http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/rss.aspxWed, 10 Mar 2010 07:24:56 GMTumbracoMake It Cheaper RSS news feedenhttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19608234-energy-rated-windows-can-reduce-business-electricity-bills.aspx Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:52:52 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/10/19608234-energy-ratedpluswindowspluscanplusreduceplusbusinesspluselectricityplusbills.aspx
Much of a building's heat is lost through its windows, resulting in increased business electricity bills.

In fact, the Energy Saving Trust recommends that double glazing can cut heat lost through windows by half, as well as reducing business energy bills by around £135 a year and cutting harmful carbon emissions by around 720kg.

A seminar at the Ecobuild on March 2nd, chaired by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), will shed light on window performance with regards to insulation and sustainability.

GFF deputy chief executive Ian Chisholm explained that because of the Building Regulation changes taking place this year, it was important for consumers and industry professionals alike to be aware of the environmental benefits of replacing windows and understanding energy-rated windows.

The BFRC Scheme is the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows.

It states that windows with a high energy rating (A, B or C) will help to contain and conserve heat, keep out wind, resist condensation and improve sound insulation.

The Ecobuild event takes place in Earls Court from March 2nd to 4th.

Posted by Emma Noble


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19607315-green-home-building-scheme-will-cut-business-electricity-bills-for-landlords.aspx Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:27:30 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/10/19607315-greenplushomeplusbuildingplusschemepluswillpluscutplusbusinesspluselectricityplusbillsplusforpluslandlords.aspx
These new 'eco-show homes' are designed to raise awareness of environmentally-friendly building techniques and will save money on business electricity bills for landlords and others working in the housing sector.

The homes will be built in and around four pioneering eco-town locations in Hampshire, Cornwall, Norfolk and Oxforshire as part of a scheme worth £60 million.

By 2016, Mr Healey says 10,000 eco homes will be built in the four landmark areas, all designed, planned and built to world-leading environmental standards.

The houses will include cutting edge environmental technology such as smart meters to track energy use, electric car charging points, properly insulated homes built to the toughest ever standards and systems for saving water and recycling or composting waste.

Shadow chancellor George Osborne recently announced a Green Investment Bank working group which the Conservatives say will help channel more investment into funding eco-friendly technologies if they are successful at the next election.

Posted by Emma Noble


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19606114-scotland-aims-to-develop-renewable-business-energy-industry-via-french-investment.aspx Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:53:04 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/9/19606114-scotlandplusaimsplustoplusdevelopplusrenewableplusbusinessplusenergyplusindustryplusviaplusfrenchplusinvestment.aspxbusiness energy industry by forging links with France.

Mr Salmond met with executives from major French energy suppliers in Paris yesterday (February 8th) in a bid to attract investment from those working in the marine and subsea sectors, as well as in carbon capture and offshore wind.

He explained that France's investment in Scotland's energy sector is worth an estimated £1.5 billion to the Scottish economy.

"This is a very important opportunity for the Scottish government, working with Scottish Development International, to further strengthen our relationships with leading French companies in some of the most valuable sectors of our economy," Mr Salmond said.

The Scottish government has a target to provide 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020.

Ofgem has also proposed funding of up to £1 billion over the next two years for green electricity transmission grid projects.

The energy regulator says it is a common-sense approach to ensure investment to support emission reduction plans while shielding customers from unnecessary costs.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Tom Barnett


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19604690-business-electricity-tariffs-set-to-receive-green-accreditation.aspx Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:17:23 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/9/19604690-businesspluselectricityplustariffsplussetplustoplusreceiveplusgreenplusaccreditation.aspxBusiness electricity customers will now be able to take advantage of a certified scheme that tells them how environmentally-friendly tariffs are.

Ofgem's new certification scheme provides tariffs that have been certified as having genuine environmental benefits from today (February 9th).

This will enable business electricity customers to make a more informed decision about their wider carbon footprint when switching business electricityenergy suppliers.

Commenting on the launch of the scheme, senior partner for sustainable development at the regulator Sarah Harrison said: "Ofgem's guidelines and the new independently applied label will help give consumers peace of mind that when they buy a green electricity deal it will bring an additional environmental benefit – this is good news for consumers and for green tariffs."

The scheme is being supported by the WWF-UK and has already got a sizeable number of business electricity providers participating, including EDF Energy, E.ON and British Gas.

Ofgem's unveiling of its new support for environmentally-friendly energy provision comes shortly after the regulator warned of the need for action to maintain Britain's security of energy supply.

It suggested that prompt action, such as the wider adoption of sustainable sources of energy, will reduce risks to energy supplies in the future and keep costs down.

Posted by Dan Morris

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/.aspx http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/16/19618601-businesspluselectricity%3aplusgovtplusvowsplustoplusclosepluspriceplushikeplusloophole.aspxhttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19603571-how-could-the-new-feed-in-tariff-impact-on-business-electricity-bills-.aspx Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:00:43 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/8/19603571-howpluscouldplustheplusnewplusfeed-inplustariffplusimpactplusonplusbusinesspluselectricityplusbills%3f.aspxenergy suppliers and sector commentators alike.

The scheme - which will become law for projects commissioned from April 2010 - rewards households and businesses that invest in green technologies by guaranteeing to pay a set rate for each unit of energy produced.

While npower is among the suppliers urging consumers to buy now to take advantage of the scheme, there has been much talk about whether the returns are there for businesses.

However, according to Green Wise Business, the FiT does create investment opportunity for the right renewable technology in the right location.

Writing for the website, Ben Cosh, founder and managing director of the Green Company, states that his company's analysis shows owners and investors who raise their own capital can reach up to ten per cent nominal returns with a reasonable site.

"There are a handful of premium sites where better returns are possible, but even ten per cent return is better than leaving cash in the bank," he added.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Tom Barnett


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19602862-turning-business-electricity-into-thermal-pleasure.aspx Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:05:17 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/8/19602862-turningplusbusinesspluselectricityplusintoplus'thermalpluspleasure'.aspx
No wonder they are forced to crank up the heating to keep warm. A recent survey by Make It Cheaper found some of the major chains on Oxford Street had a temperature of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit - hotter than Jamaica.

