Energy Saving Ideas

The first step to better energy performance is to take a close look at your energy use and costs. This will help you to focus your efforts and investment.

Review the last 12 months of energy bills to find out:

• How much energy did you use in total?
• What is your maximum demand at any time over the week/month?
• When (month or time of day) do you use most of your electricity?
• Does high electricity use coincide with a fluctuation in your production?
• Does your usage pattern vary by season?

Consider installing monitoring equipment, such as smart meters, energy monitors or sub-meters, for valuable data and insights into your energy use. Contact your energy retailer to find out how this equipment could benefit your business.

If your energy costs are significant, you might also benefit from an energy audit or by engaging an energy efficiency consultant. Audits will measure your current energy use and recommend priority areas for action.

More information

• Read the quick reference guide to energy auditing for advice on how to select an energy auditor.
• View Ergon Energy's information on choosing an energy efficiency consultant.
• Learn about ecoBiz Queensland's one-on-one coaching, site surveys and benchmarking support.

A quick and easy way to start saving money on your energy bills is to make sure you're on the appropriate tariff for your business.

Changes in your energy use patterns and annual adjustments to network tariffs mean that the tariff that was once right for your business may no longer be the best one for you.

Find out more by:

• Contacting your energy retailer and asking for advice and a better deal.
• If you're an Ergon Energy customer, registering for My Account and comparing business tariffs.
• Visiting Energy Made Easy, a price comparison website run by the Australian Energy Regulator. 

It’s also important to use the features of your tariff effectively. Depending on your tariff you could:

• Change the time you operate equipment to avoid peak periods
• Stagger the use of equipment to reduce your peak demand

Finally, review your plan regularly to make sure it's still meeting your needs.

Once you've gained an understanding of your energy costs, it’s time to examine the different parts of your operation to identify potential energy savings.

To help with this process, we have compiled a useful collection of energy efficiency guides and trusted information, tailored for manufacturing businesses. Simply click on the relevant link below to find out more.

1. Compressed Air

2. Demand Management

3. Energy

4. Evaporative Fans

5. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Cooling)

6. Lighting

7. Power Factor Correction

8. Refrigeration

9. Solar

10. Variable Speed Drive

Case Studies

Energy assessments were carried out at 20 Queensland manufacturing sites as part of the Queensland Manufacturing – Energy Productivity Program. These assessments identified improvements to energy equipment and practices aimed at finding energy and cost savings and emissions reduction opportunities. Click here to read about opportunities identified in your region or sub-sector. 

Fuel Switching

Alternatives to fossil fuel can reduce costs and emissions. For example, greater use of biomass wastes, electrification of steam driven processes, and integration of renewable process heat (heat pumps and solar heating), are increasingly being adopted.

A guide for business: Replacing steam with electricity technologies to boost energy productivity

Alternatives to Compressed Air - This report details studies across a variety of compressed air applications, including robot grippers, wastewater treatment, air knives, sugar processing, car manufacturing and blower-driven air.

Kick-start your next energy efficiency or renewables project with a government grant.

There are a range of grants and funding sources available, including co-financing packages, loans, tax incentives and other innovative financing solutions.

Requirements differ by program and state, so it’s important to review the funding guidelines to find out if your business is eligible. You can also reach out to your industry association when looking for sector-specific information and opportunities.

To get the most value from your project, it’s worth considering an energy assessment before securing finance. By working with an established energy services company, you may find that in addition to recommending cost-effective improvements they can also guarantee that the savings will cover project costs and even help you access grants and other government incentives.

For information on Government support and funding programs, click here.