UK small businesses waste energy through unplugged devices

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 08:29 · Archive

A poll of 1,000 UK small businesses found 80 per cent waste money through invisible energy use from equipment left running or plugged in when not in use. As many as 92 per cent consider keeping energy costs down to be among their biggest priorities in the day-to-day running of their business this winter. The poll also found that cash flow, getting enough new business and late-paying customers are concerns that keep small business owners awake at night.

Despite their best efforts, many have inadvertently added to their bills by leaving devices plugged in when not in use. Desktop computers and screens account for 43 per cent, with printers and photocopiers at 42 per cent and laptop chargers at 37 per cent. Other common culprits include mobile phone chargers and microwaves at 33 per cent each, coffee machines at 32 per cent and televisions at 25 per cent. A further 43 per cent have left printers, photocopiers or computers on overnight, while 20 per cent admit they may have kept fridges and freezers colder than necessary.

Of those polled who do not own a smart meter, 41 per cent say they do not know how much energy they use out of hours. Actress Yvette Fielding, who previously owned a small business, has teamed up with Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, to encourage businesses to get a smart meter for greater visibility of usage and accurate billing. Fielding said: 'From running my own business, I understand how important it is to closely monitor each and every running cost.'

How it is being reported

• The common workplace appliances 'silently draining' cash this winterThe UK's small business owners have revealed what's keeping them up at night – including winter bills, unexpected costs and worrying they've left something on at work.Croydon Guardian · 15 Oct, 08:14
• The common workplace appliances 'silently draining' cash this winterThe UK's small business owners have revealed what's keeping them up at night – including winter bills, unexpected costs and worrying they've left something on at work.News Shopper · 15 Oct, 08:14
• The common workplace appliances 'silently draining' cash this winterThe UK's small business owners have revealed what's keeping them up at night – including winter bills, unexpected costs and worrying they've left something on at work.This Is Local London · 15 Oct, 08:14
• The common workplace appliances 'silently draining' cash this winterThe UK's small business owners have revealed what's keeping them up at night – including winter bills, unexpected costs and worrying they've left something on at work.Wandsworth Guardian · 15 Oct, 08:14

In this story: Smart Energy GB · Yvette Fielding · UK

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