Unsurprisingly, high street retailers are one the busiest industry sectors most likely to switch business electricity and gas contracts.

But why do shops insist on turning up the heat in a bid to attract shoppers?

According to Professor Ken Parsons, who heads up Loughborough University's Human Thermal Environments Laboratory, it is all to do with 'Thermal Pleasure' - a transient feeling of pleasure which occurs when a person who feels cold enters a warm environment, or vice versa.

"In the winter the first impression for a shopper who is cold will be the pleasure of moving to a warm and welcoming environment.

"After twenty minutes or so, this effect will wear off and the customer may well become unpleasantly hot. Moving out into the cold will then be a pleasure."

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Dan Morris


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19602037-zero-carbon-schools-to-be-introduced-in-the-uk-by-2016.aspx Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:57:50 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/8/19602037-zero-carbonplusschoolsplustoplusbeplusintroducedplusinplustheplusukplusbyplus2016.aspx
Schools secretary Ed Balls recently laid out plans for at least four pilot zero-carbon schools to be operational in each government region before 2016.

It is hoped that these pilot projects will encourage more schools to cut both carbon emissions and business energy bills.

Mandatory targets require an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from schools by 2013 compared to 2002 building standards.

This is a 20 per cent increase on the department's current requirement to reduce emissions by 60 per cent.

It has been estimated that schools overall are responsible for around 9.4 million tonnes of emissions - about two per cent of total UK greenhouse gases.

However Mr Balls pointed out that the government's plans were not just about making new buildings green, stating that existing schools could also be adapted to make them more efficient.

Bglobal recently signed a multi-million deal with British Gas Business to supply smart energy metres, available later this year, which will give organisations including schools real-time digital information about their business energy use.

Posted by Alison Smith


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-water-news/19280166-ofwat-consumers-want-reasonably-priced-water.aspx Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:38:53 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2009/july/24/19280166-ofwat-consumers-want-reasonably-priced-water---.aspx
This comment - from Ofwat's chief executive officer Regina Finn - was made after the regulator published draft proposals for the prices utility and sewerage companies can charge their customers between 2010 and 2015.

Due to the body's examination of suppliers' business plans, the average household water and sewerage bill will be reduced by around four per cent, which equates to approximately £14.

"We understand times are hard and we have listened to what customers have told us," Ms Finn commented. "They want a safe, reliable water supply at a reasonable cost."

If commercial water consumers want to secure cheap business water rates, they could research online or contact a utilities adviser to find out what the best options are.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service, find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business water.]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19282231-businesses-urged-to-look-into-efgs.aspx Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2009/july/27/19282231-businesses-urged-to-look-into-efgs.aspx
Business minister Shriti Vadera welcomed a report by the Business and Enterprise Select Committee that looked at the initiative, which has already benefited thousands of organisations.

"We will … continue to monitor uptake and performance of the banks to ensure EFG plays its part in getting access to finance for small and medium businesses," she said.

Green Energy Options, based in Cambridge, managed to secure £1 million through the scheme and chief executive officer Patrick Caiger-Smith said the contract had allowed the firm to reach new markets.

"In today's tough environment there was some trepidation about raising the level of funding required but we have been delighted by the … flexibility the structuring of the loan under the EFG scheme provides," he said.

Commercial electricity customers who want to find out more about the scheme can log onto the Business Link website.]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19599226-govt-offers-incentive-for-home-grown-energy-suppliers.aspx Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:57:45 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/5/19599226-govtplusoffersplusincentiveplusforplus'home-grown'plusenergyplussuppliers.aspxcommercial electricity.

The government has announced what it says is the world's first incentive scheme for renewable heat in a bid to kick-start more efficient and environmentally-friendly energy processes, saving businesses and people money as well as cutting emissions.

From April communities and individuals installing generating technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels will be eligible for payments for any low-carbon electricity they produce.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband said the renewable heat incentive would be a world first, adding it could yield a marked shift in the way energy is priced and perceived, potentially heralding a new era of cheap electricity.

"The guarantee of getting an income on top of saving on energy bills will be an incentive to householders and communities wanting to make the move to low carbon living," he said.

"The feed-in tariff will change the way householders and communities think about their future energy needs, making the payback for investment far shorter than in the past.

"It will also change the outlook for a range of industries, in particular those in the business of producing and installing small scale low-carbon technology."

The UK currently generates around 5.5 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources but is aiming to increase that figure to around 15 per cent by 2020.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service, find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Richard Smart


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-gas-news/19596926-british-gas-cuts-standard-gas-prices-by-7%.aspx Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:02:26 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/4/19596926-britishplusgaspluscutsplusstandardplusgaspluspricesplusbyplus7%25.aspxgas prices by an average of seven per cent.

However, it is currently unclear whether similar reductions for business gas customers will follow.

Still, business gas bills are likely to be cut later this year with the introduction of smart meters for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the UK

Bglobal recently signed a £12 million deal to supply the smart meters for British Gas Business, which will end the need for estimated bills and onsite meter readings.

The standard gas cut is the third time British Gas has slashed prices in the past 12 months and which will apply to eight million households.

British Gas said it will save the average gas customer £55 a year, making the firm the cheapest supplier of standard gas and electricity in the UK.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Emma Noble


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19279273-could-energy-be-controlled-via-text-message-.aspx Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2009/july/23/19279273-could-energy-be-controlled-via-text-message.aspxBusiness electricity customers could control their energy use in the future via their mobile phones or computers, if a current trial is a success.

A number of British Gas customers are trying out a procedure in their homes that enables them to adjust heating controls and turn off appliances by text message or online.

The Alert Me Energy Kit contains an automated control system that links up to the web as well as smart plugs, which together enable the individual to calculate energy consumption and monitor specific devices.

Managing director of British Gas' new energy division Gearoid Lane explained it will help save customers money and reduce carbon emissions.

"It's all so simple to use - never again will consumers need to stick their heads into a poorly-lit … cupboard to struggle with complicated controllers," he remarked.

At present, some 950,000 company sites use the services of British Gas for their energy needs. As well as commercial electricity and business gas, the firm can offer utility management advice.]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-telecoms-news/19278641-unfair-mobile-charges-should-decrease.aspx Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2009/july/23/19278641-unfair-mobile-charges-should-decrease-.aspxBusiness telecoms customers who rely on mobile phones for their operations may welcome the view that "unfair" charges should decrease gradually over time.

