NB Power’s rate hike has been making headlines recently. We’ve seen our share of energy crises since J&D Electric was founded in 1974, and we can assure you that there are always ways to soften the blow. Let’s dive into some practical, effective strategies to lower your power bill and keep your business running efficiently.
The Power of an Energy Audit
First things first, if you haven’t had an energy audit performed on your commercial property, any decisions will be based on guesswork. An energy audit identifies where you’re wasting energy and highlights opportunities for improvement. Even newer constructions often have inefficiencies that can be addressed. The audit will provide you with a roadmap for energy savings, prioritizing the most impactful changes you can make.
You may question whether this is worth the cost, but SaveEnergyNB offers programs to help offset that. Their Commercial Building Retrofit Program provides incentives for energy audits and the implementation of energy-saving measures. It’s a smart investment that pays dividends in the long run.
LED Lighting: The Low-Hanging Fruit
If there’s one change we recommend to every commercial client, it’s upgrading to LED lighting. It’s the lowest hanging fruit in the energy-saving orchard, and the returns are substantial. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. That means lower energy bills and reduced maintenance costs. We’ve seen businesses cut their lighting energy consumption by more than half just by making this switch.
NB Power’s Small Business Lighting Program offers rebates for LED upgrades. They’ll even do a free lighting assessment to help you understand your potential savings.
Beyond Basic LEDs: Smart Lighting Solutions
If you want to take your lighting further, consider implementing smart lighting solutions. These systems go beyond just using efficient bulbs – they ensure lights are only on when and where they’re needed.
Occupancy Sensing Systems
These devices detect when a room is occupied and automatically turn lights on or off accordingly. They’re perfect for areas like bathrooms, storage rooms, and conference rooms that aren’t in constant use. We’ve installed these in countless buildings, and the energy savings are always impressive.
Daylight Dimming Systems
These systems adjust artificial lighting based on the amount of natural light available. On a sunny day, they’ll dim the lights near windows, saving energy without sacrificing visibility. It’s like having a diligent employee constantly adjusting your lights for optimal efficiency.
HVAC Optimization
While lighting is a great place to start, don’t neglect your HVAC system. Heating and cooling typically account for a significant portion of a commercial building’s energy use.
Start with the basics: regular maintenance and filter changes can improve efficiency by up to 15%. But for more substantial savings, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices learn your building’s patterns and adjust temperatures automatically, optimizing comfort and energy use. For larger buildings, a building automation system (BAS) can take this a step further. These systems integrate HVAC, lighting, and other building systems for maximum efficiency.
Power Factor Correction
Here’s something many business owners overlook: power factor. Without getting too technical, a poor power factor means you’re using more electricity than you need to power your equipment. Correcting this can lead to significant savings, especially for businesses with large motors or other inductive loads.
Power factor correction devices are relatively inexpensive and can pay for themselves quickly through reduced energy bills. Plus, they often qualify for rebates under energy efficiency programs.
Employee Education and Engagement
Don’t underestimate the power of your employees in reducing energy consumption. Educating your staff about energy-saving practices and encouraging them to participate can lead to significant savings. Simple actions like turning off lights and equipment when not in use, reporting maintenance issues promptly, and being mindful of thermostat settings can add up to substantial energy savings over time. You could even implement a “green” employee incentive program that rewards energy-saving behaviors.
Leveraging Government Programs and Incentives
We can’t stress enough the importance of taking advantage of available government programs and incentives. SaveEnergyNB offers a wealth of resources for businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency:
- Commercial Building Retrofit Program: This program offers incentives for energy audits and the implementation of energy-saving measures.
- Small Business Lighting Program: Provides rebates for LED upgrades and free lighting assessments.
- New Construction Program: Offers incentives for incorporating energy-efficient design and technologies in new building projects.
- Industrial Energy Efficiency Program: Tailored for larger industrial operations, this program provides support for comprehensive energy management initiatives.
These programs can significantly offset the initial costs of energy-saving upgrades, making it easier to recover a good return on your investment.
Next Steps
While NB Power’s rate increase is undoubtedly challenging for businesses, it’s not insurmountable. By implementing a comprehensive energy-saving strategy you can significantly reduce your power bill and improve your bottom line.
Remember, every business is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we always recommend starting with an energy audit to identify the most impactful changes for your specific situation.
As experienced commercial electricians, we’ve helped countless businesses navigate energy challenges over the years. We’re confident that with the right approach, your business can not only weather this rate increase but come out stronger and more efficient on the other side.
