3 Smart Energy Tips for Small Businesses

Running a small business means juggling a lot of moving parts – and energy use is often one of those hidden areas where small changes can make a big difference.

Whether you’re looking to cut costs, modernize your operations or reduce your environmental footprint, there are practical steps you can take to make your business more energy smart.

In this month’s blog, we share three simple, high‑impact places to start:

1. Get an energy audit to see where you can improve.

Just like at home, energy audit is one of the most effective ways to understand how your business uses energy and where you may be wasting it. An auditor, often provided at low or no cost by your utility, will assess your lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, equipment, overall usage patterns and more. The result is a customized roadmap showing which upgrades or behavioral changes will deliver the biggest savings. For many small businesses, even simple fixes like sealing air leaks or upgrading to LED lighting can pay off quickly.

2. Look for rebates for electrification, energy efficiency and more.

Before you invest in any new equipment or energy efficiency upgrades, take a moment to explore available rebates and incentives. Many utilities offer financial support for heat pumps, smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, electric vehicle (EV) chargers and weatherization improvements. These programs can significantly reduce the upfront costs of modernizing your business – and in some cases, they may even cover a large portion of the project.

3. See if there’s a better rate plan for your business’ usage.

Energy pricing isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all today. Depending on your operating hours and energy needs, you may benefit from rate plan with different prices depending on the time of day, such as a time‑of‑use (TOU) plan. Many utilities also offer ideal rate plans for EV charging, and there are many programs that give you bill credits if you avoid using energy during peak times (usually late afternoon/early evening in the summer). Reviewing your options with your utility can help ensure you’re not leaving savings on the table.

Smart energy choices don’t have to be complicated. By starting with an energy audit, taking advantage of available incentives and choosing the right rate plan, small businesses can reduce costs, improve comfort and support a more sustainable energy future. These steps not only help your bottom line – they can help your business thrive.