One unexpected bill can wipe out a week’s profits. This is a worry shared by many SME owners.  That’s why the right electricity or gas plan for SMEs can ease that stress, save money, and fit the way your business runs. 
To help you get started, here’s a quick summary of key steps to secure the best business energy deal in Australia:
•    Energy costs aren’t the same for every SME: Understand your energy usage patterns by reviewing past bills, noting peak times, and checking seasonal trends. Use online tools or government comparison websites to see where your business stands.
•    Take practical steps to save business energy bill: Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, keep heating and cooling at steady temperatures, and implement simple habits like switching off unused equipment. Tailor your approach based on your business type, whether it’s a café, retail store, or office.
•    Prioritise local customer support: Choose a provider with responsive, local support who understands your business’s unique needs. They can help explain bills, guide you through energy relief programs, and ensure your plan fits your operations.

You’ll find all these points explored in more detail below.

Energy costs aren’t the same for every SME

Choosing the right plan starts with knowing your usage patterns. A plan perfect for a bakery firing up ovens before sunrise won’t suit a design studio running air-con all day.
So, the question is: how much energy will my business use?
That depends on your industry, your opening hours, and the equipment you rely on. Understanding this mix is the first step to avoiding bill shock.
If you’re already operating:
•    Pull 12 months of past bills and map out when your usage peaks.
•    Identify seasonal spikes, such as winter heating, summer cooling, and production surges before peak sales periods.
•    See if your plan matches your usage, e.g. if you’re paying high peak rates but most of your work happens off-peak, you’re losing money.
If you’re starting:
•    Ask your industry peers about typical consumption patterns.
•    Contact the retailer’s customer support team to discuss your business type and operating hours. They can provide useful references or examples of usage to help you estimate your energy needs.
•    Start with a flexible contract; you could adjust once you have real data.

Tip: Some energy distributors offer online usage dashboards. This can be gold for spotting waste. Click here to learn more about how to track energy usage.
Knowing your usage patterns gives you the insight to choose the right plan and manage costs smarter because understanding is the first step before making any changes.

Energy-saving tips for your business electricity bill

Just like at home, controlling energy is important for any business. Once you know where most of your power is going, you can take simple steps to cut back without affecting daily operations. Here are some practical ways to do it:
•    Choose energy-smart appliances: Choose energy-smart appliances: For most businesses, heating, cooling, and hot water are usually the top energy guzzlers. That’s why investing in energy-efficient appliances pays off.
•    Different types of SMEs will have different energy needs:
•    A bakery or café will heavily use ovens, fridges, dishwashers, and coffee machines.
•    A retail store (like clothing or electronics) may consume more energy through lighting, air conditioning, and security systems.
•    An office-based business mainly uses computers, printers, and HVAC systems.
Upgrading to models with higher energy ratings might cut down running costs significantly. Each extra star can trim around 25% off energy use (Energy Ratings | energy.gov.au)
Curious about how the energy rating labels work? Read more here
•    Keep temperatures steady: Heating and cooling can be one of the biggest line items on your energy bill. Every extra degree on the thermostat can increase usage by as much as 10% (energy.gov.au). Aim for a consistent setting of 18–20°c and avoid constant adjustments. On hot days, ceiling or portable fans can be a low-cost alternative. Also, regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems will help them run more efficiently and last longer.

Why is good customer support important?

Even after taking the proper steps to monitor usage and implement energy-saving measures, managing business energy can still feel confusing. Bills aren’t always easy to read, and questions about support programs, like energy relief or special assistance, can leave you unsure where to turn.
That’s why having a responsive energy provider with local customer support can make a real difference. For SMEs, speaking with someone who understands your specific challenges, like seasonal spikes in demand, equipment needs, or operating hours, often works far better than dealing with a generic offshore call centre. Personalised guidance helps you make smarter decisions, understand available support options, and take advantage of plans suited to your business.
At Sumo, our dedicated local team is focused on providing this level of service to SMEs. We understand that every business is different, and we’re here to guide you through your energy needs with clear, practical advice. Give us a call on 03 9102 8400 and see how quickly and clearly, we can assist.

Ready to find a business energy plan that fits your needs and budget? 
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