A Simple Guide to Average Small Business Electricity Costs

1. A Simple Guide to Average Small Business Electricity Costs Increasing electricity costs are a regular concern for small businesses across Australia. Offices, shops, cafés, and service providers all rely on power to keep things running, from lighting and computers to cooling and refrigeration. Each business operates differently, but one thing stays the same — energy usage adds up quickly. Many businesses also look at Lumo Electricity Rates early on so they can understand what their likely long-term costs may be. If you’ve just moved into a new business site or you're opening your doors for the first time, it’s important to get your utilities sorted as soon as possible. Setting up your power supply early means you can focus on daily operations without unnecessary delays. This guide breaks down average energy use, current costs, and the key things to check so your electricity plan actually suits your business needs. What’s the Average Electricity Use for Small Businesses? Small businesses in Australia use around 3,600 to 3,650 kWh of electricity every quarter. This figure changes depending on business type, hours of operation, and equipment. A bakery with ovens and refrigeration will need more power than a local consulting firm or design agency.

2. To make this easier, here’s a look at the average quarterly bill based on Canstar Blue’s latest research: State/Territory Average Quarterly Bill (inc. GST) VIC $741 NSW $1,086 QLD $1,117 These are broad figures, based on survey data. Your actual bill may be higher or lower based on how you use power, how often you run your equipment, and the plan you’re on. What’s Driving the Cost? In most office setups, a few appliances account for the bulk of energy use. These are often on for long hours or are essential to day-to-day tasks. Top electricity users in office-style businesses: ● Air conditioning ● Heating ● Lighting ● Computers and office tech ● Fridges, dishwashers, and shared kitchen appliances Regular maintenance and choosing efficient models can help keep costs manageable. Some businesses also review AGL Energy Plans during this stage to see if their current setup still aligns with their operating hours. Small Business Electricity Rates and Plan Types Energy retailers offer different plans for business customers. Some are fixed-rate, while others change depending on the time of day. If your business runs mostly during off-peak hours, it may suit a time-of-use tariff. Others may benefit from flat-rate pricing for predictable costs. Be mindful of the following: ● Plans with conditional discounts may not always be the cheapest over 12 months. ● Rebates or concessions may apply to your business — check with your state government website. ● Make sure your contract terms are clear before signing, especially for early exit fees or rate changes.

3. Some business owners also check what electricity and gas providers are available in their postcode to compare options more confidently. Using Tools to Compare Independent tools make plan comparisons easier. You can use Deal Expert, which gives side-by-side plan comparisons. Having your last bill on hand can help you enter accurate usage numbers. If your business operates longer hours or uses high-power equipment, exploring Energy Australia Solar Plans can also be worthwhile, especially if you're trying to reduce long-term operating costs. Support and Rebates Available The federal government, along with states and territories, is delivering up to $3 billion in bill relief during the 2023–24 financial year. Eligible businesses will see this discount applied directly to their account. You can check available rebates through your state energy website. Many retailers also notify customers automatically when cheaper plans become available. This gives small businesses a chance to switch without needing to hunt for deals manually. Some business owners also review Lumo electricity rates again at this point to compare them with any newly released offers. Final Notes Running a small business means keeping a close eye on your regular expenses. Electricity is one of the easiest costs to overlook until the bill arrives. By tracking your usage, checking for rebates, and comparing plans every so often, you’ll have a clear idea of where your money is going. When reviewing long-term options, some businesses also explore what Electricity and Gas Providers offer in their region, especially if their power use changes throughout the year. Others check AGL energy plans again when renewing contracts to ensure they’re still getting fair value. Staying organised and informed helps you manage your costs smoothly, so you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about rising energy prices.