New metering equipment could help small businesses save 25 per cent of their total utility bills and fall in line with government energy efficiency targets, according to a new report.
The Carbon Trust, set up by ministers to help firms cut emissions and energy use, said that trials of an advanced meter system had seen companies see their bills slashed by up to a quarter.
One business, Shield Engineering Ltd, calculated that they could save a massive £20,000 a year by using the new system.
The Carbon Trust claimed that the meters could prove invaluable to small firms on tight budgets that cannot cope with large utility bills.
It’s also hoped that such equipment will help small businesses comply with tough government targets on energy efficiency. Last year, ministers warned that bosses will face heavy fines if they do not take various measures to make their businesses more green over the coming years.
The new metering system is designed to work out ways of cutting wastage and making savings.
Electric, gas and water consumption is monitored every 15 minutes, enabling detailed analysis of usage patterns.
Tony Duffin, of the Carbon Trust, said that metering is a well understood process for gaining significant cost savings.
“For organisations with bills of £50,000 plus per year, metering technology has existed for some time which makes it economic, with good return on investment.
“However, the majority of consumers have smaller bills, with the small firm sector often well under £50,000.
“Lower-cost metering technology was needed, and has only recently become available. The early results of the Carbon Trust’s trial of this new, lower-priced technology prove that advanced metering offers impressive cost savings for small businesses,” he said.
For further information on the system, go to www.thecarbontrust.co.uk
