever procurement and innovative energy efficiency measures.

We have a range of case studies available and years of experience in delivering successful results. Chances are, we’ve seen it all before but on the odd case that we haven’t then we’re experienced enough to develop and adapt in order to find the perfect solution for your needs.

Spend money to save money

Yes, we’re aware that’s not the exact quote, but it applies just the same. Nothing comes for free and an energy consultancy is no exception, but we offer real value and lay out our fees clearly and transparently.

What we can do is save you a huge amount of money on your energy bills, even with our fees factored in. We break down the benefits of everything we do – for example, our engineering work is broken down into the cost of the work and how long it takes to pay for itself. Similarly, our procurement strategies are detailed and agreed with our clients – the final purchase price is also broken down to show how much you pay per unit with our fees provided separately.

Keep your energy in check

Do you have someone who’s full time job is to keep an eye on your energy spend? Do you want one?

That’s exactly what we do at amber energy. Through clever monitoring and targeting we can see every kilowatt that your business uses and have automatic alerts whenever consumption deviates from what we deem to be normal. When this does happen, we set about figuring out why this additional consumption took place and put measures in place to stop it happening again. Just through our monitoring and targeting service, we’ve helped our clients save an average of 30% of their energy spend.

Straight talking solutions

Here’s the other thing. Energy is complicated, there’s no two ways about it. There’s an entire language of jargon made up around it, it has its own time zones and deadlines and then there’s market knowledge which is made up of knowledge of lots of other bits of other industries and then figuring out how it will affect the unit price of energy.

This is where we come into our own. Everything we do has simplicity at its core. We’re firm believers in the statement “if you can’t explain something simply, you don’t truly understand it.” We go out of our way to ensure that the work we do is clearly described with the benefits highlighted and our solutions make complete sense regardless of how well you understand the energy industry – our clients have told us that this is worth its weight in gold!

To answer why you should use an energy consultant…

If you have a large energy spend or complex requirements, then an energy consultant can be a dream come true. We’re the guardian angel of your utility management, keeping a watchful eye on your consumption and making sure you get the best possible price.

Yes, we give advice and yes, we highly recommend you take it, but we also deliver on our recommendations.

Struggling to find a good consultant? We provided a guide to walk you through exactly what to look for here.

What exactly does an energy consultant do?

At its core, an energy consultant is a specialist who helps businesses understand, manage, and reduce their energy consumption and costs. This goes far beyond simply finding a cheaper tariff. A consultant will analyse your current energy usage, identify inefficiencies, negotiate with suppliers on your behalf, and implement strategies to optimise your energy profile over the long term.

For businesses with multiple sites or complex energy needs, this often involves a combination of procurement, risk management, bill validation, and energy efficiency projects. The goal is not just to cut costs today, but to build a resilient energy strategy that protects your business from market volatility and regulatory changes.

In practice, a consultant acts as an extension of your team, bringing specialised knowledge that would be costly to maintain in-house. They stay on top of market trends, legislative updates, and technological advancements, so you don’t have to.

When should you consider hiring an energy consultant?

There are several clear signs that your business could benefit from professional energy advice. If you operate across multiple locations, have a high annual energy spend, or are struggling to keep track of your bills and usage data, a consultant can bring order to the chaos.

Businesses undergoing expansion, moving premises, or investing in new equipment also find value in consultancy services. A consultant can ensure that energy considerations are built into these decisions from the start, avoiding costly mistakes later.

Even if your energy needs are relatively simple today, a consultant can help you plan for the future. As your business grows, so will your energy demands, and having a strategy in place early can save significant time and money.

How the process works

Engaging an energy consultant typically follows a structured process, though the specifics will vary depending on your needs. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Initial assessment: The consultant reviews your current energy contracts, bills, and usage data to understand your baseline.
Opportunity identification: They identify areas where you can reduce consumption, improve efficiency, or secure better rates.
Strategy development: A tailored plan is created, outlining recommended actions, expected savings, and implementation timelines.
Implementation: The consultant manages the execution of the plan, whether that involves renegotiating contracts, installing monitoring equipment, or coordinating with suppliers.
Ongoing management: Many consultants offer continuous monitoring and reporting to ensure savings are sustained and new opportunities are captured.

Throughout the process, transparency is key. A good consultant will explain each step in plain language and keep you informed of progress.

Common misconceptions about energy consultants

One of the biggest misconceptions is that energy consultants are only for large corporations. In reality, businesses of all sizes can benefit, especially those with complex or growing energy needs. Another myth is that consultants simply resell energy at a markup. While some may operate this way, reputable consultants are transparent about their fees and work to deliver savings that far exceed their costs.

Some businesses also worry that hiring a consultant means losing control over their energy decisions. In fact, the opposite is true: a good consultant empowers you with information and options, allowing you to make informed choices with confidence.

Finally, there’s the assumption that energy consultancy is a one-time fix. Energy markets and business needs evolve, so ongoing consultancy often provides the greatest long-term value.

Beyond cost savings: the wider benefits

While reducing energy spend is often the primary motivation, the benefits of working with an energy consultant extend much further. Improved energy efficiency can enhance your company’s reputation, support sustainability goals, and contribute to compliance with environmental regulations.

Many businesses are now prioritising net zero targets, and an energy consultant can help you navigate the path to decarbonisation. From identifying renewable energy options to implementing energy management systems, their expertise can accelerate your progress.

Additionally, having a dedicated expert managing your energy can free up internal resources, allowing your team to focus on core business activities. This peace of mind is often cited by clients as one of the most valuable outcomes of the relationship.

Making the right choice for your business

Deciding whether to engage an energy consultant ultimately comes down to your specific circumstances. If your energy spend is significant, your requirements are complex, or you simply lack the time and expertise to manage energy effectively in-house, a consultant can be a wise investment.

When selecting a consultant, look for a track record of success, transparent pricing, and a willingness to explain their approach in plain English. A good consultant should feel like a partner, not just a vendor. For more insights on choosing the right support, explore our Energy Industry News & Blog or read about 5 Insider Tips to Keep Utility Costs Low.

Ultimately, the right energy consultant can transform a significant business cost into a strategic advantage, delivering savings, stability, and sustainability for years to come.

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