Running a business requires a lot of energy, and it’s important to have the right energy meter to monitor your energy usage and manage your energy bills. But with so many different types of business energy meters available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your business. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about business energy meters, the different types available, and how to choose the right meter for your business.

What is a Business Energy Meter?

An energy meter is a device that measures the energy consumption of your business. The meter is usually installed by your energy provider and measures the amount of electricity or gas that you use in your business premises. This information is then used to calculate your energy bill.

What are the different types of business energy meters?

There are several types of business energy meters available, including standard meters, smart meters, AMR meters, and half-hourly meters.

Here is a breakdown of each type:

Standard Meters

Standard meters are the most common type of business energy meter. They measure your energy usage and display the reading on the meter. You or your energy supplier will need to take regular meter readings to track your energy usage.

Smart Meters

Smart meters are becoming increasingly popular for businesses. These meters measure your energy usage and send the readings directly to your energy supplier. This means you no longer need to take manual readings, and you can receive accurate bills based on your actual energy usage.

Smart meters also allow you to monitor your energy usage in real-time, which can help you to identify areas where you could save energy and money.

AMR Meters

Automated Meter Reading (AMR) meters are similar to smart meters in that they automatically send readings to your energy supplier. However, they do not provide real-time energy usage data like smart meters.

Half-Hourly Meters

Half-hourly meters are typically used by large businesses with high energy demands. These meters take readings every 30 minutes and send the data directly to your energy supplier. This allows you to receive accurate bills based on your actual energy usage.

Economy Meters

Economy meters, also known as “two-rate” or “dual-rate” meters, charge different rates for energy used during peak and off-peak periods. This can be a good option for businesses that operate during off-peak hours or have a high energy demand during these times.

Gas Meters

In addition to electricity meters, businesses may also have a gas meter to measure their gas usage. Gas meters work in a similar way to electricity meters and come in various types, including standard meters and smart meters.

Choosing the Right Business Energy Meter

To choose the right energy meter for your business, you’ll need to consider a few key factors:

1. Identify the energy requirements of your office: Understanding the energy requirements of your office is crucial for selecting the right energy meter. Determine the maximum energy load of your office and identify the appliances that consume the most energy.
2. Consider the size of your office: The size of your office is an important factor when selecting an energy meter. A larger office may require a more sophisticated energy meter with advanced features like sub-metering, while a smaller office may only need a basic kWh meter.
3. Determine the location of the meter: The location of the energy meter should be easily accessible and secure. Consider where the energy meter can be installed, such as a dedicated utility room or near the main electrical panel.
4. Check if the meter meets regulatory standards: It is important to ensure that the energy meter meets regulatory standards for accuracy and reliability. This can help avoid penalties and ensure that energy usage is being recorded correctly.
5. Evaluate the cost of the meter: The cost of the energy meter is an important consideration. While basic kWh meters may be less expensive, more advanced energy meters can provide valuable data and insights that can help reduce energy costs in the long run.
6. Check the communication capabilities: If you are considering a smart meter, check if it can communicate with your energy supplier or other systems in your office, such as a building management system. This can help improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
7. Energy Tariff: Your energy tariff will also play a role in choosing the right meter. For example, if you’re on an economy tariff, you may need a meter that can measure your energy usage during peak and off-peak hours.
8. Meter Installation: The type of meter you choose will also depend on the type of meter already installed at your business premises. If you need a new meter installed, you’ll need to consider the cost and time involved in installing the meter.

How much energy does a standard office consume annually?

According to a study conducted by the Carbon Trust in 2018, the average energy consumption of an office building in the UK is approximately 59 kWh/m² per year. However, the actual energy consumption can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the size of the office, the type of business, the number of employees, and the energy efficiency of the building.

For example, a small office with only a few employees may use significantly less energy compared to a large office building with hundreds of employees and numerous energy-intensive equipment. Similarly, a building with energy-efficient lighting and heating systems can consume less energy compared to a building with outdated and inefficient systems.

It’s important for businesses to monitor their energy usage and take steps to improve energy efficiency in order to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. This can include implementing energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, encouraging employees to switch off equipment when not in use, and investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels.

To calculate your electricity usage, visit here.

To calculate your gas usage, visit here. 

How can you reduce your annual office energy consumption?

Reducing annual office energy consumption can help lower costs and reduce the carbon footprint of your business. Here are some tips to help you reduce energy consumption in your office:

1. Use energy-efficient lighting: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs. They are more energy-efficient and last longer.
2. Turn off equipment when not in use: Turn off computers, printers, and other office equipment when they are not in use. Use power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once.
3. Adjust thermostat settings: Adjusting the thermostat settings can help reduce energy consumption. Set the temperature to 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer.
4. Use natural light: Use natural light whenever possible. Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light, and consider installing skylights to increase natural light.
5. Use energy-efficient equipment: When purchasing office equipment, look for energy-efficient models that have an ENERGY STAR rating.
6. Reduce paper usage: Encourage employees to reduce paper usage by using digital documents and implementing paperless processes.
7. Reduce water usage: Implement water-saving measures, such as installing low-flow toilets and faucets.
8. Use green cleaning products: Switch to environmentally-friendly cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals.

By implementing these simple measures, you can significantly reduce your office’s energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future.