After a recent webinar led by myself, Emily Berry, Partnership Manager at Utility Aid, I wanted to share key takeaways that can support your journey toward greater energy efficiency and net-zero emissions. At Utility Aid, we’re passionate about empowering the charity and nonprofit sector to save time and resources through tailored energy solutions. We work closely with councils and other organisations to help navigate everything from energy contract management to carbon reduction planning, all with a focus on sustainability and financial impact.

With rising energy costs and an urgent push towards sustainability, now is a pivotal time for organisations to rethink their energy strategies. Here’s a recap of practical steps and insights to help you make a meaningful impact on both your energy bills and carbon footprint.

Know Your Bills, Control Your Costs

The first step in controlling energy expenses is understanding your bills. Did you know that nearly 20% of utility bills contain errors? Often, these inaccuracies stem from estimated readings or VAT and Climate Change Levy (CCL) mischarges. If you’re not using a smart meter, be sure to submit regular meter readings to avoid overcharges. When reviewing bills, check for indicators like "E" for estimates, "A" for actual readings, and "C" for customer readings to confirm accuracy. It’s a simple habit that can save you from unnecessary costs.

Create a Culture of Energy Saving

Reducing energy use isn’t just about adjusting thermostats or turning off lights—it’s about building an organisation-wide culture. Here are a few ways to create lasting change:

1. Engage Everyone: When everyone knows the “why” behind energy savings, they’re more likely to help. Consider appointing an "Energy Champion" who can encourage positive habits across the organisation. This role isn’t about policing; it’s about fostering a shared responsibility.
2. Watch Out for Phantom Energy: Phantom energy, or “ghost” energy, refers to power drawn by devices left plugged in when not in active use. This hidden consumption can add up. Try connecting devices to power strips, making it easy to shut off unused equipment completely.
3. Temperature Control: HVAC costs can account for up to 60% of your total energy spend. Agreeing on a comfortable yet conservative temperature range helps reduce the demand on heating and cooling. For example, the Energy Saving Trust recommends maintaining temperatures between 18-21°C in winter.
4. Install Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Devices: AMR devices go beyond traditional smart meters by providing real-time data during and outside of operational hours. This data can reveal unexpected usage patterns, such as a heater running on a timer overnight when no one is using the building.
5. Optimise Your Energy Tariff: Check you are getting value for money and if your tariff has dual rates, it may be prudent to carry out certain tasks during off-peak times.

Your Journey to Net Zero

When we talk about net zero, it’s essential to start with a clear picture of where you currently stand. This is where a carbon footprint assessment comes in. You’ll want to account for emissions from both direct (Scope 1) and indirect sources (Scope 2 and Scope 3). Breaking it down like this can make the journey more manageable:

• Scope 1: These are the direct emissions you control, like fuel burned for heating or company vehicles. 
• Scope 2: These are the emissions organisations make indirectly – like when the electricity or energy it buys for heating and cooling buildings, is being produced on its behalf.
• Scope 3: In this category go all the emissions associated, not with the organisation itself, but that the organisation is indirectly responsible for, up and down its value chain. For example, from buying products from its suppliers, and from its products when customers use them. Emissions-wise, Scope 3 is nearly always the big one!. Tackling Scope 3 can be challenging, so start with the lower-hanging fruit, such as selecting sustainable suppliers and minimising waste in procurement practices.

Annual Carbon Footprint Checks and Celebrating Wins

Your carbon footprint assessment isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. Each year, measure the impact of your energy-saving initiatives and celebrate the progress you’ve made. Not only will this reinforce your commitment to sustainability, but it will also encourage others to stay engaged in the journey.

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Starting Small, Aiming Big

Reaching net zero might seem challenging, but every small step counts. Begin with achievable goals, focus on easy wins, and celebrate each milestone along the way. Actions like choosing a green energy supplier or cutting down on phantom energy use can make a significant difference over time. And when you’re ready to go further, consider community-focused initiatives—like tree planting—to offset emissions that are more difficult to reduce.

Ready to Start Your Net-Zero Journey?

If you have questions or want tailored guidance on your energy strategy, I’m here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

📧 Email me at eberry@utility-aid.co.uk
☎️ Call us at 0808 178 8170
🌐 Visit us at utility-aid.co.uk

Let’s make a sustainable impact together!

