One quarter of Irish businesses experienced unscheduled energy failure

Over one quarter of Irish businesses have experienced unscheduled energy failures

• Less than half of Irish businesses (47%) are satisfied with the energy efficiency of their business
• 89% of businesses agree that the Government should introduce greater incentives for energy efficiency
• Energy efficiency is a top three priority for 61% of Irish businesses
• Bord Gáis Energy announces the launch of Centrica Business Solutions (CBS) to the Irish market to help businesses significantly reduce energy consumption and bills

Dublin, 26th July 2018: More than one in four Irish businesses (27%) have experienced unscheduled energy failures, with 23% of these reporting that they cost the business upwards of €10,000.

This is according to new research conducted by RED C on behalf of Bord Gáis Energy to mark the launch of Centrica Business Solutions in Ireland. Centrica Business Solutions offers an unrivalled portfolio of energy supply and insight solutions which help businesses gain competitive advantage.

The research was conducted among 200 key decision makers in businesses across Ireland and found that energy efficiency is a top three priority for the majority. The research found that business leaders are looking to increase energy savings to improve margins, with over two thirds (67%) linking these savings with an improved bottom line and 78% already taking action to reduce bills. 89% of businesses also agree that the Government should introduce greater incentives for energy efficiency.

Centrica Business Solutions

Through Centrica Business Solutions, Bord Gáis Energy will offer Irish businesses an unrivalled range of innovative solutions to help businesses deliver improvements in operational performance, strengthen resilience, create opportunities for growth and reduce energy spend.

Solutions on offer will include Combined Heat & Power (CHP) - a highly efficient source of onsite energy generation – and an energy insight product called Panoramic Power that provides users with real-time visibility of their energy usage, from overall site level down to device level. Bord Gáis Energy’s team of experienced Key Account Managers also work in partnership with business customers and offer tailored advice on energy optimisation, which in turn can lead to smarter procurement strategies.

Panoramic Power at Croke Park

As Official Energy Partner of Croke Park, Bord Gáis Energy has facilitated the installation of Panoramic Power sensors across the main conferencing areas at the stadium, to help monitor and improve energy usage during busy periods. The installation of Panoramic Power has allowed Croke Park to map energy usage patterns within the stadium and to identify opportunities for energy efficiencies and cost savings.

Peter McKenna, Stadium Director, Croke Park said, “The Panoramic Power sensors have identified the usage trends associated with individual circuits such as lighting, food preparation and heating. Although the trial is in its early stages, we have already identified high end users throughout the premises on match and event days. We hope to add additional sensors to some of the more heavy-duty equipment in the coming weeks, and feel that this will have a huge positive impact on performance efficiencies and predictive maintenance.”

Speaking about the launch Mark Prentice; Managing Director, Bord Gáis Energy said, “At Bord Gáis Energy we’re committed to providing solutions which empower our business customers to take control of their energy. The research has provided some interesting insights into how businesses consider energy management and there’s certainly an appetite among Irish businesses for innovative and insightful energy technologies."

We’re excited to bring Centrica Business Solutions to the Irish market. Bord Gáis Energy can now offer an unrivalled suite of end to end energy management solutions that will help businesses to remain in control of their energy and turn their energy footprint into a source of competitive advantage. The feedback from those trialling the solutions has been extremely positive with reports of improvements in operational efficiencies and significant cost reductions.”