LPG

LPG

While we are not directly involved with LPG, we understand the importance of finding ways to reduce costs. Unlike mains gas and electricity, LPG lacks an Energy Price Guarantee to control its expenses. However, we have researched some methods that can help limit the impact of LPG costs for businesses.

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) serves various energy needs in business applications. Here’s how LPG can benefit your business:

  1. Fuel for Heating: LPG is a reliable choice for space heating in commercial buildings, warehouses, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Its heating systems, such as boilers, furnaces, radiant heaters, and portable heaters, offer instant and controllable heat.
  2. Cooking and Catering: LPG is widely used in the foodservice industry for cooking, baking, and catering operations. It provides efficient and precise heat control, making it popular in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and catering businesses.
  3. Industrial Processes: LPG is essential for various industrial processes that require heat, including drying, curing, melting, and preheating. Industries like manufacturing, metalworking, textiles, ceramics, and glass rely on LPG for their production processes.
  4. Forklifts and Material Handling: LPG-powered forklifts are common in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. With clean-burning fuel and quick refueling, LPG enables forklifts to operate indoors without harmful emissions.
  5. Agriculture and Horticulture: LPG finds applications in agricultural and horticultural settings, such as greenhouse heating, crop drying, and pest control. LPG-powered equipment ensures efficient heat distribution and helps maintain optimal growing conditions.
  6. Autogas: LPG can be used as an alternative fuel for vehicles, known as Autogas. Businesses, including taxi fleets, delivery services, and commercial vehicles, may opt to convert their vehicles to run on LPG. Autogas offers cost savings, reduced emissions, and increased range.
  7. Backup Power: LPG generators provide businesses with reliable backup power sources during electricity outages. They ensure a continuous power supply for critical equipment and systems, maintaining business continuity.

To reduce the costs of LPG, consider the following strategies:

  1. Get a better deal:
    • Shop around and compare prices from different LPG suppliers to find competitive pricing and special offers.
    • Explore bulk purchasing options by joining or forming a buying group with other LPG consumers. Purchasing in larger quantities may lead to discounted rates. There is a community buying scheme at www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/community-buying-now-saving-money-for-lpg-users-and-their-heating-bills/ and it might be worthwhile getting in touch with them to see if it would be feasible for you to set up something similar locally.
    • Consider switching to a supplier that offers more competitive pricing by using online comparison tools.
    • Negotiate with your current supplier for better rates or discounts.
  2. Improve energy efficiency:
    • Enhance the energy efficiency of your appliances and ensure proper insulation in your premises. This reduces overall energy consumption, including LPG usage, resulting in cost savings.
  3. Adopt energy-saving practices:
    • Develop energy-saving habits such as turning off appliances when not in use, adjusting thermostat settings, and using timers or programmable thermostats for optimized heating.
  4. Explore government funding:
  5. Consider alternative energy sources:
    • Assess the feasibility and potential cost savings of switching to alternative energy sources like natural gas, electricity, or renewable options based on your location and circumstances.

By implementing these strategies, you can potentially reduce LPG costs for your business while optimising energy efficiency and exploring alternative solutions.

Conclusion

LPG plays a significant role in powering businesses across various industries, providing reliable and efficient energy solutions. However, it’s essential for businesses to manage and reduce the costs associated with LPG usage. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, such as finding better deals, improving energy efficiency, adopting energy-saving practices, exploring government funding opportunities, and considering alternative energy sources, businesses can effectively reduce LPG costs and optimise their energy expenses. It’s crucial to regularly review and evaluate energy options to ensure businesses are obtaining the best value for their energy needs while minimising costs.