Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Saving Tips

Did you know that hair salons are one of the biggest energy users of all small businesses? By saving energy you can also save money, and demonstrate to clients that you are an eco-friendly hair or beauty business. We asked Dr Denise Baden of Southampton Business School for some expert energy efficiency advice.

This blog post covers: 

• Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme
• Taking positive action to save energy
• Switching Energy suppliers
• Upgrading your lighting
• Switching off equipment
• Turning down your heating
• Minimising the use of air conditioning
• Maintaining your boiler
• Appointing ‘energy champions’
• Member case study: leading the way
• Checklist

Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme

Through a new Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the Government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers (including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals) whose current gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global energy prices. 

It will apply to fixed contracts agreed on or after 1 April 2022, as well as to deemed, variable and flexible tariffs and contracts. It will apply to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, running for an initial six-month period for all non-domestic energy users. The savings will be first seen in October bills, which are typically received in November.

Customers do not need to take action or apply to the scheme to access the support. Support (in the form of a p/kWh discount) will automatically be applied to bills.

The scheme to help business with their energy will be backdated to October 1st but won't be introduced immediately as it needs Emergency legislation. The earliest opportunity this can take place is when Parliament is back from recess in October. The precise timeline will depend on parliamentary scheduling and is still to be confirmed.

 Taking positive action to save energy

“There is no way to completely cut out energy consumption in a salon; there are certain pieces of equipment that are essential and require energy,” says Denise.

“However, there are positive steps that salon owners can take to reduce their energy consumption. Not only will these make you a more eco-friendly salon, they could also save you money.”

Switching energy suppliers

Switching energy is easy. It's the same pipes, gas, meter and safety – you don't lose supply – the only difference is price and customer service.

Direct Business Solutions has grown into one of the largest consultancies in the UK. They have helped thousands of customers to save money on their utilities.

Our partnership with a leading energy consultancy Direct Business Solutions helps you manage the energy pricing crisis as simply as possible by finding the energy contract best suited to your business’s needs. Take advantage of our new Members only partnership providing you with;

• Great prices and deals on your utilities
• A choice of like for like quotes, putting you firmly in control
• Simplicity, your dedicated account person will make this process hassle-free.
• Clarity on your energy pricing and broker costs
• Fit – Match your business needs with the best supplier

Click here to apply now

Upgrade your salon or barbershop lighting

Lighting can account for up to 40% of a salon’s electrical use, explains Denise. “Luckily, this is an area where small changes can have big results. By replacing halogen bulbs with eco-friendly LEDs, you could save hundreds of pounds each year, while also improving your salon’s image.”

Also - take advantage of natural light as much as possible. You could also consider installing sensors in key areas such as storage rooms, toilets and staff areas. This would ensure that lights are only on when people are around without the need to remember to turn them off.

This free expert guide to salon design can be downloaded by NHBF Members only. Not yet a Member? Join us now. For less than 80p a day you’ll have instant access to a wide range of benefits that offer incredible value for money.

Switch off your salon and barbershop equipment

Always switch off equipment such as curlers, hairdryers and straighteners when they’re not being used, advises Denise.

“Leaving them switched on, even leaving them on standby, will waste energy,” she says. “In fact, over a year, your salon could be losing hundreds of pounds just by leaving equipment on standby.”

Also - when investing in new equipment, make sure it has a high energy efficiency rating.

Turn down the heating in your salon

Heating and hot water can account for up to 60% of your total energy use, says Denise. “By turning the temperature in your salon down by just 1°C you could reduce your annual heating bill by almost 10%, and it’s unlikely that your customers or staff will even notice the change.”

It's also a good idea to check that your salon or barbershop's door and windows are properly insulated to ensure heat is kept in during the winter months.

Be careful with air conditioning

Air conditioning can increase your salon’s energy consumption by up to 100%. If possible, open doors and windows instead and only use the air conditioning when the temperature is above 24°C.

Another way to maintain a cool temperature without resorting to air conditioning is to invest in good quality blinds for your windows.

Maintain your boiler

A boiler that’s not regularly maintained could increase your energy consumption by up to 30%. If your boiler is regularly serviced and working efficiently, you could cut up to 10% off your annual heating bill.

This guide will help you understand the basics of financial management for your business including tax, VAT, accounting and record keeping. It’s available to NHBF Members only. Not yet a Member? Join today.

Appoint ‘energy champions’

It’s a good idea to appoint ‘energy champions’ in your salon. This needn’t be anything complicated – for example, you can simply ask particular members of staff to make sure equipment and lights are turned off at the end of the day.