You might think you’re doing all right with your electricity use, but chances are, you’re paying more than you need to. Many small businesses in Australia are stuck with outdated plans, wasting power during peak times, or overlooking simple ways to reduce their energy consumption.

From running a café, managing a hair salon, to working out of a small office, or even working from home, your setup likely has more savings potential than you realise. A regular energy provider comparison can also be very helpful, if not a game-changer, but it’s not the only factor that matters.

In this blog, we’ll go through eight practical tips that have helped real businesses reduce their power bills without disrupting daily operations or incurring significant upfront costs. These are strategies worth trying now.

How to Save on Energy Bills?

1. Choose the Right Business Electricity Plan

Not all Business Electricity Plans are the same. In fact, rates can vary quite a bit depending on your provider, location, and how much energy you use. Some providers offer off-peak discounts, and others might have flexible rates tailored to business hours. If you haven’t reviewed your electricity bill in a while, now’s a good time to examine exactly what you’re paying for and determine if it still aligns with your current setup.

These days, switching energy providers is a breeze. There are quick and easy online services that allow you to compare business electricity plans side by side. Doing this can help you spot better deals and maybe even lock in a lower rate. It’s one of the quickest ways to find savings without changing much about your daily routine. Search for “online energy comparison tool” and find one today.

2. Switch Off Equipment When Not in Use

Leaving computers, monitors, printers, and lights on overnight can add up. It’s easy to forget, especially during busy periods, but a little discipline here can make a difference over time.

Encourage staff to shut down their workstations at the end of the day.

Turn off kitchen appliances if they’re not needed after hours.

Use power boards with switches so you can cut off the electricity flow entirely to multiple devices at once.

If you’re running a retail space or customer-facing business, think about lighting too. Do you need all the lights on all the time? Could you use timers or sensors in low-traffic areas to help manage the flow of traffic?

3. Maintain Your Equipment and Appliances

Old or poorly maintained equipment can drain electricity without you noticing. Moreover, dusty air filters in heating or cooling units make them work harder than they should. Additionally, fridges with worn seals may not maintain cold temperatures efficiently. Machines that haven’t been serviced in years might draw more power to do the same job.

So, schedule regular maintenance checks. Clean filters, test seals, and listen out for anything that sounds off. Keeping everything in good working order helps them run efficiently and keeps your electricity use steady.

4. Look at Your Lighting Choices

Lighting can account for a huge portion of electricity use in a small business, especially for retail, hospitality, or office spaces. If you’re still using halogen or older fluorescent lights, switching to LED bulbs can make a noticeable difference. LEDs use much less power and last much longer, so you’re not only saving on usage but also replacement costs.

Also, check if any areas are over-lit. Are there spots where natural light can be used during the day? Is every corner of the backroom brightly lit when only one area is being used? Small adjustments in lighting use can add up over a year.

5. Compare Energy Providers Every Year

It’s easy to forget about your electricity contract once it’s set up. But rates change, and new offers come out regularly. Doing an Energy Provider Comparison once a year is a smart habit. Even if you’re happy with your current provider, it’s worth checking what else is on the market.

When you run an online energy provider comparison, make sure you’re looking at both the usage rates and the supply charges. Some plans offer lower usage rates but higher daily charges. Others might look cheap upfront but include fees for paying late or leaving early. The key is finding a plan that fits how your business actually uses power. Fortunately, energy provider comparison tools make it quick and easy.

6. Think About When You Use Power

If your business is on a time-of-use tariff, the time you use electricity matters. Power used during peak hours will cost more than off-peak. Check your bill or talk with your provider to see what type of plan you’re on.

Once you know your peak times, try shifting some energy use to cheaper periods. For example, running the dishwasher or charging equipment after business hours, if it works for your setup. If your hours are flexible, adjusting your opening times slightly could help you save without much impact.

7. Switch Electricity Providers if Needed

If you’ve done your homework and found a better plan, don’t hesitate to Switch Electricity Providers, and don’t be put off by thinking it will be a hassle. These days, it’s so much easier. It’s a straightforward process and doesn’t involve any downtime or physical changes to your setup. Your new provider handles the transfer, and you just start receiving bills from them instead. You can even get same-day connections so your business can keep running along smoothly with no interruption.

Don’t fall into the trap of many small business owners who stick with their provider out of habit, not realising they could be getting better value elsewhere. If a better deal fits your needs, switching is often the smart call. Just make sure to read the contract terms before making the change.

8. Train Your Team on Energy Awareness

Saving power isn’t a one-person job. If you’ve got staff, getting them on board with energy-saving habits is key. Simple reminders like turning off lights, shutting down computers, and using air-con sensibly can go a long way.

You could also create a short checklist for end-of-day routines, including: lights off, kitchen gear unplugged, and heating or cooling turned off. When everyone is aware of what needs to be done, it becomes second nature over time.

Some workplaces even set informal goals or friendly challenges around energy use. It doesn’t have to be serious, but a bit of shared responsibility makes it more likely to stick.

Conclusion

By using all of the above tips, you’ll be set to save your small business some money that can be put right back into building up the business. If you’re setting up a new location or moving your business, take the chance to set things up properly from the start. When it’s time to connect electricity, compare plans in advance so you’re not stuck on a default or expensive rate. This step is often rushed during a move, but it’s worth taking the time to choose a provider that suits your needs right from day one. And, let’s hope you enjoy the savings!