How to build business resilience and protect your business from energy price volatility?

At a glance

• Rising Energy Prices Impact Businesses: Increasing energy costs in Australia, driven by global market volatility and policy decisions, present challenges for businesses across sectors.
• Strategies for Resilience: Businesses can invest in energy efficiency, adopt renewable energy, seek expert guidance, and stay informed about market trends and policies to thrive amidst high energy prices.
• Proactive planning is Key: Businesses can proactively plan, stay informed, and take action today to protect themselves from the challenges of rising energy prices and secure a sustainable future.

Energy price volatility is influenced by various factors, such as market dynamics, regulations, and environmental changes, which can significantly impact a company’s financial stability. For businesses seeking ways to safeguard their bottom line and ensure uninterrupted operations and business processes, it’s essential to adopt proactive strategies. In this article, we’ll explore how to protect your business from energy price volatility and build resilience.

Understanding the Factors Behind Energy Price Volatility

The surge in energy prices is not merely a consequence of market forces; it’s a complex issue influenced by various aspects of the energy sector. Let’s take a closer look at these factors:

Global Market Volatility and Disruption

The global energy landscape is inherently volatile, with geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and changing demand patterns all playing a role in price fluctuations.

Events in oil-producing regions, such as the Middle East, can have ripple effects that impact energy prices worldwide. Other factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, have also contributed to the global energy crisis, high inflation and these volatile times.

To protect your business, staying informed about these global events and how they might impact energy costs is essential so that management can make strategic business decisions to prioritise business continuity and continue to strive for sustainable growth during these changing market conditions.

Domestic Policy Decisions

Government policies and regulations also significantly influence energy pricing. Changes in energy policy, tax incentives, and environmental regulations can all impact energy costs.

For instance, government initiatives promoting renewable energy may lead to shifts in pricing structures, affecting how businesses procure and consume energy. Staying updated on these policy changes is crucial for effective energy cost management for energy users to remain resilient.

Wholesale Cost of Electricity

The wholesale cost of electricity is a key driver of energy prices. In recent years, we’ve witnessed record-high wholesale prices, with these costs eventually passing on to consumers.

Businesses need to monitor these wholesale prices closely and adjust their energy procurement strategies accordingly to mitigate cost increases in power prices.

The Impact on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

While rising energy prices affect businesses of all sizes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges. These businesses often operate on narrower profit margins and may lack the financial resources to absorb increased energy costs which pose a greater business impact.

As a result, they must be particularly proactive in addressing rising energy and commodity prices.

For SMEs, energy is not just a utility; it’s a vital component of daily operations and business activities. Increased energy expenses can lead to increased pressure and force tough decisions, such as:

Production Cutbacks

SMEs may be forced to reduce production levels or adjust when they use energy to control costs, impacting their ability to meet customer demand.

Staff Reduction

In some cases, SMEs may need to consider layoffs or wage freezes to offset rising energy costs, impacting employee morale and retention.

Pricing Adjustments

To maintain profitability and address cash flow issues, SMEs may be compelled to increase the prices of their goods or services, potentially affecting their market competitiveness.

Meeting the Challenges of the Energy Transition

Australia is in the midst of an energy transition driven by the need for environmental sustainability and the commitment to meet 2030 climate targets. While this shift towards renewable energy sources is laudable, it presents its own set of challenges for businesses and company leaders.

One of the primary concerns voiced by businesses, particularly manufacturers, is the reliability of electricity supply and supply chain disruptions as baseload coal power stations are phased out. They argue that the pace of the energy transition is not keeping up with the need for reliable and affordable energy, and we face a possible future energy shortage.

Risk Management and Mitigating the Impact of High Energy Prices

As we navigate the complex landscape of high energy prices, it becomes clear that a multi-faceted approach is needed to mitigate their impact on businesses and consider risk management.

This involves exploring potential solutions, harnessing renewable energy options, considering different business models, and equipping businesses with the knowledge to navigate the current energy landscape and make better decisions.

