10 Surprising Business Energy Statistics

When it comes to running a business, the impact of energy consumption on both expenses and sustainability goals can be more significant than many realise. From the ways businesses around the country use energy, to customer outlook on business sustainability, we offer some key business energy statistics to help you better understand your energy use. 

From the most energy-intensive industries to how green initiatives can affect your brand image, here are 10 eye-opening business energy statistics to help you change the way you think about your energy usage. 

According to a survey by Finbri, 80% of the businesses they surveyed said that energy bills are a concern for their business, and they are worried about how rising costs will affect their livelihood. This business energy statistic highlights the importance of creating a well-planned business energy strategy, whilst regularly reviewing and monitoring your usage to ensure you’re making the most of your energy plan and securing the best possible rates. 

The commercial sector includes offices, retail spaces, hotels, and other service-oriented businesses, and the industrial sector involves manufacturing, construction, and transportation. These industries account for a significant 55% of the UK’s total energy consumption. The high consumption of these industries is down to both their energy-intensive operations as well as the large scale of their operations.  

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), businesses in the UK collectively spent £60 billion on energy in 2022. Electricity spending rose by 36% and gas spending rose by 50% from the previous year. This is in part due to rising energy costs, as well as the lifting of covid restrictions across the country. 

As we get closer to the Net Zero by 2050 target, more emphasis is being placed on renewable energy generation. This includes sources such as wind, solar and hydroelectric. In 2021, renewable energy generation and use grew to 50.4% of electricity and 40.6% of all energy coming from renewable sources. This business energy statistic is set to change in coming years, as greater investment is made into renewable energy infrastructure. 

Wind power is the most common type of renewable energy generated in the UK, with the number of wind energy sites increasing from 166 to 9,647 since 2003 – an increase of more than 5000%. According to business energy statistics, wind power stands out as one of the most practical and inexpensive methods of renewable energy generation in this country. 

With the threat of global warming growing more prominent, attitudes towards sustainability are changing, and this is being reflected in customer buying patterns. A 2024 study by BusinessDasher found that 92% of consumers surveyed said they trusted brands that are socially or environmentally friendly. Similarly, a study by Forbes found that 88% of consumers said they were more likely to be loyal to a company that supports social and environmental causes. This suggests that the adoption of green business practices can enhance your brand value, as well as benefit the environment. 

Switching energy supplier, if timed correctly, can help businesses find cheaper tariffs or plans that better suit their needs. According to an energy report by POWWR, businesses can save an average of 6% by switching energy suppliers.  

You can find out if you could be saving on your energy bills with our free Energy HealthCheck tool. Just answer a few questions about your business and current energy usage, and we’ll tell you if you’re on the right track or could be saving money by switching suppliers.  

Business energy audits are a valuable tool in helping businesses reduce their energy consumption and save money on their bills. This involves thorough examination of your energy consumption, usage patterns and efficiency levels across all areas of your operations. This can help you spot areas where energy is being wasted, or efficiency could be improved. According to business energy statistics from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, performing regular energy audits could help businesses identify inefficiencies and reduce energy costs by as much as 18-25%. This makes energy audits an effective and inexpensive option for businesses wanting to cut costs. 

There are lots of simple switches you can make to save energy across your business. From swapping florescent lights for LED lights, to improving your insulation and fixing draughts, saving energy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By implementing cost-effective initiatives with short pay-back periods, you can save between 20 to 30% on your energy costs, according to business energy statistics from The Carbon Trust. 

For more effective energy saving tips for your business, check out our range of free energy saving guides.  

When it comes to reducing energy consumption in your business, the appliances you operate can account for a large portion of your usage. That’s why it’s important to ensure you are using them in the most efficient way possible, for example, turning things off rather than leaving them on standby. The Energy Advice Helpline states that a desktop computer, when left on standby, can cost around £10 to £15 per year in electricity, meaning it’s easy for your energy bills to tot up without you realising.  

To find out more about which appliances use the most energy in your business, and learn how to calculate appliance usage, check out our guide.  

By considering these business energy statistics when creating your strategy, you can gain valuable insights into energy trends and choose the right approach for your business. 

For more information about the energy industry and how it works, check out our range of free energy guides, covering everything from understanding energy bills, to identifying the highest energy-consuming appliances in your business. 

If you’re looking for a supplier that can help you save with competitive rates and tailored plans, Yü Energy could be the right fit for you! Get your free quote today and find out how much you could save.