Managing operational costs is crucial for commercial property investors, developers, and landlords. One of the most significant ongoing expenses — and often one of the most overlooked — is energy. Understanding how to choose a business energy supplier is essential for securing favourable rates, ensuring service reliability, and aligning with sustainability objectives.
At Fraser Bond, we advise our clients on strategic operational decisions, including energy procurement, to help them maximise returns and protect the long-term value of their assets.
Energy contracts can significantly affect a property's operating expenses. Securing a cost-effective energy deal helps:
Reduce service charges to tenants.
Boost overall net operating income (NOI).
Enhance competitiveness in the leasing market.
Environmental regulations, such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), place pressure on landlords to meet certain performance criteria. The right supplier can assist with:
Providing renewable energy options.
Offering energy monitoring tools for reporting compliance.
Sustainability is increasingly important for investors and tenants alike. Choosing a supplier that offers green energy products supports:
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives.
Higher EPC ratings, positively influencing asset valuation.
Before sourcing suppliers, review your energy consumption patterns:
Analyse past bills for usage trends.
Identify peak consumption periods.
Assess future energy requirements based on tenancy changes or refurbishments.
A detailed understanding of your energy needs allows for more accurate supplier comparisons.
Energy suppliers typically offer:
Fixed-rate contracts: Providing budget certainty.
Flexible contracts: Allowing market-linked pricing, which can be beneficial if prices are expected to fall.
Evaluate which structure best aligns with your risk tolerance and financial planning.
Avoid suppliers with complex pricing structures or hidden fees. A good business energy supplier should offer:
Clear billing.
Upfront contract terms.
Transparent renewal policies.
Modern suppliers offer more than just energy. Look for providers offering:
Smart metering and energy management tools.
Sustainability advisory services.
Consolidated billing for multiple properties.
These features can simplify operations and drive further savings.
Efficient customer service is vital, especially when managing multiple properties or responding to tenant needs. Look for suppliers that provide:
Dedicated business account managers.
24/7 support hotlines.
Clear service level agreements (SLAs).
At Fraser Bond, we provide strategic advice to help our clients secure the best operational outcomes. We partner with trusted energy advisors to assist property owners in:
Conducting detailed energy audits.
Sourcing competitive, sustainable energy deals.
Managing renewals and avoiding costly automatic rollovers.
Our holistic approach ensures that your property investments are managed efficiently, sustainably, and profitably.
Learning how to choose a business energy supplier is an important part of successful commercial property ownership. A well-structured energy contract delivers cost savings, strengthens tenant relationships, and supports long-term asset performance.
Fraser Bond is committed to guiding our clients through every operational decision — ensuring every element, including energy procurement, contributes to greater investment success.
