5 energy management tips for agricultural businesses

Agricultural businesses typically use large amounts of energy. With big, energy-hungry equipment to power, the costs associated with a single day’s work can be eye-watering. Left to rack up over time, these overheads can very quickly hit profitability. And so, at a time when energy costs have never been higher, making efficiency savings can mean the difference between success and failure.

If you run a business in agriculture, saving energy will not only help the bottom line, but it will also reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Here are a few things to consider.

Understand where your energy costs come from

When it comes to being more energy efficient, knowledge is power. That’s why it’s important to take a close (and consistent) account of energy usage, so you know where to focus your efforts.

Check your energy bills over the last year and take note of:

  • How much energy you’ve used in total
  • What your maximum demand was at any time of the week/month
  • When you use most of your electricity
  • What your usage pattern is

Monitoring equipment like smart meters and sub-meters can give you a clearer picture of your commercial energy usage.

Even better, a full energy audit can measure your current energy use and recommend areas of priority action.

Find the most competitive deal for your needs

Choosing the most reliable tariff for your agriculture business can make a big difference to your energy costs over time. Compare prices, services, and providers to find the most suitable option for your business needs – or, even better, get the expert support of Consultiv Utilities who’ll do all the hard work for you.

Invest in energy-efficient equipment

Once you have a clear picture of your energy costs and have procured the most competitive energy deal, you can then look to identify opportunities for potential energy savings. At Consultiv Utilities we work with a range of customers to perform energy audits and implement efficiency measures. In an agricultural setting, this may include refrigeration, irrigation, cooling, heating, ventilation, and lighting.

Investing in higher quality, more sustainable equipment does require an upfront investment. However, it can lead to significant savings in the long run. When it comes to irrigation, replacing the existing motor control with a variable-speed drive can help save substantial costs over time. Alternatively, a flow meter is a low-cost investment that helps you measure pressure through pumps.

Get familiar with the guidelines

There are several initiatives in place designed to encourage UK businesses to meet sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint, and a key aspect of this is cutting your energy usage. These campaigns offer guidelines for businesses across all industries – helping you meet the necessary criteria and reduce your energy usage by the relevant deadlines. Again, this usually requires some level of investment from the outset, but the result is meaningful long-term energy saving.

Spread the word to staff members

Simply changing your work habits can reduce energy costs over time. From switching off machinery and devices to introducing remote work options where applicable, energy-saving practices can help you cut your spending in the future.

Set aside time to devise company policies that are designed to reduce energy spending, and share them across your organisation. When everyone in your business is committed to cutting energy costs, you’ll quickly notice a difference in how much you’re paying.

Make the most of your energy by seeking out expert support and guidance. Reach out to a member of our team today and find out how we can help you. Get in touch with the team at Consultiv Utilities.