UTILITIES - 11.11.2011

Knock 10% off your energy bills now!

Power up

Energy-producing companies are rarely out of the news these days with accusations of profiteering flying around from politicians and consumer groups alike. Despite all this bluster the fact remains that energy prices continue to rocket and commercial consumers have to bear the brunt. However, there are relatively new devices on the market which claim to cut electricity bills with just a small capital outlay.

Increased regulation

Regulation tends to be a dirty word to directors of small to medium-sized companies, but when it comes to energy-saving gadgets it’s a good thing. These new devices can reduce electricity consumption by regulating the voltage your business uses. Typically, the electricity supplied to your company’s premises will be around 245V but most appliances actually work more efficiently and use less electricity at a lower rating. The new devices reduce the level which finds its way to your printers, computers and other equipment to 220V.

The bottom line

There are a number of companies which supply and fit voltage optimising equipment (see The next step). One of these, VPhase, claims their devices will reduce energy bills by 10%. They also say that savings on high energy-consuming items, such as refrigerated cabinets and freezers, will be as much as 17%, while for lighting it’s 15%. Another company, VO4Home, predicts pretty similar savings.

Tip. To get a better idea of the savings on offer, the suppliers have calculators on their websites. To find out how much you might be able to save, all you need to do is to enter details of the various electronic appliances you have in your property.

Small is good

Advertisements for these gadgets are aimed at domestic consumers; however, the sellers’ websites confirm they are suitable for small businesses. In fact, there are beefed up versions of voltage optimisers for companies with greater energy needs. These systems have been around for a while.

Beneficial side effects

According to the manufacturers, in addition to reducing electricity bills, installing these gadgets can extend the life of electrical equipment. For example, the life of a light bulb can be increased by up to 50%.

Up-front cost

Typically, a fully installed unit will cost in the region of £300-£400. But the price will depend on the brand of unit you choose and the electrician’s fee for installing it.

Tip. You must use a qualified and competent electrician to install this kit. The suppliers can provide you with contact details of approved installers, but there will be plenty of local firms able to do the job. The chances are you probably already know one.

For how to find suppliers of voltage optimisation equipment, visit http://companydirector.indicator.co.uk(CD 13.04.07).