Winter is when UK SMEs feel their energy bill most. October to March accounts for ~60% of annual consumption for most UK businesses. Here are the ten things worth confirming before peak demand hits.
The checklist
1. Confirm your contract end date, and start running quotes 90 days before.
2. Verify your standing charge, these have risen 18% over the last 18 months.
3. Check your unit rate against current market, anything fixed before mid-2024 is likely above market.
4. Audit your supply points, are any sites on deemed rates?
5. Confirm your smart meter is reporting half-hourly, call your supplier if unsure.
6. Review your peak demand setting, overpaying for capacity you don't use?
7. Run an ESOS-style audit on your top three consumption-heavy assets.
8. Check your heating control settings, schedule, set-points, weekend mode.
9. Confirm your renewable / REGO matching is still in place if it was contracted.
10. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before contract end. Always.
Alex Carter
Head of Procurement
Part of the Scottish Prime Energy procurement team, 500,000+ UK businesses switched, £150M+ saved.