Ofcom is currently reviewing mobile termination rates (MTRs) and wholesale charges that operators pay each other to connect to their networks, which they then pass on to the customer.

Senior analyst at Ovum Matthew Howett explained the aim is to lower the fees to reflect the true cost of mobile phone termination and to bring them to a similar level to that of fixed calls.

However, he noted this will be a gradual process because operators could try and make up lost revenue elsewhere if it happens too quickly, but once it has been achieved there could be new pricing methods.

"If we do lower the rates and change the charging structure, it could accelerate this idea of fixed mobile convergence where you bundle in these minutes to other networks," commented Mr Howett.

According to research by moneysupermarket.com, consumers spend up to £1 billion paying for MTRs and 88 per cent of people think these charges are unfair.]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19278114-businesses-will-adapt-commercial-electricity-and-gas-use.aspx Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2009/july/23/19278114-businesses-'will-adapt-commercial-electricity-and-gas-use'.aspxcommercial electricity and gas, it has been claimed.

John Barwise is the chairman of the Cumbria Green Business and made this comment after the Department of Energy & Climate Change published a statement last week.

It explained how greater efficiencies in workplaces will lead to around ten per cent of the annual emissions cuts between now and 2020, while offices, factories, schools and hospitals should reduce their CO2 outputs to nearly zero by 2050.

Mr Barwise noted people discuss renewable energy as a complete solution for global warming but it is actually only part of the answer, adding more focus needs to be placed on being energy-efficient.

"[For example,] people fitting energy saving devices, cavity wall insulation, new efficient boilers, [plus] a whole range of energy efficient measures would benefit businesses," he remarked.

The Cumbria Green Business Forum is an initiative where members are able to share best practice to improve their environmental performance. ]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19595923-business-energy-to-benefit-from-smart-meter-roll-out.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:05:50 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/3/19595923-businessplusenergyplustoplusbenefitplusfromplussmartplusmeterplusroll-out.aspxbusiness electricity providers has signed a multi-million deal concerning the installation of smart meters.

Bglobal will begin supplying smart meters for British Gas Business this year in a contract worth £12 million.

Businesses are reaping the benefits of the meters, which will end the need for estimated bills and onsite meter readings.

British Gas Business's head of energy services Jeff Whittingham said that 50,000 smart meters had already been installed around the UK.

"Our customers have told us they're finding smart meters easy to use, and that they're helping them be more aware of how they use energy, and how they can save it," he commented.

Mr Whittingham went on to say the company hopes that, by the end of this year, a further 100,000 smart meters will have been installed.

Bglobal has been providing smart metering services to British Gas Business since 2006, with the technology touted as a "transformation" in commercial energy customer service.

In 2004, when Bglobal began its operations, approximately 2.2 million British businesses were relying on estimated energy bills, something that will be transformed over the course of 2010.

Posted by Emma Noble


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-gas-news/19594554-business-gas-energy-companies-fight-it-out-over-biogas.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:59:40 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/3/19594554-businessplusgas%3aplusenergypluscompaniesplusfightplusitplusoutplusoverplusbiogas.aspx
The announcement would mean more options for business gas customers to go 'green' and follows government backing for this emerging technology that confirms support for biomethane to grid from April 2011.

A highly effective low-carbon energy alterative, biomethane is produced from biodegradable waste such as sewage, food and wood which release emissions known as biomethane as they decay.

Also known as biogas, the substance will make a contribution to decarbonising the gas grid by delivering renewable heat to small and medium-sized businesses through the existing gas network and central heating boilers.

However, British Gas could have competition from the green energy company Ecotricity.

Ecotricity - already a provider of green electricity - has pledged to connect its first gas customers by next month and begin delivering biogas before the end of the year.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Dan Morris


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19594511-cut-business-energy-bills---not-staff-perks.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:53:05 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/3/19594511-cutplusbusinessplusenergyplusbillsplus-plusnotplusstaffplusperks.aspx
And, with more than a third of office staff saying perks such as tea and coffee boost morale at work, one in ten claim cutbacks on refreshments have changed the atmosphere at work for the worse.

Many SMES are currently looking to shave costs, but given the value that employees place on small perks, firms may be better off considering how they might be able to reduce other expenditures, such as business electricity bills.

uSwitchforbusiness.com found that around 40 per cent of UK staff now have to supply their own tea and coffee at work.

This leaves a bitter taste in the mouth for many, with four in ten British employees describing staff perks as 'poor'.

However, by comparing the cost of business gas and electricity, SME-owners can save money by ensuring they are getting the best energy deal, leaving plenty left over for small office perks.

Switching suppliers can reduce business energy bills by as much as 50 per cent, according to the experts at Make It Cheaper.

Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Nicola Richards


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-gas-news/19594290-smes-risk-costly-business-electricity-bills,-warns-ofgem.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:58:12 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/3/19594290-smesplusriskpluscostlyplusbusinesspluselectricityplusbills%2cpluswarnsplusofgem.aspxbusiness electricity bills unless action is taken to safeguard Britain's energy supply, industry regulator Ofgem has warned.

In a report released today (February 3rd), Ofgem said that there is a risk that energy bills could rise by up to 25 per cent over the next decade unless measures are taken to ensure Britain's energy supplies remain secure.

Ofgem said that the unprecedented combination of the global financial crisis, increasing gas import dependency and the closure of ageing power stations has combined to cast "reasonable doubt" over whether the UK's current energy arrangements will deliver secure and sustainable energy supplies.

However, it added that prompt action will reduce risk to energy supplies, help lower costs to consumers and make progress towards climate change targets.

Last month (January 11th), the National Grid raised concerns about the amount of gas the UK had in storage when it issued a gas balancing alert (GBA) following a sharp drop in Norwegian gas supplies .

This was the fourth GBA declared so far this year and only the fifth since the system was introduced four years ago.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.
Posted by Richard Smart



]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19594006-business-electricity-customers-face-winter-bill-rises.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:04:45 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/3/19594006-businesspluselectricitypluscustomersplus'facepluswinterplusbillplusrises'.aspxbusiness electricity bills are higher than usual as falls in the wholesale price of energy are not passed on to consumers.

