The Energy Advice Line has cautiosly welcomed the launch of a new business energy audit service aimed at helping small and medium-sized firms reduce their energy use and carbon emissions.
The service, launched by energy giant E.ON, promises to identify measures firms can take to save energy - by upgrading equipment or changing working practices, for example.
"SMEs need all the help they can get to reduce their energy bills and larger companies may well benefit from this service," said Julian Morgan, managing director of Energy Advice Line.
"However, only companies that spend over £2,000 a year on energy are likely to be better off because of the upfront fees and implementation costs involved.
"I would like to see similar help offered to smaller firms - who make up the buk of SMEs in this country, after all - that doesn't involve charges they are unlikely to recoup. Until then, small firms seem to be on their own."
E.ON's service, which costs £180 for phone audits and £600 for on-sire visits, guarantees that customers end up with energy saving measures worth more than their initial implementation cost.
Firms can also follow up on their audits with an online tool that helps them monitor their buildings' energy performance and obtain ongoing advice on how to curb energy costs.
However, E.ON's guarantee is only offered to firms that spend over £2,000 on energy a year for phone audits and £6,000 for on-site audits.
One example of the potential savings cited by E.ON include a food shop owner now saving £600 per month after replacing refrigerator fans, installing new thermostats and doors for chiller uints.
Mr Morgan said that small firms unsure of how to go about reducing their energy consumption should consider carrying our their own energy audits, and seek free advice.
The Energy Saving Trust, for example, provided free information, advice and links to loan schemes designed to help SMEs pay the cost of investing in energy-friendly technology and equipment.
"SMEs need to remember that every piece of equipment they use, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, uses energy and it all adds up," Mr Morgan said.
"Firms need to get their workforce on board, go through their energy use line-by-line and work out how to cut usage and operate more energy-efficiently. This doesn't have to involve investment in expensive new equipment.
"And of course the simplest thing a firm can do to reduce energy consumption is to make sure they are paying the lowest possible price for their energy in the first place.
"Shopping around and switching suppliers should be the first task in any energy audit."
The Energy Advice Line is one of the UK's leading price comparison and switching services for business and domestic energy customers. It is also an advocate for energy market reform and has campaigned for a better deal for energy users, including calling for a ban on cold calling and changes to regulations to make it easier for all consumers to switch suppliers.
The service is completely independent and free. Consumers can quickly and simply search the market for the best available energy deals from an extensive panel of small and large energy suppliers. The service also offers a free advice line for business energy customers.
For further information visit energyadviceline.org.uk.