Page last updated on 13th October 2026
How to find and cut hidden energy costs in your small business
Equipment left on after hours and devices on standby can quietly add to your bills. Here's how to find what's draining energy in your business, and stop it.
The cost you can't see
Every business pays for the energy it uses to trade. But equipment left running after you lock up, and devices that keep drawing power on standby, mean many also pay for energy nobody is using. Because you can't see it happening, it's easy to miss.
Keeping costs down
92% say keeping energy costs down is among their biggest priorities in their day-to-day running of their business this winter
'Haunted' by invisible energy use
80% are 'haunted' by invisible energy use driving up their bills, such as equipment running out of hours or 'phantom' power drawn by devices left plugged in but switched off
Losing control
54% say gas and electricity are the business costs they have the least control over
The usual suspects
These are the devices most often left plugged in when nobody is using them. Each one can keep drawing power after you lock up.
Computers (43%)
43% of owners have left desktops and monitors plugged in
Printers and copiers (42%)
42% of owners have left them plugged in, often on standby all night
Microwaves (33%)
A third of owners have left them plugged in, clocks and displays still running
How one London bookshop keeps on top of its energy
"Having a smart meter has given me a much better understanding of where our energy is being used, making it easier to manage our costs and make changes to save where we can."
Paul Watts, who runs one of London’s oldest independent second hand bookshop, Bookshop on the Heath
Paul's team switches equipment off as part of closing up every night. His smart meter also helped him spot higher usage during summer heatwaves. His advice? “I put off getting a smart meter for a while, but it was so quick and easy to get one installed, so I wish I'd done it sooner!”
Take on your energy ghouls
“One thing is making sure you're not spending money on energy your business doesn't need to be using. Getting a smart meter installed can help owners identify what's silently draining energy and costing their business money.”
Yvette Fielding, Most Haunted star and former small business owner
Invisible energy FAQs
Does equipment on standby
still use energy?
Yes. Many devices keep drawing a small amount of power when they're switched off but still plugged in, or left on standby. Across printers, screens, chargers and kitchen appliances, this adds up every night and weekend. Switching off at the wall stops it.
How can I tell how much energy
my business uses overnight?
Take an electricity meter reading in kWh when you lock up and again when you open, from your meter's display or your supplier's app. The difference is the energy used overnight. Multiply it by your unit rate, the pence per kWh on your bill, to see what a night costs.
Will a smart meter lower
my bills on its own?
A smart meter doesn't reduce energy use by itself. It shows how much energy you're using in near-real time, so you can spot waste and act on it. It also sends readings automatically, so you get accurate bills instead of estimates.
Can I get a smart meter if my
business rents its premises?
Yes. If you pay the energy bills you can make the decision about whether to get a smart meter. If your landlord pays your energy bills, speak with them about getting a smart meter for your building. You may need to check with your landlord that any changes to your meter are allowed within your rental contract.
How long does
the installation take?
Installations normally take about two hours and are arranged in advance so that you can make any necessary arrangements beforehand to ensure minimal disruption to your normal business operations.
Can I arrange an installation
outside of working hours?
Energy suppliers will work with you to find a time that's convenient for you both. Some suppliers offer installations on a Saturday or in the evening to minimise disruption to your small business; please speak to your supplier to find out what is available.
Research conducted by OnePoll, 25th September to 5th October 2026 - 1,000 small business owners, 500 with and 500 without a smart meter.