Tips to cut your energy bill

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has released a series of tips that could cut a business’s gas bill by 30 per cent.

“Every business can take steps today that will deliver real savings,” said Richard Briggs, EECA group manager delivery and partnerships.

“The cheapest unit of gas is the one you do not use. Even simple actions like fixing steam leaks or optimising heating and cooling systems can make a noticeable difference.”
Here are five things that businesses can do to help:

• Businesses should measure, track and review their energy bills to make sure that they are keeping to acceptable baselines and not going over them.
• Engaging with their staff on a regular basis and encouraging them to report any problems they see can help businesses save money. Staff may see equipment left running, lights not turned off, or unnecessary hot water taps forgotten about and left on.
• Regularly servicing equipment to keep it in top condition can prevent breakdowns and unnecessary expenses.
• When using air conditioning or heaters, have them on a timer, keep them clean to avoid breakdown, and adjust the temperature to suit weather conditions. If it’s cool outside, you may be able to either turn them down or off.
• Be forward-thinking in terms of innovation and new technology that can save gas and energy. Consider alternative cleaner options that use less gas and are cheaper.

EECA analysis shows that nationally, medium and large gas users could avoid 2.5 to 3.5 petajoules of gas demand each year through larger efficiency projects.

“While metals and glass manufacturers require high temperatures, covered agriculture cropping north and south of the city has potential for low-temperature solutions such as heat pumps.

“There are barriers such as the cost of electricity line upgrades, limited physical space for new assets and uncertainty around options like biomass.

“We’re working on this. But starting with simple efficiency actions today gives Auckland businesses more control over costs and sets them up for future energy choices – and EECA is here to help,” said Briggs.