Advances in technology have changed every aspect of our lives over the last couple of decades, from the way we shop, bank and do business, to how we meet new people, order food and interact with the world around us. The energy industry has also evolved, with the biggest change being the move to more renewable generation of energy, says Fred van der Tang, CEO of energy comparison site Make It Cheaper.
“We’re seeing more and more renewable sources of energy coming into the grid, including big solar farms and hydro energy generation,” van der Tang says.
“It’s been somewhat of a slow uptake in Australia and a slow political update, but customers have embraced the evolution of technology, with 30% of Australian homes now having a solar panel on their roof… the appetite for renewable energy is only growing.”
Solar panels are better and more efficient now than they were when they first launched into the Australian consumer market in the early 2000s, with energy users getting “a better bang for your buck and bigger return on your investment” nowadays.
Big opportunity for business savings
The big opportunity lies for businesses, where the uptake of solar has been slower and the potential to save both energy and money is immense.
“For business, the rate [of install of solar] is about 10%, so we have a little way to go. But the introduction of things like smart meters means it’s possible to get more information about your energy usage, so you can tailor your usage to be more efficient.”
van der Tang says this could include things like restaurants setting up timers to turn their fridges or freezers off for certain periods, or offices ensuring that all fans, air-conditioning and lights are switched off when rooms are not in use.
With rising energy prices creating a ticking time bomb for Australian businesses, another big opportunity to reduce your energy bills is by comparing your current plan to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal for your needs.
“At Make it Cheaper, we allow businesses to focus on their business – whether that’s leading their staff, building client relationships or doing their core work – while we do the complex and time-consuming work of comparing relevant energy offers. We navigate the different codes and the jargon and make the complex easy, by presenting the customer options with real dollar savings.”
It depends on the specific situation, but MIC finds “significant savings for more than 80% of the customers we deal with”, he says.
“On average, the amount we save a business is about 8% on their annual energy bill, or $1400 a year. There’s no minimum-sized business, or a business too complex – we offer a one-stop shop and find a solution, no matter the size of the business.”
Once MIC finds you a better deal, “we take care of all the heavy lifting in terms of communicating and facilitating a transfer,” van der Tang adds.
“At the end of the day it’s more dollars in the pocket of the customers, which is an important result of what we do.”
How long has it been since you reviewed your energy plan? You could be spending hundreds (or thousands) more each year than you need to: let us help you find an energy plan that offers great value for money – contact us today.
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Taking the time to review and reduce your business’s energy consumption – and therefore, how much you pay – is a task that can pay dividends today, and well into the future.
There are two ways you can help lower your business’s energy bills: shopping around for a more competitive offer, and changing how and when you use energy.
With the following five tips, you can aim to do both and enjoy the best of both worlds:
1. Use energy at the right time.
Peak energy usage times come with a peak energy usage price. The reason for this is because when more people use energy, there’s more pressure on the energy grid, and that surge in demand translates to higher prices. The good news is, energy providers are quite upfront about the fact that they charge more or less for energy consumed at different times. Start by reviewing your business energy bill to see how much energy you consume, then identify energy hot spots throughout your business, so you can start looking to shift the timing of your highest impact energy-users.
2. Adjust your habits.
A few small tweaks can make a massive difference. Some actions, like encouraging your employees to turn off lights or fans when a room is not in use; replacing appliances when they break with an energy-efficient version; or adopting energy-saving measures to adapt your energy consumption, can make a big difference on your bill. According to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER), you could save $172 a yearby getting rid of a second refrigerator, or $193 a year by switching appliances like kettles and microwaves off at the wall when not in use.
3. Focus on lighting.
One of the biggest contributors to a business’s energy bill is lighting. As well as keeping them turned off when rooms are not in use, consider installing energy-efficient LEDs, which use far less energy than halogen bulbs, without compromising on quality. You could also set lighting to a sensor or timer, or install dimmer switches to further reduce energy consumption.
4. Set temperature bandwidths.
Combat the rising costs of power during winter and summer by being mindful about the energy you use, and how you use it. DISER confirms that for each degree heating or cooling is increased, energy use increases 5% to 10%. It’s recommended to set your heating thermostat to 18 to 20°C in winter, and around 25 to 27°C in summer, to avoid churning through too much power.
5. Shop around.
In addition to all of the above, you can make a powerful dent in your business’s energy bill by shopping around for a provider that delivers better value. Compare both electricity and gas retailers, depending on your needs and goals, and review different options such as time-of-use pricing, off-peak usage, or smart meters, to see if they could help you achieve greater energy efficiency throughout your business and save money at the same time.
Are you paying too much for your energy bills? Let our team of experts review your energy bill to try and find you a plan that suits your needs and saves you money – contact us today.
Off the back of rolling lockdowns, many Australians have had time to contemplate exactly what they want from their working lives. As border closures added extra strain, by putting a temporary pause on skilled workers entering the country, talk of a Great Resignation began to dominate headlines.