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Watch my webinar

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FAQ with Emily Berry

1. Can businesses get fully fixed energy contracts?

• Yes, fully fixed contracts are available for business energy, and they cover both commodity and non-commodity costs. However, not all suppliers offer fully fixed terms. It’s essential to verify with each provider whether their fixed contract includes both aspects, as the terminology may vary. You can view a full breakdown of the history of non -commodity costs and how these are forecast to change for an average customer by clicking here. 

2. When would a half-hourly meter be useful, particularly for solar installations?

• A half-hourly meter may be beneficial in settings with high energy demands, as it allows for precise monitoring of usage every 30 minutes. This type of metering is referring to your energy supply only. If you’re planning to install solar panels, we would recommend having the appropriate checks first and making sure you have the right set up to make the most of the installation.  A discovery document will provide you with this information and give you an idea of what the payback period will be and if it is indeed the right technology to install. 

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3. What is KVA charging, and how can it affect my energy bills?

• KVA (Kilovolt-Amperes) a term used for the rating of an electrical circuit. Charges apply to certain types of meters, often half-hourly, and relate to the capacity the grid reserves for your building’s energy needs. These charges are based on an assumed peak usage level. If your power usage is less than this maximum level, you may wish to apply for a reduction to your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC). For some customers, this might save some money. Further details can be found here. 

4. Are suppliers required to reimburse overcharges due to estimated readings, especially under the De Minimis rule?

• No, suppliers aren’t automatically required to reimburse overcharges, so it’s the end user’s responsibility to recover these. If your bills reflect estimated readings and result in overcharges (e.g., higher VAT or CCL charges), you can submit up-to-date meter readings along with a VAT form to request a rebill or reimbursement for overpaid charges. If you need help and support with identifying your correct VAT amount please reach out to Charity Partner Ethical Property Foundation, who will happily support you.  

5. We have unmetered street lights—how can we meter or turn them off at night?

• Simply turning the street lighting off will not reduce your bill in any way.  If the hours of operation are reduced, you must inform your DNO so they can recalculate the lower usage – only then will your bills be reduced. Check with your local regulations first, as some areas may require lights to remain on for safety. For more info click here. 

6. Is it worth adding solar panels to an older, energy-inefficient building?

• Conduct an energy efficiency assessment first. Adding solar panels may not be the best choice if the building is inefficient. A survey will help prioritise improvements that deliver the most cost and carbon savings. Consider our remote assessments as a cost-effective way to receive a tailored report on possible upgrades.

7. We recently replaced our sodium lights with LEDs. How can we update our UMS to reflect this?

• Your consumption should be reduced with LED lighting. Regarding updating your UMS you would need to send an updated inventory to your DNO and they will update your certificate and update your supplier, you can find your DNO here. 

8. Are green energy suppliers truly green, or is it just marketing?

• Green energy is energy that can be produced using a method, and from a source, that causes no harm to the natural environment. Different suppliers offer different types of green tariffs so its important that you pick the right supply for your organisations wants and needs. If you need help and support finding the right tariff please reach out to me. 

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9. Does using a green energy supplier mean I receive only renewable energy?

• Not exactly. When you choose a green supplier, the energy goes into the national grid, which contains a mix of sources. The benefit of choosing a green supplier lies in supporting renewable investment and encouraging sustainable practices. While your specific energy mix may vary, your choice helps drive overall demand for greener energy.

10. Should we avoid larger suppliers for sustainable procurement, given their fossil fuel production?

• Larger suppliers often produce a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy, so smaller, independent providers focused solely on renewables may offer more transparent sustainability credentials. If you prefer to support only renewables, check the supplier’s source breakdown and certifications.

11. What is the best approach for managing high energy rates on a fixed contract?

• If you’re locked into an existing contract the supplier would have already purchased your energy for your contracted period. For this reason, most energy contracts will not permit you to leave early. Over the last couple of years, we have seen extreme volatility in the wholesale markets and this has made it difficult to budget effectively. I would suggest focusing on reducing your energy consumption but being mindful if you are a high user of volume tolerance. 

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