This is according to moneysupermarket.com, which found that costs are up 20 per cent year-on-year, with a rise of 127 per cent seen since 2003.

Scott Byrom, utilities manager at the site, said: "Although there were price decreases throughout 2009 the majority of these price moves were to providers' online tariffs rather than to standard tariffs."

As a result, he urged business electricity customers to "think seriously" about how they pay for their services in the future, as winter bills look set to be some of the highest yet.

Moving to an online tariff could knock around a quarter off the cost of an annual bill, the website added.

The government launched feed-in tariffs earlier this week, which give people cash back for any renewable electricity they put back into the grid.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Sam Williams


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19593289-british-gas-helps-smes-reduce-business-electricity-bills.aspx Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:00:03 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/2/19593289-britishplusgasplushelpsplussmesplusreduceplusbusinesspluselectricityplusbills.aspxbusiness electricity customers - need to look at new ways of reducing energy consumption if Britain is going to meet its tough carbon reduction targets, a leading conservationist has said.

Explorer, conservationist and community activist Ben Fogle was speaking at the launch of the 2010 Green Street campaign, which encourages communities in the UK to save money and go green by looking at ways to generate energy locally.

Schools, community centres, local shops and SMEs across the country can take part in the scheme and receive funding to become more energy efficient and reduce their use of business electricity.

Mr Fogle said there was a "groundswell" of communities wanting to learn how to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions by building a more sustainable future.

As part of the scheme, British Gas will provide energy assessments for all the community and residential buildings involved in the project to assess their current energy performance.

Gearoid Lane, director of communities and new energy at British Gas, added: "We know small groups can make a big difference and we hope these projects will benefit their communities for generations to come."

Posted by Dan Morris


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19592600-low-carbon-energy-projects-offered-cash-incentives.aspx Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:59:39 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/2/19592600-lowpluscarbonplusenergyplusprojectsplusofferedpluscashplusincentives.aspx
Feed-in tariffs were first announced in last year's pre-Budget report and will first come into action on April 1st.

They will provide people who undertake low carbon projects with cashback for any electricity they supply back to the grid.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband said: "The feed-in tariff will change the way householders and communities think about their future energy needs, making the payback for investment far shorter than in the past."

For example, business electricity which is generated from a solar panel could lead to bills being decreased by around £140, while earning £900 through the feed-in tariff.

The average annual greenhouse gas emissions reduction rate for FTSE 100 company targets stands at 2.5 per cent, the Carbon Disclosure Project recently found.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Nicola Richards

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news//19592234-real-estate-sector-has-huge-potential-for-reducing-business-electricity-use.aspx Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:17:46 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/2/19592234-realplusestateplussectorplushasplus'hugepluspotential'plusforplusreducingplusbusinesspluselectricityplususe.aspx
Some 700 property companies and fund managers were assessed for the report, which was carried out by the European Centre for Corporate Engagement at Maastricht University.

It reveals that - despite the fact that energy-saving investments can create value for property investors - the majority of companies are not actively managing environmental issues such as reducing the use of business electricity.

However, a few investors from the United Kingdom did come close to attaining the top score in the global Environmental Real Estate Index.

Dr Nils Kok, professor at Maastricht University and principal author of the report, said that benchmarking the energy consumption of a real estate portfolio was the first step to making properties more efficient.

"The current lack of metrics indicates that we are standing just at the beginning of the road to energy efficiency in the commercial real estate sector," he added.

Despite this, the number of high-efficiency appliances and energy auditing services for business premises such as is growing, according to Pike Research.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Emma Noble



]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19591900-benn-calls-on-businesses-to-embrace-low-carbon-economy.aspx Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:52:09 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/2/19591900-bennpluscallsplusonplusbusinessesplustoplusembracepluslowpluscarbonpluseconomy.aspx
Environment secretary Hilary Benn called on businesses to think about the environment when it comes to their long-term planning and risk assessments.

Being eco-friendly can help reduce the cost of business electricity, he explained, which is just one of the short-term benefits of developing low carbon solutions.

Mr Benn continued: "Those businesses that also adopt a longer term approach to improving their resource efficiency will ensure their sustainability and future success in a world where our natural resources are becoming scarcer and more expensive."

With 90 per cent of waste being produced by businesses, he stressed that now is the time for firms to take action on their own output.

Research from the Waste Resource Action Plan found that becoming resource efficient not only saves costs but could deliver as much as ten per cent of the target CO2 reductions needed over the next ten years.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Tom Barnett

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19591478-business-electricity-lights-off-after-hours-for-high-street-shops-.aspx Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:03:59 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/2/19591478-businesspluselectricity%3apluslightsplusoffplusafter-hoursplusforplushighplusstreetplusshops%3f.aspx
The agency says firms should be made to switch off lights and displays at night to meet new carbon reduction limits - however, the move will also have the added benefit of reducing business electricity bills.

From April 2010, all businesses and public sector organisations that use more than a certain amount of energy must register for the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme.

The scheme requires businesses to cut consumption or face stiff fines and, from next year, pay for the carbon they emit.

Environmental activists in some parts of the world have already taken into their own hands what they see as a complete waste of business electricity.

In Paris, the aptly-named City of Lights, 'le Clan du Neon' patrol the streets at night armed with broomsticks just long enough to reach to external fire switches above shopfronts that cut out the electrical supply to the lighting displays.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Tom Barnett


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19590943-grounds-for-optimism-for-uk-smes.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:43:31 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/1/19590943-groundsplusforplusoptimismplusforplusukplussmes.aspx
This is despite another recent survey by Eclipse Internet, which found that two-thirds of SMEs do not expect economic recovery until at least autumn, while 16 per cent were concerned about reducing costs such as business gas and electricity bills.
The CBI's quarterly SME Trends Survey found that 27 per cent of respondents had seen a rise in export orders in the three months to January.

This took the overall balance to +2 - the highest figure since 2008.

Phil McCabe, a spokesperson for the Forum of Private Business (FPB), said that exports could be a way out of the economic difficulties some small firms have faced.

However, he noted that the relative weakness of the pound had had a major impact on the upturn, and warned UK businesses to be cautious over the coming year.

"Confidence is great," he said, "but the next year is going to be difficult. If you can control costs, that's the best way to usher in recovery."

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Sam Williams


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-gas-news/19588876-boiler-scrappage-could-be-financial-madness-for-business-gas-customers.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:52:16 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/february/1/19588876-boilerplusscrappagepluscouldplusbeplus'financialplusmadness'plusforplusbusinessplusgaspluscustomers.aspxbusiness gas customers, according to a plumber.

Charlie Mullins, managing director of Pimlico Plumbers, told the Guardian that many modern boilers may not be up to scratch.

He added that most people would be better off avoiding the scheme if it involved ripping out an inefficient but functioning boiler.

Modern condensing boilers can be problematic, expensive to repair and often do not last very long last, he explained.

"Clearly condensing boilers are much more energy efficient, use much less gas and are better for the environment," Mr Mullins told the news provider.

He added that it was unnecessary to spend £2,000 buying a new boiler if an existing model was already working well.

However, British Gas has argued that a new boiler could help small and medium-sized firms to cut business gas bills by as much as £235 a year.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Tom Barnett


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19276639-eon-applies-for-css-development-support.aspx Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2009/july/22/19276639-eon-applies-for-css-development-support-.aspxBusiness electricity customers may be aware carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one way suppliers and governments are trying to reduce greenhouse gas effects.

Now, Eon hopes to receive support from the European Energy Programme for Recovery after demonstrating its ability to capture, transport and store carbon from a large-scale project.

Essential technology to lower emissions needs to be advanced and the firm hopes to make its Kingsnorth operations the forefront of such developments through the creation of a Thames Cluster, explained the company's clean coal business development manager Andy Read.

He noted this could see industrial sites and power stations in the south-east link to a single carbon pipeline, which could allow new facilities to connect quickly to a transportation system that would act like national grids for electricity transmission and gas supplies.

Mr Read stated: "The south-east has the highest level of energy demand in the UK and we expect this to continue … The development of a proposal like this represents a truly world-leading opportunity for the region and for the country as a whole."

Headquartered in Germany, Eon owns the second largest distribution network in the UK.]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19587882-smart-meter-plans-for-business-electricity-customers-may-be-put-on-hold.aspx Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:29:34 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/29/19587882-smartplusmeterplusplansplusforplusbusinesspluselectricitypluscustomersplusmayplusbeplusputplusonplushold.aspxbusiness electricity suppliers to offer smart energy meters by the end of 2020 may be thwarted by concerns over data security.

Energy and climate change minister Lord Hunt revealed at the end of 2009 that £6 million would be invested to develop smart technology meters, designed to reduce energy bills and increase energy efficiency.

However, the proposals seem unlikely to go ahead unless government officials are able to convince the public that the new system is capable of securely sharing information.

A similar smart meter project in the Netherlands has effectively been put on hold following concerns that data could be captured by criminals or used by police and insurance companies without permission from the consumer.

Dutch privacy groups and consumer advocates claim that by 'information gathering' every 15 minutes, smart meters paint an accurate picture of when a property is empty or when new gadgets have been plugged in.
According to Datamonitor, those fears could also be translated to the UK.

A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesman said data protection and system security were "crucial " for smart meter implementation, adding that "a rigorous and systematic approach" would be taken to assess any issues.
Posted by Tom Barnett


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19585750-richard-branson-is-the-dream-business-mentor-for-smes.aspx Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:29:19 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/29/19585750-richardplusbransonplusisplustheplusdreamplusbusinessplusmentorplusforplussmes.aspx
The Virgin tycoon came on top in a recent poll of popular business mentors, with almost one third of respondents giving him their vote.

Second most in-demand were the Dragons' Den investors, while Alan Sugar came in at third place.

It seems the SMEs chose well. Duncan Bannatyne recently told the Telegraph it was "common sense" to be more efficient with business electricity use to reduce both company costs and harmful carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, Theo Paphitis last year joined forces with the Carbon Trust to launch the Big Business Refit (BBR), a new scheme aimed at encouraging firms to make savings by switching to more environmentally-friendly hardware.

The survey, carried out by the Carbon Trust, also found that rising energy prices are one of the biggest worries facing British SMEs in 2010, with around 49 per cent of those surveyed saying they were worried about energy price hikes.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Dan Morris


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19584453-outdated-financial-records-could-reduce-sme-credit-for-business-energy.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:17:46 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/28/19584453-outdatedplusfinancialplusrecordspluscouldplusreduceplussmepluscreditplusforplusbusinessplusenergy.aspx
The publication of GDP figures this week showed that the UK had made a fragile recovery from the recession.

Despite this, npower is warning that out of date financial records could prolong financial instability for many small and medium-sized businesses, impacting on credit ratings, reducing businesses' access to finance and essential supplies, like energy.

According to the supplier, Companies House records can be anything from 12 to 18 months out of date - meaning that a company's financial viability will be judged on its performance mid-recession, irrespective of how its position may have changed since then.

Wayne Mitchell, head of commercial sales at npower, explains further: "Poor credit ratings mean insurance companies are withdrawing credit insurance for businesses, a necessary guarantee that allows them to negotiate contracts with suppliers.

For more information on improving your credit score, check out Make It Cheaper's guide to finding the cheapest business electricity or gas, which is available as a free download from its website.

Posted by Sam Williams


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19584445-smes-bamboozled-by-business-electricity-contracts.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:14:55 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/28/19584445-smesplus'bamboozledplusbyplusbusinesspluselectricitypluscontracts'.aspxMake It Cheaper.

Despite the fact that the new Ofgem regulations were intended to simplify the process, they have been left wide open to different interpretations by business energy suppliers, claims the business price comparison service.

This means no two contract termination 'windows' - in which businesses must serve notice to avoid having their contracts automatically renewed - are the same, with some being as narrow as 30 days, says Make It Cheaper.

Ofgem is also under pressure from consumer groups amid concerns it has failed to protect UK business electricity customers against ever-increasing business gas and electricity prices.

However, Jonathan Elliott, managing director of Make It Cheaper, said business electricity customers could still find ways to be eligible for the best rates.

