Where Does Your Business Electricity Come From?
by Abdul Aziz Mondal Green Business Published on: 30 October 2018 Last Updated on: 08 November 2024
Commercial buildings source electricity differently compared to their residential counterparts. Nationwide domestic supply of electricity is 230V (voltage), but industrial voltages are a lot higher due to their typically heavy and specialist machinery that needs more power. Different suppliers create the power via different means, but it all ends up in the same place; the National Grid.
This is where your business’ power comes from, but different suppliers get it to you through varying means; VAT rates, contract terms, and length, as well as any additional tariffs. Therefore, the real challenge is determining not only what kind of power you’re harnessing, but also which supplier is best…
CCGT:
Most power stations use turbines that are driven by steam. The steam is created mostly by gas, with a smaller percentage of nuclear input thrown in too. After all, coal has now begun to be phased out due to low supply and environmental concerns. No matter the ins and outs, they then distribute the generated electricity using pylons throughout the UK and channel it all into the National Grid.
CCGT (Combined Cycle Gas Turbines) are the biggest supplier and producer of electricity in the UK, surpassing all other forms like wind, solar and any other renewable energy pursuits. This is where your business will acquire most of its power from, unless your company has implemented solar panels and other efforts in using renewable energy. Still, the statistics in the UK show that CCGT is outstripping all other sources, so this is the default band you’ll likely fall into if your renewable energy efforts aren’t panning out.
The Right Supplier:
If you’ve chosen your electricity supplier wisely, you’ll know from a few key points. Typically, less efficient suppliers will struggle to keep their prices at a fixed rate, but the better ones will fight to do so to retain your custom for as long as possible. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about them hiking their prices by surprise. Additionally, they’ll also offer you wide-ranging contract lengths; anywhere from a month to a couple of years instead of bottlenecking your business into limited option territory.
Still, if you’re unsure as to what a great electricity supplier looks like, you can always gain some expert advice. For example, Utility Wise offer great guidance on finding the best electricity deal, helping you not only understand where your electricity is coming from, but change where it’s coming from if your current supplier isn’t matching up to your expectations. It’s top tier consultancy, helping you bag good rates and deals for your electricity.
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