But what is the driving force behind employees’ apparent discontent – and what are they truly looking for?
There are a number of factors at play, beginning with the pressure the pandemic has put on both businesses and employees over the past two years. Almost everyone was forced into constant problem-solving mode, and often, the solutions required ongoing compromise and flexibility.
State- and territory-imposed vaccination rules put further pressure on the labour market, with forced business closures and ever-changing WFH rules adding an extra layer of uncertainty.
It’s perhaps unsurprising then that a recent survey by The Adecco Group, which canvassed almost 15,000 office workers globally (including 1,000 located down under), found that Australians are the most burnt out office employees in the world – ahead of the US and the UK, Italy, China and Canada.
More than half Australian survey respondents confirmed they’d suffered from burnout in the last 12 months, and around 52% said they’ve taken time off due to mental health concerns.
Is burnout largely to blame?
But it’s not just exhaustion that is prompting employees to look afield for opportunities.
ABS stats from last year confirm that upwards of 600,000 Australians plan to change their jobs by the end of 2022. If you want to avoid your employees being caught up in this exodus trend, one of your key considerations should be genuinely engaging with your team.
One of the main reasons why Australians resign from a position is a perceived lack of career development or growth opportunities. Business owners or leaders keen to avoid being impacted by the Great Resignation trend should focus on building employee engagement through initiatives like annual remuneration reviews, tailored career development plans, and embracing processes and practices that invite feedback. Loyalty comes with genuine engagement, so encouraging open communication and ensuring your staff feel valued for their contribution is a great way to encourage them to stick around.
Improve your business efficiencies and learn how Make it Cheaper can help your business save time and money.
Although it may seem tiresome, comparing energy plans can be a way for your business to save a lot of money.
You may not have the time, or the expertise to personally handle an energy plan comparison. And electricity and gas plans can be confusing and require a keen eye to spot a cheaper energy deal. There are a few other reasons for you to compare energy plans with others in the market. These may depend on varying business needs or changes in electricity and gas prices.
Whatever the reason, it is advisable to compare energy plans on an annual basis.
Make It Cheaper is able to provide this comparison service to your business free of charge. We’ll present your options you can decide if your SME could benefit from comparing plans. If we find a better deal, you can switch energy providers and we’ll do all the heavy lifting with our Do it For You service.
Business Energy Needs Change
As your business grows, you may employ more people and move to larger premises. These changes will increase your energy consumption and increase your electricity bill. If you plan to buy new equipment, your consumption will also increase.
Tip: Reducing the speed of a motor by 20% can decrease consumption by 50%.
On the flip side, you may be downgrading your business. If you are still paying the same rates, your business is clearly wasting money. The best thing to do is to compare electricity plans and decide on a cheaper option.
Moving Your Business Location
Changes in your business may mean you have to relocate your business. It could be to reduce rental charges or reach more customers. Like moving house, moving your business will require a change in your electricity contract. When someone is moving house, their electricity supply ceases the day they leave. With businesses, the day you leave the old premises marks the end of your contract.
Follow these steps before you move out of your current premises:
Your previous retailer may not necessarily have competitive pricing at your new address, don’t automatically assume that they are the best option.
Once you have found a competitive plan for your new premises, ensure that you email your current retailer with your new business address. This is necessary for them to send your final bills.
Provide proof to the current supplier that you are giving up control of the business location.
Take a photo of your meters on the day you move out. This will help your old supplier process the change of tenancy notification.
When you move to your new location, you may choose to use the same retailer and energy plans. However, this may not be possible because the electricity supply is based on location.
Moving is a great opportunity for customers to shop around for cheaper electricity.
Compare quotes of multiple energy retailers in your area using Make It Cheaper to help secure a competitive rate for your new premises. We will be able to compare electricity plans from our panel of leading Aussie energy suppliers. You can then make an informed decision about which provider is right for your business.
Change in Billing Methods
Many Australian businesses receive electricity and gas bills measured by taking meter readings. These are used to calculate your bill. A smart meter is a way to automatically monitor details of your electricity and gas usage. They are then sent directly to your provider. They collect electricity usage in near-real-time and gas every 30 minutes. This information is displayed in the smart meter unit display.
The added advantage is you will be able to clearly track your energy usage over time. You can then monitor the cost and begin to use electricity and gas more efficiently. If you wish to take advantage of off-peak rates, you will need a smart meter. This will let you connect to a time-of-use electricity plan.
Businesses that operate during the evening or weekends can save money by switching to an off-peak rate, a quick call to our energy experts at Make It Cheaper can find you a competitive tariff based on your businesses energy usage. \
Looking for sustainability options
With sustainability high on businesses agenda, there are many ways you can reduce energy consumption and support the push to Net Zero.
Some electricity and gas providers offer renewable tariffs known as green energy tariffs. Green energy tariffs may be cheaper than normal rates as providers tempt customers with lower prices. These energy plans are a mixture of clean and dirty power but it is still a step towards helping the environment.
