Should COVID change the way businesses think about energy?

The start of a new year is generally considered a time for change and self-reflection, setting new goals and strategies inside the business that will prove advantageous over the next twelve months. A significant aspect of this process includes partnering with the right suppliers. Whether it’s your energy broker, utility supplier, or just your office space, you’ll want someone who can deliver the best value for money, quality, reliability and service.

In which case, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that most businesses tend to think about renewing or switching energy brokers at the beginning of the year. Not only does this timeframe typically coincide with the end of existing contract terms, but it also gives businesses one less thing to worry about while focusing on their goals outlined for the year ahead.

However, 2021 is already shaping up to be no ordinary year.

After kicking off proceedings with an unceremonious lockdown, it looks as though businesses across the UK will be forced to endure challenges even greater than last year’s. In fact, companies worldwide will be re-thinking how they operate — not just in lockdown but moving forward for the months and years to come — as they continue to adapt to this global pandemic.

With this in mind, it does raise the question of whether or not businesses should be changing the way they think about energy. And the answer to that question is an unequivocal “Yes!”.

Business energy usage has changed
It’s becoming clear that the stop-and-start nature surrounding current events, coupled with more people having to work from home, has resulted in a dramatic shift in the ways businesses are using energy.

To give you some frame of reference, small to medium-sized businesses typically use anywhere between 5,000 and 50,000 kWh of electricity per year — and anywhere between 5,000 and 65,000 kWh of gas (although figures may be a lot higher for larger organisations).

However, these numbers don’t account for the disruptions and fluctuations businesses have experienced in recent months during the pandemic.

Your typical energy usage will likely change, especially if commercial properties sit idle and teams work out of the office more. On the other hand, maybe your energy usage will actually increase, which would undoubtedly be the case if the pandemic has put unprecedented customer demand on your industry.

In any case, you’re probably going to want to re-evaluate your current energy strategy and seek a solution that best suits these ongoing disruptions and fluctuations. On top of that, it’s expected that 1 in 6 customers will have fallen on to out of contract rates during the lockdown, which can be up to 80% more expensive. This is just another reason why switching suppliers now can be very beneficial.

Switching suppliers is a great way to get cheaper rates, sure. But choosing the right service provider, somebody who can give experienced and impartial advice will also ensure you get the most suitable tariffs for your particular business needs. With so many options available on the market, it’s crucial to find a trusted energy partner to cut through the confusion and bring you the services you need to help cut costs while securing your electricity and gas for years to come.

Why choose Fidelity Group for your energy broker
Here at Fidelity Group, we know that every business is different. We also understand the challenges companies face as current events require them to re-think the way they operate. Not only do we ensure you get the best energy deal for your business when you switch, but we also monitor the market continuously, so you’re always getting the best value. We can even help reduce your energy consumption, where possible, and help your business’ sustainability efforts by minimising its carbon footprint.

Furthermore, we manage the entire process for you — from setup to billing and everything in between — so you don’t have to worry about a single thing. Speak with our advisers today to get a no-obligation assessment on your current energy usage, and see how we can help you get the best deal for your business now and in the longer term.

Want to get started right away?
Getting a free energy quote couldn’t be easier. Simply upload your current energy bill on our website and we’ll take of everything.