5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider

17 March 2019

Switching business energy suppliers is an opportunity that every company should not miss out on. Compared with a residential household, companies use more energy daily. An average UK small business spends around £13,000 on electricity annually, and another £7,000 on gas. With so much on the line, it is crucial to find the best and most affordable energy tariffs.

Apart from the cost, you also need to consider the reliability of the service considering that any interruption will cause significant damage to business operations. That’s why it is also essential that while you are comparing quotes from different suppliers using a comparison tool like Utility Bidder, you also need to take into account the following factors.

Contents

1 Supplier history and reputation:
2 Service areas:
3 Prices and plans offered:
4 A wide range of services:
5 Customer service:

Supplier history and reputation:

Corporate responsibility and values adhered to by an energy provider are some things to look into if you want to partner with a reputable supplier. Some may think that the natural choice is going with large companies that have been around for many years. Although it is true that the top energy suppliers may provide some of the best services out there, there is no reason not to look elsewhere and choose a supplier that is relatively new on the scene. These small providers usually have more personalized services, and many people are missing out on these benefits because they think that bigger is always better.

Service areas:

In this regard, big energy suppliers are a better choice. Depending on where you are located, you will want an energy provider that supports your location and guarantee that there will be fewer or no service interruptions. Apart from reliability, you may also want to look into tax incentives or local prices which may vary from one supplier to another depending on where you are.

Prices and plans offered:

The energy market is affected by many factors which makes it highly volatile. Apart from choosing a fixed-rate plan over variable plans, you also need to ensure that the supplier you want has the best offers and rates. Take note of cancellation fees or other fees associated with transferring from one supplier to another before you decide. Hidden transaction fees can add up and increase the cost of a plan which makes switching less than beneficial if that is the case.

A wide range of services:

In finding the best energy provider, you also need to consider if the supplier offers a variety of services. Paying multiple suppliers could be a waste of money, and if you can get all services under one roof, you will have a better chance of getting the best rates.

Customer service:

