Smart budgeting for your law practice

When you’re running a small legal practice, you manage countless responsibilities every day and might not have time to review every bill in detail. That means you could be missing out on major cost savings.

This is where a smart meter can help. By providing real-time data on your energy use, a smart meter removes the uncertainty of estimated bills and empowers businesses – including legal practices – to make smarter financial decisions.

These could involve reducing energy consumption or identifying areas where you can improve energy efficiency. It also frees up time for you to focus on how to grow and develop your business.

The impact of installing a smart meter

Smart meters put an end to estimated bills, making your bills more accurate. Your energy-use data is sent automatically and regularly to your supplier, meaning you shouldn’t have to submit your readings. It also means that you can use your previous bills to forecast future costs and budgets.

Small business owners in other sectors have also seen the benefits. Hannah Egerton runs Edgie Eats, a wholesale bakery and café based in Bristol. She says: “As a busy bakery, energy costs are a key consideration due to the amount we use while running our baking ovens, fridges and other equipment.

“What I value most about my smart meter is the time it saves me, as meter readings are automatically sent to my supplier so I don’t have to do them manually. This allows me to focus
on the more important aspects of running a business such as baking and customer service.”

Hannah adds: “I share smart meter data with my team, as it helps me to explain what things are costing. We then identify between us where we might be able to change the way we operate to reduce our running costs. A smart meter shows how small actions can make a big difference.”

Energy saving advice

So, other than installing a smart meter, what else can you do to help lower your legal practice’s energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint?

1. Encourage staff to be mindful

Training staff to think about how they use energy is essential to keeping costs down and running efficiently. Better habits, like switching lights off when not in use, can could result in savings.

2. Upgrade to LED lighting

LED lighting is more energy-efficient and long-lasting, meaning you'll save money on energy bills and maintenance costs. LEDs use up to 80% less energy than halogen bulbs, and they last five times longer.

3. Use energy-efficient equipment

When purchasing new equipment, look for products with an ‘Energy Star’ rating. These items are designed to use less energy, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.

4. Install motion sensors

Help reduce energy waste by installing motion sensors in areas such as toilets, storerooms and corridors, so that lights only turn on when someone is present.

Find out more about getting a smart meter

If you’d like to find out more, talk to your energy supplier about getting a smart meter installed. You can agree the time and date that suits you best, so there’s no disruption to your business.

If you rent your premises, you may be eligible for a smart meter but might need to check with your landlord that changes to your meters are allowed within your rental contract. If your landlord pays the energy bills, contact them and ask if they plan to get a smart meter for your building.