5 Ways to Reduce Your Business’s Energy Bills with Smart Electrical Upgrades
A Guide to Electrical Installation Condition Report Codes
Author
William Dexter | Operations Director
Table of Contents
Author
William Dexter | Operations Director
Table of Contents
Introduction
In today’s economic climate, energy bills are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. With electricity prices fluctuating and sustainability becoming a key focus, improving your building’s energy efficiency isn’t just environmentally responsible—it’s financially smart.
Fortunately, there are several electrical upgrades that can significantly cut your overheads without disrupting operations. Here are 5 Ways to Reduce Your Business’s Energy Bills with Smart Electrical Upgrades:
Switch to LED Lighting
Lighting accounts for a large portion of a commercial building’s energy use. Traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs waste a significant amount of electricity as heat. Upgrading to LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 70%.
Benefits:
Longer lifespan (up to 50,000 hours)
Lower maintenance costs
Instant brightness and better lighting quality
Smart control compatibility (e.g. motion sensors, daylight harvesting)
Install Smart Controls and Automation
Smart control systems allow businesses to automate lighting, heating, ventilation, and cooling based on occupancy, daylight, and schedules.
Examples of smart controls:
Motion sensors in meeting rooms, toilets, and storage areas
Timed controls for signage, security lighting, or exterior features
Zoned heating and cooling managed via mobile apps or building management systems
Smart automation not only reduces waste—it gives you precise control over your energy use, helping staff to avoid unnecessary usage without thinking about it.
Upgrade Old Electrical Infrastructure
Outdated electrical systems are not only less efficient—they can also be a safety hazard. Replacing ageing wiring, boards, or switchgear can help ensure your energy is being delivered efficiently and safely.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will reveal if your current infrastructure is fit for purpose, or if energy is being lost through inefficiencies like voltage drops, poor insulation, or overloaded circuits.
Install Power Factor Correction Equipment
If your business uses heavy machinery, air conditioning, or commercial refrigeration, your equipment could be drawing more power than it needs—resulting in high utility charges due to poor power factor.
Power Factor Correction (PFC) units help to balance electrical loads and improve efficiency, often reducing energy costs by 10% or more in industrial and commercial settings.
Invest in Energy Monitoring Systems
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Installing a real-time energy monitoring system allows you to track usage by area, time of day, or equipment.
What this helps you do:
Identify energy-hungry systems
Spot usage patterns and correct inefficiencies
Set performance benchmarks and targets
Create reports for sustainability reporting or compliance
Over time, data-driven decisions can lead to significant savings and greater control over your carbon footprint.
Final Thoughts
Smart electrical upgrades are no longer just about comfort or convenience—they’re a powerful tool to control operational costs and build a more sustainable business.
Whether you’re managing a warehouse, office building, retail store, or hospitality space, starting with an energy assessment can help you prioritise the most impactful upgrades.
Need advice or a site survey? Contact our commercial electrical team to see how we can help cut your energy costs and future-proof your business.