Make a price comparison between energy retailers who can provide a ‘green plan’. This could result in significant savings on your electricity bill.
How to Switch Energy Providers
After making a price comparison, some of the most asked questions are: How do I switch my energy provider? What is the best energy plan for my business? Luckily, at Make It Cheaper we offer you a stress-free switching process.
Here are the steps for a hassle-free switch:
1. Check the exit date of the contract on your existing plan.
If your business has an existing contract, you can only switch if the:
Contract has expired.
Supplier has offered renewal of the contract.
Cancellation fee is met.
You may not switch if:
You have a commercial fixed energy contract.
You owe the energy supplier money.
You should keep tabs on your contract renewal date, or when your contract ends. This will give you ample time to gather information on alternative plans.
Or, if you find a new plan through Make it Cheaper, you can sign up to the Do it For You service. This service will automatically look for a new competitive offer before your current contract expires. This way, instead of rolling on to a default market offer you’ll find a competitive market offer.
2. Compare quotes from various retailers
You can also approach your current retailer with quotes of plans from a different energy retailer and negotiate a lower rate, but that may not necessarily give you as good a deal as comparing up to 12 energy retailers with Make It Cheaper.
To perform a market comparison using Make It Cheaper, simply email [email protected] with a recent energy bill. Make It Cheaper will then give you quotes from various retailers in your state or territory.
3. Confirm your business switch
Make It Cheaper also handles the switch, making the process easy and painless. In just one phone call to our energy experts, we can find you a new competitive rate across our panel of leading energy retailers. And if you like the savings we find, we can organise the transfer to the new plan and cancel your contract with your previous provider.
We also cancel your previous contract, you just need to look out for your last bill from your previous supplier. It can take up to 3 months to switch depending on when your meter was last read.
Compare and Switch the Easy Way
You may be making changes to your business structure or moving premises. With these changes, it is advantageous to reconsider your energy plan.
Compare your energy and gas plan with help from Make It Cheaper’s saving experts. Why not make the switch like this happy customer?
We prepare quotes from a panel of top Australian energy retailers. We also offer advice on finding an energy plan based on your business’s energy usage.
We find deals that reduce your energy bills and even handle the switch from beginning to end. Our intention is to save you both time and money so we offer our services for free.
If you’re looking for cheaper energy deals in the Australian energy market, Make It Cheaper can help.
It’s common for business owners and leaders to become so busy working in the business, it’s a struggle to find time to work on the business.
But working on the business is where the magic can happen. This strategic investment of time can be leveraged to help you explore new opportunities, find more efficient and better ways to operate, and ultimately optimise your operations to maximise profits and growth.
One way we aim to help at Make it Cheaper is by engaging with businesses to help them analyse and review their energy usage, with a view to improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. As one of Australia’s leading energy comparison services for businesses, we’re dedicated to saving you time and money and making your life easier when it comes to energy bills.
Whether you’re a small business with a small footprint or a larger multi-site operator with a number of premises to coordinate, we can help you identify cost and time savings beyond your energy rates and contract, with opportunities to negotiate on tariff changes, power factor correction and installing smart devices.
Our experts have unrivalled knowledge in commercial and industrial power, which we leverage on your behalf to get competitive deals that suit your business.
How energy savings can help you achieve business goals
The process is simple and streamlined, and begins with a conversation where we ask a few strategic questions, to get an understanding of your current bills and energy needs. Our energy-saving experts will then analyse your business energy needs and compare deals from our panel of leading Australian retailers.
Here’s an example of a recent outcome we achieved for a client. We reached out to a childcare service (with multiple sites) in November 2021 to discuss reviewing their energy contract. At the time, they had 8 months remaining on their existing energy agreement.
However, since that contract had been signed, the energy market had become much more competitive. Many new offers had dropped, which provided the perfect opportunity to review their options.
Make it Cheaper tendered the contract to several energy companies who were all eager to win the business. We reviewed five offers and negotiated a deal that amounted to 7% in energy savings, and $23,850 in savings.
We took this offer back to the existing energy retailer the centre was currently contracted to. They agreed to not only match the offer, but exceed it, offering a saving of $39,671. Best of all, the customer didn’t have to wait eight months for those savings to kick in, as the retailer agreed to immediately provide price relief.
With another customer of ours, a well-known seafood restaurant in Sydney, we found an estimated annual saving of $3,544 (GST inc) on the electricity account, which was a 12.4% decrease in the bill size.
In addition to the electricity, we looked at the customer’s gas bill and found they have been on expensive default rates with their current retailer. After a quick review, we secured savings of 36%, resulting in $9138 (GST inc/exc) estimated savings for the year.
For these businesses, these five-figure savings can be redeployed towards other more impactful activities, such as launching new marketing campaigns to attract more business, or investing in staff training and refurbishments.
Get a free business energy review today
Since launching in 2009, Make it Cheaper has saved Australian households and businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy bills every week (around $1 million every month). To see how we can help you save time and money on your business energy bills, contact us today.