Suppliers with reliable service also tend to have excellent customer support. As a business owner, you need to ensure that any issues you have with your energy supply are dealt with quickly. As much as possible, choose a provider with round the clock customer service. This way, you are confident that you can get help at any time of the day. Customer support is not merely about responsiveness, but the capability to provide the best possible solution considering the unique circumstances of your company.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Pretty much everyone has wished they had a backup home generator at one time or another. Whether you want a generator just so you won’t be left in the dark during a power failure or you need to know your family will be safe from the cold should a prolonged power outage happen during the dead of winter, buying a home generator requires some careful thought.Past the obvious choices of cost and reliability, there are a number of factors you should carefully consider before buying a home generator, such as price, your expected power needs, installation requirements, and maintenance issues.The variety of options and requirements can turn a seemingly simple purchase into a complex problem if you don’t know what you need. Here are seven specifications you should look for when buying a home generator: Specifications You Need To Look For Home Generator There are several factors you need to look at while seeking a home generator. Work out the plans that can work well for you. 1. Power Requirements: Power needs are often dictated by your budget, as the more powerful a generator is the more it will, typically, cost. However, initial determining factors for calculating the size of the generator can be addressed with this query: During an electricity failure, does the generator need to power the entire house, or just handle emergency needs?When considering a generator that is able to handle the electrical demands of all the appliances in your home, factors such as peak demand during the months you use the most electricity is a deciding factor. Common generator voltages are 120/240 volts. If you are unsure, your electrician can provide this information.If you live in the south, where the temperatures are moderate throughout the winter, you will not need as powerful a generator as if you live in the far north where temperatures can be deadly in the winter months. A powerful home generator can make things easier for you.On the other hand, when calculating needs for backup supply, only the requirements of the reserve need to be calculated.In the north, this should include the furnace and a couple of lights. In the south, a smaller unit that can power a few lights and the refrigerator is probably adequate.For emergency loads, you may need to have an electrician install a dedicated emergency circuit from the main service panel to a distinct backup panel. However, this is typically up to the homeowner’s liking for a whole-house system. 2. Fuel Type: While it might seem convenient, gasoline is usually an inferior fuel choice for emergency generators as it tends to go bad quite quickly, especially gasoline with ethanol. Better choices include propane, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Powerful home generator can make things easier and effective for you.Prices can be a major contention when choosing between a natural gas generator, or propane and diesel since the price of the generator will depend on the amount of fuel the generator uses. The accessibility of the form of fuel is an additional important element.Propane and diesel fuel generators will have to be refilled during extended outages, whereas the utility company provides a continual source of natural gas. Local laws may dictate what type of fuel is available in your area. For example, the fuel element, propane is not usually permissible to be used within the limits of the city 3. Installation: Depending on the type of unit, you may need to hire a licensed electrician to install the generator. While smaller portable units simply require you plug a power cord directly into the unit, larger whole-house generators will need to be hardwired into your electrical system. Additionally, you will probably have to hire an authorized and insured plumber if you will be connecting the generator to a natural-gas fuel source.However, for simple emergency situations, a portable unit like gasoline-powered online Honda generators can provide up to 10,000 watts of emergency power and be stored in your garage, basement or on your porch. Some of the larger generator companies have their own installation staff or may subcontract the work.However, in some areas, depending on local codes, a homeowner with the proper skills may be able to perform their own installation. The important consideration is to use a trustworthy firm with a proven record of accomplishment of installing standby power-generator systems. 4. Placement: Where your generator will be located is an important consideration. The home generator should be installed as close to the fuel supply and service panel as possible.The generator must also be positioned where it can be easily reached for servicing. This is especially important if the unit is not being powered by natural gas, as you will have to fill the tank periodically.Additionally, it must be located at a comfortable distance from the ground to prevent any form of water from coming close or entering the unit in case of flooding.Outdoor installations may be required to be a secure distance from flammable structures to meet codes, as well as for safety in the absence of any local requirements.Indoor installations should adhere to norms and rules regarding exhaust, closeness to flammable materials, fuel-supply, and ventilation.Even if local codes don’t require it, the power back up should be placed in some type of enclosure to protect it from the elements and possible vandalism.Consider if there are Outdoor Noise Regulation imposed by the local Council or government body for installing the home generator outdoors.Some municipalities require the noise level of a generator is restricted to a specified decibel level at the property line closest to the unit. If a noise ordinance exists, the required level of sound will dictate the kind of power generator that will be used. Quite a few residential generators are supplied with sound deadening enclosure. 5. Options: Accessory options can vary widely, depending on the home generator make and model. Some systems will offer a remote panel that can be installed in a convenient spot inside your home that will have controls and displays to allow you to control and monitor your system without having to go outside. Larger whole-house systems will typically have an automatic transfer switch that will switch the generator on when a power disruption is detected and may be an option on some smaller units. 6. Maintenance: Like any piece of mechanical equipment, and home generators require regular and proper maintenance to ensure it will do the job you bought it to do when the time comes. Unfortunately, because it isn’t typically used on a regular base, maintenance often isn't thought about, until the generator won’t start during a power outage.Some companies will include routine maintenance in the cost of the unit or you may be able to purchase a separate maintenance contract. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you can perform maintenance on your generator yourself, just be sure it won’t void the warranty. 7. Warranty: The typical warranty for residential generators usually varies from one to five year, based on the manufacturer and model. Be sure to study the warranty coverage, including the duration, and what is and what is not covered. Many companies will offer an extended warranty for an added fee.Read Also:Advantages Of Using A Portable Solar Generator How To Choose The Right Generator For Site Work How To Maintain Your Garden Railings? Winter Is Going! A Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist To Get You Ready For SpringFeatured Image: generatorpalace.com

