4 January 2024
From setting new energy goals to implementing energy-saving measures – the new year is a great opportunity to refocus your efforts and set an agenda for the future. Depending on where your organisation is on its net zero journey, you might also want to review your sustainability strategy (if you have one) to make sure it’s fit for purpose for the year ahead.
One of the biggest challenges is knowing where to focus your efforts. So, to set your business up for success, you’ll want to have as much insight into your business energy consumption as you can get. Then you can roll out cost-effective, energy efficient measures in line with your goals and net zero journey. And since making changes to your company culture goes hand-in-hand with innovation, having a well-thought-out strategy based on accurate consumption data will go a long way to help with staff engagement. After all, real change comes when your employees are on board. But first they need to know what they’re getting on board with – and why. And that’s why accurate consumption data is so important.
To help you make the most out of your data, we have created Energy360 Dataview, a free platform which lets you view, download and track your consumption data in one place.*
View and download your data - in one convenient place
See adjustable graphs - to identify broad trends, or focus in on the half hourly level
Get data which is updated daily - with your most recent energy consumption
Create a scheduled consumption data extract - choose the frequency
Through your data, you can unlock valuable insights that guide your decision-making and instil confidence across the business that they’re the right ones, including:
Understanding the peak consumption times for your business is key to improving energy efficiency and saving money. Armed with this insight, you’re better equipped to “strategise” your energy use during non-peak hours. You might also be able to adjust operations, or at the very least, implement energy-saving measures during peak times to help increase efficiencies and lower costs.
Finding out how your business energy consumption changes with the seasons can help with forecasting and budgeting for the year ahead. Through your smart meter data, you can get insight into energy consumption patterns, which makes it easier to manage your energy. And by anticipating high usage periods, you can allocate resources more efficiently, helping to minimise any wastage and control costs.
By looking at your consumption data and seeing exactly when your business uses energy you might be able to spot any irregularities. For example, if there are times when your energy use is high but the business is not operational (like overnight or during holidays), this could indicate areas of energy waste. Analysing the data might reveal opportunities for cost savings.
If you find your energy use is higher than you were expecting it might suggest that certain processes or equipment are not as efficient as they could be. Managing your energy use regularly through an online account, puts you in a better position to spot sudden changes, which might indicate problems with equipment or machinery. It can also help you keep on top of regular maintenance, which is so important for keeping equipment working as efficiently as possible.
If you implemented energy-saving measures last year, accessing your consumption data can help show how effective these have been and where further improvements can be made. Not only is this information important for progressing your net zero journey, it’s great to share with your employees.
Since your consumption data provides current and historical information about your energy use and overall business energy efficiency, it’s a useful tool when it comes to meeting your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements. Through the data, you have a quantifiable measure of the business’ environmental impact. And by analysing and reducing your energy use, you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and compliance with ever-changing regulations.
If reducing your carbon footprint is one of your business goals this year, it’s important to work with a partner that’s as committed as you are. We offer zero carbon electricity as standard on all new and renewed fixed term contracts and can help you get the best renewable energy plan for your business.
From uncertain economic factors to a volatile energy market and rising energy prices – there are some things you can’t plan for. However, by accessing your historical consumption data or reviewing last year’s energy bills through your online account, you can shed some light on what to expect over the next quarter. In the meantime, you can also keep track of what’s going on in the energy market in our quarterly energy market reports.
Set up and regularly use your online account to take control of your business energy and unlock insights that can help you on your net zero journey.
You can also request access to your historical smart meter data and review it on Energy360 DataView, a free an energy monitoring platform for existing business energy customers.
*Please note, Energy360 Dataview is only available to existing customers with a suitable smart meter. If your meter isn’t smart or if the smart functionality isn’t working, we’ll be unable to show you your consumption data. In these cases, our customer care team will be happy to arrange a meter investigation or meter exchange for you.
The views, opinions and positions expressed within the British Gas Business Blog are those of the author alone and do not represent those of British Gas. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this blog are not guaranteed. British Gas accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The copyright in the content within the British Gas Business Blog belongs to the authors of such content and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them. See the Fuel mix used to generate our electricity. Read about making a complaint about your business energy.