"The key to switching, regardless of any variation of the rules, is to find out when your current contract ends and how much notice you need to give," he said.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Dan Morris



]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19583257-smes-do-not-realise-how-easy-it-is-to-switch-banks.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:27:52 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/28/19583257-smesplus'doplusnotplusrealiseplushowpluseasyplusitplusisplustoplusswitchplusbanks'.aspx
This is bad news for banks if a separate poll by money.co.uk is taken into account, which states that just seven per cent of the UK population trust their bank to treat them fairly.
However, James Daley, money editor at Which?, said that the value of switching should not be ignored.
"Actually, it's much simpler than most people realise," he said.

Similarly, business electricity and gas customers have been urged to switch supplier if they are unhappy with the service they are receiving.

An independent audit commissioned last year by Ofgem found one in four people were unhappy with their energy supplier due to high costs or bad customer service.

Commenting on the report, Consumer Focus said: "We would urge consumers who are dissatisfied with the service they receive to vote with their feet and switch supplier."

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Nicola Richards


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19582966-national-insurance-increase-may-be-detrimental-for-smes.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:59:58 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/28/19582966-nationalplusinsuranceplusincreaseplus'mayplusbeplusdetrimentalplusforplussmes'.aspx
Chancellor Alistair Darling announced in his pre-budget report hat employers, employees and the self-employed would pay an extra 0.5 per cent on rates of NICs from April 6th 2011, in addition to the 0.5 per cent increase already set in place for 2010.

Edward Winterton, Bibby Financial Services recruitment finance specialist, told SME Web the increase was most likely to impact job creation, as the cost of employing somebody would increase by one per cent.

"It is important for the sector to acknowledge that this could have a dampening effect on its overall recovery and cause a potential dip in business," he added.

The government's decision to raise NICs by one per cent may also prove counterproductive, experts have warned.

Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society, has also said the measure is likely to dissuade many employers from hiring.

"Anything that is going to dent confidence has to be a bad thing," he said.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Nicola Richards


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19581827-smes-could-save-up-to-30%-a-year-on-business-electricity-and-gas.aspx Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:42:44 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/27/19581827-smesplus'couldplussaveplusupplustoplus30%25plusaplusyearplusonplusbusinesspluselectricityplusandplusgas'.aspxbusiness electricity and gas costs by up to 30 per cent a year but are unaware of the true potential for savings, according to a survey by the Carbon Trust.

The advisory body, which polled 700 SMEs for the survey, found that around half (49 per cent) said they were worried about energy price hikes. Sectors with the greatest concerns were construction, manufacturing and hospitality.

Further, one in seven respondents said there was nobody in charge of the company's energy management.

However, the trust has stated that businesses could reduce their collective energy costs by more than £3 billion simply by controlling the way employees use energy, controlling lighting and heating and investing in the building's equipment and infrastructure.

Today (January 27th), the trust kicked off a drive to cut business electricity use through free advice and interest-free loans.

"The SME community in the UK is huge," Hugh Jones, Carbon Trust's director of solutions, told Reuters.

"There are tens of thousands of companies with energy bills over £50k which would qualify for a survey but they aren't doing it."

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Sam Williams


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19578568-ofgem-business-electricity-customers-getting-into-debt.aspx Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:22:28 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/26/19578568-ofgem%3aplusbusinesspluselectricitypluscustomersplusgettingplusintoplusdebt.aspxbusiness electricity customers are getting into debt with energy companies, according to an Ofgem report released last week.

The report also showed a 13 per cent increase in the number of electricity customers entering into a new debt arrangement with their supplier in the third quarter of last year.

There was a further 21 per cent increase in such arrangements between consumers and business gas suppliers.

In addition, the average level of energy customer debt was 20 per cent higher than in 2008, and there has also been a substantial increase in the number of people with debts of £600 or more.

Spiralling bills could be attributed to cranking up the heating during the cold snap, according to research by moneysupermarket.com.

A spokeswoman for National Energy Action (NEA) Lesley Tudor-Snodin said that becoming more energy efficient was key to saving money on energy bills.
However, breaking old habits remains an ongoing challenge, as she explained.

"After years of relatively cheap energy there are several generations of people who will struggle to make these changes as they are just not used to it," she noted.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Dan Morris


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19577687-cheap-business-electricity-is-music-to-eras-ears.aspx Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:11:08 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/26/19577687-cheapplusbusinesspluselectricityplusisplusmusicplustoplusera'splusears.aspxMake It Cheaper as its preferred supplier to help its members cut their business energy bills.

ERA has followed in the footsteps of countless other businesses by taking advantage of Make It Cheaper's energy price comparison and switching service, which makes an average £2,300 saving per customer per year.

ERA is a UK trade organisation formed to act as a forum for the retail and wholesale sectors of the music, video, DVD and multimedia products industry.

Its members account for approximately 90 per cent of the UK's music, video and games sales and range from supermarkets, specialist chains to independent stores and digital and mobile operators.

Kim Bayley, director general of ERA, said the new partnership with Make It Cheaper was designed to allow ERA's members to maximise efficiencies in their business.

"In such a cost conscious industry it is vital that our members can quickly ascertain the best deal for them without taking up a lot of administrative time," he said.

Other retail groups already signed up as a partner of Make It Cheaper include the Radio, Electrical & Television Retailers Association (Retra), Interflora and Booker.

Posted by Alison Smith


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19576834-cost-cutting-still-a-concern-for-smes.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:48:31 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/25/19576834-costpluscuttingplus'stillplusaplusconcernplusforplussmes'.aspx
The research by Eclipse Internet, which has offers tailored technology support for SMEs, found that while eight out of ten SMEs felt optimistic about their future, two-thirds do not expect economic recovery until at least autumn.

Almost half of SMEs surveyed said they felt achieving growth would be the biggest challenge they would face this year, while 16 per cent were concerned about reducing costs such as business gas and electricity bills.
Many businesses feel the government could be doing more to support UK plc, while the energy industry regulator Ofgem has also been widely criticised by consumer groups for failing to curb high gas and electricity prices.

Commenting on the report, head of marketing at Eclipse Internet Simon Harper said: "I suppose there is some insight that small businesses are better placed to recover or to perform well when the economy recovers, but they obviously feel a little bit let down by some government policies."