Follow These Simple Steps to Compare Electricity Rates Online

You may ask – “Why to bother comparing electricity rates?”Well, the majority of power supply companies in Australia are known for price differentiation. They have different prices for different customers. The rates also change with location.There are many reasons for such situations including:Electricity demand Cost of fuel Maintenance and operating cost of power companies Government regulations, etc.Hence, it is vital to compare the rates before you opt for one company. However, if you have not done so before, there is a high chance you are already paying high prices.Well, worry not as various websites have got you covered! Those dedicated websites can help you compare the electricity rates and plans of various companies across the continent and avail the best deal on offer. How to compare? The process to compare electricity pricing plans differs from websites. However, there are a few simple steps that are generally applicable. Note that, you can also compare gas plans as well.The steps include:Select the type of energy you are looking for: electricity, gas, or both. Enter your postcode. Select the type of property you own – house or business. If house, you may have to provide the number of residents. For example, 1 person, 2 to 3 people, 4 to 5 people, or more than 5 people. Provide some other information. Like, whether you have a smart meter, solar panels, etc. Select the electricity distributor in your area. Select the electricity provider in your area. Enter your recent electricity bill. You can skip this step though. In case you want to provide, you will have to input additional information like peak/off-peak rates, controlled load, etc.After you have entered all the information, hit the respective button to proceed.In the next page, you will get to compare electricity rates and plans of various power companies in your area. What to look for? Look for the following when you compare electricity plans: 1. Late payment fee: The charge you incur if you fail to pay the bill within the due date. 2. Payment processing fee: Some companies charge you a processing fee for each payment. They can also charge you an additional amount for payments made using a credit card. 3. Paper billing fee: You have to pay a fee for having a hard copy of your bill delivered to your home. 4. Tariff charge type: Electricity suppliers have either of the following:Single tariff – Fixed charges up to a particular limit (kWh). Charges increase after crossing this limit. Time of use tariff – Charges differ with time.Companies may have different charges for weekdays and weekends. Weekends may not have off-peak charges, unlike that of weekdays’. 5. Solar feed-in: If you have solar panels installed, you can get subsidies on your bills. Although low, solar feed-in charges can help you save some. 6. Green power: The amount of green power that you can opt for differs with companies. Generally, it ranges from 25 to 100%.So, easily compare electricity rates from these websites, and you might be able to save a considerable amount on your next bill.Read Also:How To Save More Money? Portable Generators: 5 Ways To Keep Them Clean And Running

What Surprising Industry Is Helping Canada Get Greener?

It may be surprising, but the Canadian chemical industry has been working to reduce its environmental impact for decades. Certain companies have invested in products that are designed to make the world a safer, cleaner and greener space. If you want to learn how they have been accomplishing these goals, you should read the explanation below.Many chemical companies in Canada have demonstrated their commitment to reducing environmental harm. According to research from the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, the country’s chemical industry decreased its greenhouse gas emissions by sixty-seven percent in the early 1990s. The industry continues to execute positive changes to limit any negative environmental impacts by tracking their emissions, upgrading equipment like boilers and heaters, updating their processes, and using new plants and technologies. There is one industry-leading chemical company that has gone beyond that call to action and invested in more efforts that will create a cleaner environment, promote greener products and counteract the effects of climate change.Terms: Meanings:Green Chemistry The field of finding more eco-friendly and safe chemical alternatives to products being used.GHG Greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide creates a barrier around the world and trap heat inside, making the planet warmer.Clean Energy The energy that does not create greenhouse gas emissions or pollution when used.Sustainability Prioritizing resources that won’t be permanently deleted or damaged. That impressive company is CCC Chemicals, which is one of the largest independent distributors in Canada. They have sourced a range of green chemistry products from innovative suppliers, so that their portfolio is filled with biodegradable solutions, ethylate replacements, vegetable-based raw materials and safer alternatives to hazardous substances. They also source and carry chemical products dedicated to environmental remediation, which means making contaminated sites clean and secure through a laborious process. The company invests in these remediation chemicals and green substitutes in order to help manufacturers and businesses commit to environmental solutions.Canada has shown increasing interest in setting environmental goals and reaching them in the near future. The government signed on to the 2015 Paris Agreement with countries across the world, vowing to reduce the consequences of climate change together — the key points of the agreement included openly publishing greenhouse gas emissions and planning for a future that is carbon neutral. They also began the Greening Government Strategy to encourage the country’s representatives to lead by example and create a space that focuses on clean energy, sustainable products, and low-impact activities. On a smaller scale, average citizens are purchasing more sustainable and green products to use in their daily lives. It’s evident that the entire country is ambitious to establish a healthier environment as soon as possible.While innovative chemical companies are not the only solution leading towards a healthier environment, they are certainly an important factor in helping Canadians reach their objectives. Aspects like green chemistry and environmental remediation will be invaluable tools that the country will need to make their vision of a better future a reality.