How to Keep Rising Energy Costs in Check This Winter - and Beyond
Keeping energy costs in check is important for both businesses and homeowners alike. This is especially important as energy costs continue to climb throughout the winter.
You want to find ways to reduce your energy expenses and consumption any way you can, not just for winter, but all year long. One of the best ways to do this is by taking advantage of SOCA's chamber energy solutions.
In this post, we will touch on SOCA's energy solutions, and some things you can do independently to keep your business's energy costs low for the winter and beyond. We will discuss why winter surges happen, sustainability, ROIs, and more!
Why Do Energy Costs Rise in the Winter?
Energy costs often surge during the winter months, leaving many homeowners and businesses grappling with higher utility bills. Several factors contribute to this increase in energy expenses, including temperature, heating equipment, fuel costs, and heat loss.
As temperatures drop, the demand for heating rises. This necessitates longer operating hours for heating equipment, resulting in increased energy consumption. Additionally, the cost of fuel, such as natural gas and heating oil, tends to rise during colder months due to higher demand. These factors combined lead to a significant impact on energy bills.
Heat loss is another significant contributor to escalated energy costs. Inefficient insulation, drafty windows and doors, and poorly sealed ductwork can cause heat to escape, forcing heating systems to work harder to maintain desired temperatures. Consequently, higher energy consumption and utility bills follow.
To mitigate the impact of the winter surge on energy costs, several measures can be taken. Firstly, consider upgrading to more energy-efficient heating equipment, such as heat pumps or energy-star-rated systems. These appliances use less energy while delivering the same level of warmth.
Improving insulation in attics, walls, and basements helps in preventing heat loss, reducing the strain on heating systems. Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs and using programmable thermostats to regulate temperature settings can lead to additional energy savings.
By understanding the reasons behind the winter surge in energy costs and implementing energy-saving actions, individuals and businesses can effectively keep rising energy expenses in check during the winter months and beyond.
How do you maximize your chamber membership for business growth? Learn more in this blog!
Sustainability and ROI
Implementing sustainable practices not only helps conserve energy and reduce environmental impact but also provides long-term cost savings and positive returns on investment (ROI).
By focusing on energy efficiency, businesses, and households can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, such as LED bulbs or ENERGY STAR-certified equipment, can result in substantial cost savings over time. Additionally, implementing sustainable practices like optimizing insulation, upgrading to programmable thermostats, or installing motion sensors can further decrease energy consumption and expenses.
Investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, not only promotes sustainability but can also generate a positive ROI. These systems can reduce or eliminate reliance on traditional energy sources, leading to long-term energy cost savings and potentially generating revenue by selling excess energy back to the grid.
Moreover, implementing energy-efficient upgrades and initiatives often makes businesses and households eligible for various incentives, rebates, and tax credits. These financial incentives can contribute to a faster ROI and make sustainable practices even more affordable and attractive.
How Does SOCA Help My Business Save on Energy Costs?
This program is one of the best ways for small businesses to save money and reduce their energy consumption. Opting into this program is not only a budget-friendly move, but it also helps to attract and retain employees and clients who are environmentally conscious.
SOCA offers two benefits to address these needs, the Chamber Energy Program and the Chamber Sustainability Program.
The Chamber Energy Program administered by Community Energy Advisors provides energy supply solutions for homes, small businesses, and large commercial operations.
These renewable energy solutions are perfect for those businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint while also reaping energy savings. This benefit program gives small businesses:
- Fixed prices for electricity and natural gas
- Contract renewal management
- Natural gas sales tax exemptions (restaurants and non-profits)
- Utility light rebates
- Electric and natural gas procurement
The Chamber Sustainability Program helps members reduce their energy costs by connecting them with effective efficiency solutions and project funding and financing. This program is designed to ensure that you are maximizing ROI and using an array of federal, state, and local rebates, grants, incentives, and other funding options.
Here are some of the major benefits:
- On-site Solar
- LED Lighting
- Rebates & Grants
- Energy Efficiency Audits
- EV Charging Stations
- Real-time Monitoring
- Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
- Carbon Offsets
Looking for more benefits? Check out this guide on the newest SOCA benefits for 2023!
Energy Savings with SOCA
Energy savings can help small businesses thrive, especially as heating and electricity bills continue to rise. Energy savings through SOCA benefits programs can give your business a major edge and help you thrive during the winter.
If you are curious about the benefits SOCA's energy solutions can give your business, then click here to start a conversation with SOCA today!
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