The island of Ireland has almost 400 wind farms, serving a population of less than 7 million. One of the highest ratios per capita on the globe, with wind turbines meeting around a third of Ireland’s electricity demand.
Across the water, the UK has more turbines but with the population size, they meet less of the total demand. Even so, progress has been made and must continue, along with investment in other forms of renewable energy.
Helping the environment is a critical need and as events have proven, being self sufficient in energy is valuable to any nation.
The Uncertain Future
When Covid and related lockdowns brought energy prices to a ten year low, could anyone honestly predict events just a couple of years later. That energy costs would rise by several hundred percent.
Many smaller UK energy suppliers have gone, unable to produce sufficient credit to cover wholesale costs. The cost of heating homes has risen but the impact of 2022’s energy crisis will not only damage domestic finances.
Financial strain is growing for many types of business, with uncertainty as much of a problem. Those operating in energy intensive sectors are facing increasing operational difficulties and are unable to price effectively.
Businesses may already be suffering on variable energy tariffs, or approaching the point of needing to renew existing contracts.
Finding Solutions
Business surveys currently show a marked lack of confidence, with fuel and utility bills the most mentioned causes. Small businesses in particular are vulnerable, although companies of all sizes need to take protective measures.
Inefficient buildings are expensive and a leading reason for high energy costs. Reducing them has always made sense for environmental as well as business reasons, Dynamic installed new double glazing and low energy lighting a few years ago.
We can confirm that they are a sound investment and will pay for themselves rapidly in the current environment. The same applies to good insulation and to changing procedures to reduce energy costs.
Electrical items can often be turned off overnight, standard bulbs changed to LEDs, heating more closely controlled. An energy audit makes sense for businesses of all sizes, as does working with your supply company.
Seeking Support
If you are having problems, talk to your energy company. Some offer business hardship funds and most can help in practical ways.
Support schemes, or grants may be available for energy efficient equipment. Smart meters for business are a start, although your supplier should be able to offer advice on optimising consumption in more sophisticated ways.
This can include peak load management, to bring substantial savings on grid fees and a worthwhile reduction in your electricity bill. The type of reorganisation this requires can often have the added benefit of reducing energy use.
You know your business and the best way to save but contacting your supplier can help, they should be a business partner, not simply a bill supplier.
Wider Intervention
We completely understand why domestic use has been the focus of government support but business impacts this as well. If a company employing 30 people goes under, that’s 30 domestic bills with payment problems.
Energy bill support for small business should be considered, along with a suspension of VAT on energy and reduced fuel duty. Non energy costs such as national insurance and business rates could be part of the equation.
Dynamic Dox cares because we are a leading supplier of ATA carnets and part of the national business community. As with most businesses, we thrive because our nation’s economy is in good shape.
This needs to be supported and we all need to pitch in. The situation is not hopeless, when there is much we can do at work to help ourselves, from detailed energy planning, to fixing that leaking hot tap.