Posted by Richard Smart


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19575936-inflation-rate-spells-trouble-for-energy-bills.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:33:20 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/25/19575936-inflationplusrateplus'spellsplustroubleplusforplusenergyplusbills'.aspx
According to official figures, the annual rate of inflation went up to 2.9 per cent from 1.9 per cent in November following consumer prices rising by 0.6 per cent last month, which is effectively the biggest monthly rise in the annual index since records began in 1997.

The jump, which has been powered by higher bill prices and is expected to continue pushing them, significantly exceeds the City's expectation of an increase to 2.6 per cent.

European economist at Schroders Azad Zangana cited domestic and business electricity falls at the end of 2008 as well as the VAT cut from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent in December 2008 as major motivators for the pick-up.

He added: "Worryingly, core inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food prices, increased to 2.8 per cent over 2009 despite the UK experiencing the longest and deepest recession since the Second World War."

Despite this, the pound has continued its rise against the euro, jumping to a four-month high this week after higher-than-expected UK inflation raised the prospect of a rise in interest rates.

Posted by Emma Noble

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19575931-ofgem-proposals-will-impact-on-future-bills.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:32:27 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/25/19575931-ofgemplusproposalspluswillplus'impactplusonplusfutureplusbills'.aspxbusiness electricity bills, according to a leading comparison website.

The broad £233.5 billion investment programme is expected to add £548 a year onto household energy bills alone, uSwitch.com has warned, so consumers need to prepare for the eventual impact on energy bills.

Will Marples, energy expert at uSwitch.com, said that the announcement is one of several that consumers can expect to hear about the security of longer-term energy supplies in relation to huge investments being made to infrastructure.

He continued: "The investment is crucial, but there can be no doubt that it will have an impact on our future energy bills and this has to be explained to consumers now so that they can start taking action to protect themselves in the future."

It follows further comments from Jake Ridge of uSwitchforbusiness.com, who said that new Ofgem regulations offer small firms greater protection but companies must understand them quickly if they are to benefit.

Posted by Emma Noble

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19574790-ofgem-has-failed-to-protect-the-uk-from-increasing-business-gas-and-electricity-prices.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:45:51 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/25/19574790-ofgemplus'hasplusfailedplustoplusprotectplustheplusukplusfromplusincreasingplusbusinessplusgasplusandpluselectricityplusprices'.aspxbusiness gas and electricity prices.

It has been widely reported that the recent cold snap, coupled with Norwegian pipeline supply issues, has seen gas prices rise significantly on the wholesale market.

According to financialadvice.co.uk, these price hikes will in due course filter through to the consumer market.

However, despite its warnings the regulator has failed to introduce any new price regulations or price restrictions on UK energy supplies.

"Protecting consumers is meant to be Ofgem's first priority, but so far the regulator has been shying away from tackling the big issues," Dr Fiona Cochrane, a senior policy adviser for Which?, told the Times.

Dr Cochrane added that Which? would continue to urge Ofgem to take action to ensure business gas and electricity customers did not lose out.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.

Posted by Tom Barnett


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19572330-ofgem-rules-will-create-red-tape-spaghetti-junction-for-business-energy-users.aspx Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:03:32 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/22/19572330-ofgemplusrulespluswillpluscreateplus'redplustapeplusspaghettiplusjunctionplusforplusbusinessplusenergyplususers'.aspxbusiness electricity and gas contracts have created a "spaghetti junction of red tape", according to business price comparison service Make It Cheaper.

The regulations which came into place on Monday (January 18th) were intended to benefit two million businesses with greater consumer protection.

However, not only does each supplier have a different interpretation of the new rules but they only have to apply them to business energy contracts entered into from January 18th.

Just one of the big six energy suppliers has indicated that it will apply the rules retrospectively on all existing contracts.

Consumer group uSwitch.com said the regulations were a step in the right direction, but could prove confusing for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners.

Jonathan Elliott, managing director of Make It Cheaper, said the service was getting mixed responses from suppliers, many of whom were still trying to fathom out the new rules themselves.

"It would be much simpler if, rather than just guidelines, these new rules were set out more clearly and strictly enforced," he added.

Posted by Alison Smith


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19569732-start-up-rates-higher-in-2009-than-2008.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:49:27 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/21/19569732-start-upplusratesplushigherplusinplus2009plusthanplus2008.aspx
A survey by the British Bankers' Association (BBA) found that fewer businesses were set up in the first ten months of 2009 - 460,000 compared to 468,000 in the same period in 2008.

However, Richard Roberts, head of SME research at Barclays', said the total figure for 2009 was likely to be higher when the last two months of the year were included.

"We know from our own figures that more businesses started in 2009 than 2008, so we expect the BBA's figures for the year to overtake 2008's in November and December," he said.

He added that high levels of unemployment in 2009 and the need to earn a living had been a driving force behind the rise in new business start-ups.

According to the BBA, a total of 525,000 SMEs were started in 2008.

The BBA statistics also show that business closures had risen less than expected, by just two per cent in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the same period of 2008.

Make It Cheaper is the UK's leading business price comparison and switching service. Find out how you could get impartial, comprehensive and free information about overheads such as business electricity.
Posted by Emma Noble


]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19569414-cost-adjustments-key-to-sme-success-in-2010.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:27:16 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/21/19569414-costplusadjustmentsplus'keyplustoplussmeplussuccessplusinplus2010'.aspxbusiness electricity, will be best placed to thrive during the year, it has been claimed.

Research carried out by financial services provider TD Bank indicates that many firms are optimistic about the new year, although 45 per cent of respondents said that their main aim is to save more money and spend less.

Fred Graziano, head of retail and small business banking at the organisation, said that small business owners will continue to face the effects of the recession during 2010.

However, he added: "Small businesses that are following a sound business plan, making adjustments where necessary and preparing strategies for an economic recovery are positioned to fare well in the new year and beyond."

Last week, the Treasury called for more funding options to be opened for SMEs, outside of traditional sources.

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19569413-it-changes-can-help-smes-cut-costs.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:26:12 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/21/19569413-itpluschangesplus'canplushelpplussmespluscutpluscosts'.aspxbusiness electricity costs in a bid to save money during 2010, it has been claimed.

