New data uncovers the office technology driving up business energy bills

Print Solutions

Over a quarter of UK businesses (27%) say they currently find it difficult to pay their energy bills, while over half (52%) report utility costs as a price pressure on their business.

Now, business energy experts at Uswitch analysed data to uncover the office equipment adding the most to business energy bills. The analysis used power ratings for common office equipment against typical working week patterns to estimate average annual running costs across different business sizes.

For equipment that is regularly left running throughout the working week, servers have the highest energy consumption in the analysis, costing between £30.69 and £34.21. Routers also featured in the top ten, costing between £1.15 and £1.28 to run individually based on business size. 

Despite businesses largely shifting towards digital workflows, laser printers could add between £17.71 to £19.73 per device per year. As many businesses encourage teams to reduce printing waste, the data illustrates the real world cost of making the switch.

When scaled across an entire office, everyday equipment can significantly increase energy costs. Microbusinesses could spend nearly £20 per desktop computer each year, with costs slightly lower for small and medium businesses at £18.64 and £17.63, respectively. This does not include monitors, which can add at least an additional £1 per device annually. While these figures may seem minor in isolation, they quickly add up across larger teams using multiple devices.

However, it is not just equipment driving costs; employee behaviour also plays a significant role. A survey of 1000 office workers shows that one in five employees (21%) admit they don’t worry about leaving devices on in the office as they are not responsible for the bills, despite more than half (52%) recognising the associated environmental and financial costs for employers.

In fact, over one in five (22%) rarely or never turn their monitor off when away from their desks for extended periods. Some 21% rarely or never set their computer to sleep after short periods of inactivity, and only a third (33%) adjust their brightness settings to reduce energy consumption. The findings suggest businesses could minimise costs through simple behavioural changes.

Below, Ben Gallizzi, business energy expert at Uswitch, shares his tips for business owners, office managers and HR teams to help reduce their energy consumption.

Complete a business energy audit

A business energy audit is a comprehensive report of your business's energy usage, including how much energy is used and where. Completing an audit can help you identify where energy is being wasted to reduce bills. Small and microbusinesses may even be able to complete their own using an energy saving power meter; however, if you are unsure, you can ask your provider to complete a professional audit on your business's behalf.

Update technology and turn it off when not in use

Older devices are often less energy efficient and can consume significantly more power than modern alternatives. Where possible, upgrade outdated equipment and ensure all technology is switched off during weekends, holidays and long periods of inactivity. Setting automatic shutdowns or enabling low power modes can help prevent unnecessary energy waste.

Educate teams and communicate sustainability goals and impact

Work closely with your internal communications and HR teams to improve awareness through clear, engaging training and regular team wide updates.

Switch suppliers

With many businesses unsure when to review their energy contracts, understanding the renewal process is key to avoiding higher costs. The renewal window typically lasts 12 months, with around 70% of suppliers issuing renewal letters two months before the end date and the rest around three months prior. Businesses don’t need to wait for this letter to switch, but once it arrives, it is a useful prompt to compare tariffs.’