Energy suppliers don’t care about the SMEs’ needs, new FSB survey confirms

The energy market is still very unfair for small and medium enterprises, a recent exclusive FSB survey of over 1,400 of its members has revealed.

The snap poll was carried out by Research by Design on behalf of the Federation of Small Businesses between 1 and 7 May 2014. Figures show that almost all (81%) of FSB members said energy suppliers don't care about their needs, while the same percentage of firms agree that published tariffs would have a positive impact on their business, with the main benefits being more competitive pricing and easier switching of accounts.

Additionally, two thirds (65%) of small businesses surveyed think it is difficult to switch energy supplier. Amongst those who attempted to switch the bigget problems cited were unclear notice periods, complicated contract terms and the speed of the switching process, while only a quarter (27%) of small firms believe there is enough competition in the energy market.

The FSB is asking energy companies to take action and publish easily comparable prices for small business customers, commit to not reintroducing rollover contracts and ensure customers who want to switch can do so easily. The organization will present this research in its response to the Ofgem consultation on whether the energy market should be referred to the Competitions and Market Authority.

John Allan, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: "It's clear from our research that many small businesses don't trust the big energy suppliers to deliver a smarter, fairer and more transparent billing process as four in five of our members say that energy companies don't care about them.

"This week we will tell Ofgem and the Competition and Markets Authority that small businesses won't get a fair deal until all energy companies publish easily comparable fixed prices, have much clearer terms and conditions and operate in a more competitive and fair market."

SME owners who're particularly worried about the adverse effects energy price hikes might have on their bottom lines should seriously consider investing in a high-end solution designed specifically to help them optimize their energy consumption, and this is specifically where the HeatingSave Building Energy Management System could help.

HeatingSave comes packed with a number of features to prevent employees from adjusting the heating controls and leaving them in setting that can waste fuel. The keypad and display on the front of the controller has two levels of password protection.

These passwords can be changed by authorized personnel locally or centrally using the PC software. The password programming meets the requirements laid down by the Carbon Trust, and the PC software is user ID and password protected too.

Naturally, employees do have the right to set the ambient temperature at a value that best suites their needs, and HeatingSave manages this situation by firstly getting the temperature right so people don't feel too hot or cold. If employees do feel too cold, they can hit a button to increase the room temperature. The heating will be turned up for a while BUT will then automatically turn back — keeping the employee at the right comfort temperature — and saving the employer on their fuel bill.

If you'd like to find out more about the savings enabled by the HeatingSave Building Energy Management System, just contact our dedicated product team, they'll be more than happy to answer all of your questions and queries.