Embrace Energy Procurement Solutions

Effective energy procurement serves as the cornerstone of managing energy price volatility. Businesses can navigate this challenge by tapping into the expertise of energy procurement specialists. These professionals help in optimising energy sourcing, negotiating favourable contracts, and mitigating business risk.

To get started, consider comparing business electricity plans tailored to your location (VIC, QLD, NSW, SA, ACT) through online platforms like the Select and Switch comparison tool. This platform offers valuable insights into energy providers and the best energy offers available.

Select and Switch provides services to support residential customers, small businesses, and larger businesses such as commercial, industrial, and enterprise-sized organisations.

Comparing business energy plans regularly enables businesses to secure competitive prices, diversify their energy portfolio, and can also help a business enhance budget predictability.

Harness the Power of Renewable Energy for Business Resilience

Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, offer more than just alternative energy and environmental benefits. They also provide a pathway to stabilise energy costs. Transitioning towards renewable energy is an effective strategy for reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and taking control of electricity expenses.

Investing in solar auctions or green auctions allows businesses to generate their own clean energy. Excess energy can even be fed back into the grid, creating potential revenue streams and reducing reliance on the volatile energy market.

This not only contributes to sustainability but also ensures cost stability and financial resilience.

Government incentives for renewable energy use can further enhance the financial viability of this option. It’s a sustainable choice that reduces costs and contributes to a greener future.

Compare business energy plans and prices.

Optimising Energy Efficiency for Financial Resilience

Investing in energy efficiency is a powerful strategy to combat high energy prices. This approach involves upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, enhancing insulation, or implementing energy management systems.

While these measures may require an initial investment, they can result in substantial long-term energy savings, reduce energy usage and contribute to a company’s sustainability objectives whilst building technological resilience.

Energy-efficient technologies not only reduce operational costs but also boost overall productivity for many companies.

By optimising energy usage, businesses can minimise their dependence on costly energy sources, effectively insulating themselves from price hikes and providing business resilience and energy saving.

Additionally, consider implementing energy reporting and monitoring services to gain insights into energy consumption patterns. This allows businesses to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted energy-saving measures. Optimising energy efficiency is a wise investment that simultaneously reduces energy expenses and enhances operational sustainability and energy resilience.

Seeking Expert Advice

Navigating the energy market and understanding the various options can be a daunting task, particularly for SMEs. This is where energy consultants can play a crucial role. They can help businesses make informed decisions and maximise their energy savings by providing expert advice and tailored solutions.

Energy consultants have the expertise to assess a business’s energy consumption patterns and recommend strategies for optimisation. They can keep businesses updated on market trends and policy changes that may impact energy costs and can also identify opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies that companies can take.

Information is Key for Operational Resilience

The energy market is constantly evolving. Staying informed about industry trends, regulatory updates, and market forecasts is crucial. Navigating price volatility requires a proactive approach. By staying informed, businesses can make informed decisions, adjust energy procurement strategies, and seize opportunities for cost optimisation and operational resilience.

1. Keeping an eye on wholesale electricity prices to anticipate potential cost fluctuations.
2. Understanding the implications of the energy transition and how it might affect the reliability of energy supply.
3. Being aware of any government rebates or incentives that can help offset energy costs.

In conclusion, high energy prices pose a significant challenge for Australian businesses. However, with the right strategies and support, businesses can not only survive but thrive in this challenging economic environment. By investing in energy efficiency, harnessing renewable energy, seeking expert advice, and staying informed, businesses can mitigate the impact of high energy prices, become a more resilient business, secure a sustainable future, and in many cases, gain a competitive advantage.

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, adaptability and resilience will be key to success. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must particularly focus on finding innovative ways to navigate the complex energy market. With the right approach, businesses can continue to thrive and contribute to a more sustainable and economically stable future.

Remember, the key to managing high energy prices lies in proactive planning, informed decision-making, and ongoing optimisation. If you’re ready to take control of your energy costs and explore the best strategies for your business, consider comparing business energy online. You can also contact Select & Switch energy consultants, who can provide personalised guidance.