According to computer services supplier Conosco, cleaning up files, making use of cloud computing, virtualisation, social media and taking advantage of sensible IT security measures can all help companies cut costs.

Chief executive of the group Ben Gladstone commented that outsourced IT services are now more affordable and manageable than ever before.

"Smaller firms can benefit from the level and breadth of IT services that previously only large corporates could afford, but with the same emphasis on reducing downtime and costs by preventing problems rather than fixing them," he added.

The latest State of the Internet report from Akamai Technologies, published earlier this month, revealed that Britain is currently lagging behind many of its European neighbours when it comes to connection speed and is currently only able to provide the 26th fastest broadband speeds in the world.

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19569412-ofgem-rules-may-confuse-sme-owners.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:24:00 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/21/19569412-ofgemplusrulesplus'mayplusconfuseplussmeplusowners'.aspxbusiness electricity could prove confusing for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, it has been claimed.

According to consumer group uSwitch.com, the new regulations do offer small firms greater protection but the companies will need to understand them quickly if they are to benefit from them.

Jake Ridge, small business expert at uSwitchforbusiness.com, commented that business should first find out whether they qualify for the benefits and then contact their energy supplier immediately if they do.

He said: "The rules are complicated and unfortunately put too much onus on SME owners. But it's a step in the right direction and should hopefully see more small businesses avoid the expensive trap of 'evergreen' energy contracts."

The new Ofgem rules lay out guidelines, such as the need for contract customers to be contacted by their service provider with a full explanation of available options a minimum of 30 days before the notification window closes for new contracts.

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19566747-small-businesses-could-be-hit-by-lack-of-tax-flexibility,-expert-warns.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:10:48 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/20/19566747-smallplusbusinessespluscouldplusbeplushitplusbypluslackplusofplustaxplusflexibility%2cplusexpertpluswarns.aspxbusiness electricity bills, a significant proportion of UK SMEs could find themselves forced to pay off their tax bills earlier than anticipated this year, one expert has warned.

Under the time to pay scheme recently launched by HM Revenue & Customs, businesses of all sizes are being given the opportunity to defer tax payments, with inspectors acknowledging that many companies may be suffering from cashflow problems as a result of the recession.

However, according to financial advisor Philip White, many small businesses have had a hard time accessing the scheme and, as such, they will be required to meet their tax commitments, as well as all their other outgoings such as business electricity bills, at the end of the month.

Writing in the Times, the expert explained: "As the recession drags on, more companies are burning through their liquid assets and some are finding it harder to get their customers to settle bills on time.

"We may see a record number of perfectly viable companies, big and small, unable to pay this January's tax bill from their cash reserves."

This comes just days after Voxclever urged SMEs to cut back on their business electricity bills by taking advantage of Voice over Internet Protocol solutions.

Posted by Sam Williams

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/sme-advice/19566745-uk-businesses-struggling-with-slow-broadband-speeds.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:09:01 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/20/19566745-ukplusbusinessesplusstrugglingpluswithplusslowplusbroadbandplusspeeds.aspxenergy prices, UK enterprises are also having to deal with the 26th fastest broadband speeds in the world.

According to the latest State of the Internet report from Akamai Technologies, Britain is currently lagging behind many of its European neighbours in terms of connection speed.

Compared to the average download speeds of just 3.5 Mbps recorded across the UK, the report reveals that small businesses and home users in South Korea enjoy average download speeds of 14.7 Mbps, while in Japan and Sweden, this figure stands at 7.9 Mbps and 5.7 Mbps respectively.

However, according to Chris Marling, editor of the website Broadband Genie, only a small proportion of small businesses are likely to be affected by such slow speeds right now.

"Unless you're a very high tech business (in which case you can achieve much higher speeds through bonding, or other technology) or an online gamer, slower speeds won't affect you until we start seeing practical applications for these high speed lines, such as 3D TV," he said.

Earlier in the year, the government announced the launch of a new fund aimed at ensuring that fibre optic broadband will be available to at least 90 per cent of UK users by 2017.

Posted by Sam Williams

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-electricity-news/19565919-small-businesses-could-benefit-from-new-energy-networking-funding.aspx Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:58:10 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/19/19565919-smallplusbusinessespluscouldplusbenefitplusfromplusnewplusenergyplusnetworkingplusfunding-(1).aspx
In a statement issued by the energy industry regulator, the green light has been given for electricity network companies to spend an additional £319 million on upgrades from April.

In addition, Ofgem has also stated that it will support a further £764 million of investment, taking the total up to £1 billion, should the network companies adequately lay out their plans for using this to connect renewable energy projects to the main UK grid.

It is anticipated that a significant proportion of the money will be put into networks in Scotland, with a number of windfarms and tidal energy projects north of the border to be connected to the National Grid, thereby giving business customers greater choice and, ultimately, cheaper bills.

"Ofgem has been working with industry to overcome delays to critical investments and today's funding proposals mark a significant step towards facilitating the government's 2020 carbon emission reductions target," the watchdog stated.

News of the new investment comes in the same week that Ofgem introduced new rules aimed at ensuring clearer contractual guidelines for business electricity customers.

Posted by Tom Barnett

]]>http://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/business-gas-news/19563723-unusual-move-could-see-business-energy-costs-rising.aspx Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:20:26 GMThttp://www.makeitcheaper.com:80/business-energy-news/2010/january/18/19563723-unusualplusmoveplus'couldplusseeplusbusinessplusenergypluscostsplusrising'.aspxbusiness electricity and gas customers, with a new report analysing the move.

According to the Times, consumers without the foresight to switch tariffs could find themselves spending up to £170 more; that is to say, £45 more for the tariff itself and a further £122 for the price difference between that and its cheapest internet deal, the Online Saver 5.

EDF said that it has written to any people who could possibly be affected by price changes, maintaining that the idea is to simplify offers for household and business gas. It added that only three per cent will be affected by the new development.

However, theenergyshop.com's Joe Malinowski was more cynical. "This is an unusual move, given wholesale prices have been trending lower. It could signal tariffs will gradually start rising," he told the Times.

EDF Energy is the first official sustainability partner of the 2012 Olympics and sponsors the Birmingham Half Marathon, highlighting the firm's dedication to keeping its corporate image high.

Posted by Sam Williams

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