From errors to eco-friendly: The role of energy invoice audits in achieving Sustainability

In today's rapidly evolving energy landscape, businesses are increasingly focusing on sustainability and cost efficiency. One crucial yet often overlooked aspect of this journey is utility cost analysis – which essentially means having an audit of your energy invoices and billing.

These audits help identify billing errors and play a pivotal role in achieving broader sustainability goals. This article will explore the significance of energy invoice audits and how they contribute to energy cost recovery and the pursuit of net-zero targets.

Understanding energy invoice audits

Energy invoice audits (also known as forensic energy audits) involve thoroughly examining past utility bills. The aim of the audit is to identify any discrepancies or errors that have led to overcharges in the past.

Energy related invoices are complex, which is why an estimated 1 in 5 energy invoices are incorrect. By conducting an audit, businesses can recover lost revenue, along with optimising utility costs.

The scope of energy invoice audits

An energy invoice audit typically encompasses several key areas:

Billing errors: Identifying incorrect rates, meter readings, and billing periods.

Tariff analysis: Ensuring correct tariff rates are applied based on usage patterns.

Consumption patterns: Analysing energy consumption to detect anomalies and inefficiencies.

Contract compliance: Verify that utility providers adhere to contractual terms and conditions.

These audits ensure businesses are billed accurately for energy consumption, which helps with reducing unnecessary expenses. If successful in identifying any past overcharges, then the recouped revenue can be used for potential sustainability initiatives.

The benefits of energy invoice audits

Energy invoice audits offer a multitude of benefits that extend beyond securing some extra cash.

• Energy cost recovery: One of the most immediate benefits of conducting energy invoice auditing is recovering funds from overcharges. Billing errors are surprisingly common, and without regular audits, they can go unnoticed, leading to significant financial losses over time. Businesses can identify and rectify discrepancies to recover substantial funds for reinvestment into sustainability projects.

• Peace of mind: Auditing your energy billing and invoices is important because once the audit has been finalised, you’ll be confident that your energy portfolio is in a healthy state.

• Enhanced sustainability efforts: Energy invoice audits are crucial in uncovering billing errors. If the audit results in a number of refunds, then this revenue can be used for energy efficiency projects, which will help reduce carbon footprint.

• Strengthened vendor relationships: Regular energy invoice audits foster better relationships with utility providers. By holding vendors accountable for accurate billing and contract compliance, businesses can establish a more transparent and trustworthy partnership, leading to more favourable terms and conditions in future contracts.

The role of forensic energy audits in sustainability

The potential for high-value and continuous savings is why businesses look into forensic energy audits. On average, we save our customers £200,000 following our utility cost analysis.

If a significant amount of revenue (like £200k) is recovered this would open up the door to start exploring new ways to develop as a business.

If sustainability is on your agenda, a forensic energy audit could play an important role. Here’s a few ways an audit could help contribute:

• Investment in green technologies: Savings uncovered from utility cost analysis, can be used to invest in renewable energy sources or technology solutions, such as Solar PV, EV charging etc.

• Carbon footprint reduction: If inaccurate energy consumption data is identified and amended, then the reduction in energy consumption directly translates to a lower carbon footprint. Less energy production means fewer greenhouse gas emissions are consumed.

• Informed decision-making: If you know that all energy costs are on-point and your portfolio is in a healthy state following an audit, target setting and making sustainability decisions becomes easier.

Having a sustainability strategy is becoming more important in today’s business landscape, and along with that comes carbon reduction targets.

Targets will include a plethora of time and effort to determine and bring to life, which is why a forensic energy audit can be crucial in the early stages of a business’s journey towards a lower carbon footprint.

The collection of data for an audit, the potential for significant savings and the clarity and accuracy of your portfolio all come into play during a utility cost analysis exercise, which can also support a sustainability strategy.

The process of conducting energy invoice audits

Conducting an energy invoice audit involves several key steps, each essential for ensuring accuracy and effectiveness.

1. Data collection: The first step in any energy invoice audit is to gather all relevant data, including utility bills, contracts, and meter readings. This data serves as the foundation and without it, a

2. Data analysis: Once the data is collected, it undergoes a thorough analysis. Which involves comparing billed amounts to actual usage, verifying tariff rates, and checking for anomalies or inconsistencies.

3. Reporting and recommendations: It is then time to compile the findings from the audit into a detailed report, outlining discrepancies, errors, and areas for improvement. This report also includes actionable recommendations for optimising energy usage and achieving cost savings.

4. Energy cost recovery and savings: Overcharges get corrected, and identified refunds and savings are secured.

5. Implementation and monitoring: The final step involves implementing the recommended changes and continuously monitoring energy usage to ensure ongoing efficiency. Regular audits should be conducted to maintain accuracy and keep up with changes in energy consumption patterns or tariff rates.

Conclusion

Energy invoice audits are powerful tools for businesses seeking to achieve cost recovery and sustainability goals. They provide valuable insights that support informed decision-making and drive sustainable practices by identifying billing errors, optimising utility costs, and uncovering inefficiencies.

As businesses prioritise sustainability, energy invoice audits will be increasingly important in their journey toward a greener future.

Incorporating regular energy invoice audits into your energy management strategy is not just a wise financial decision but a crucial step toward achieving long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility.