British Chambers of Commerce Energy Survey 2012

It is critical that Chambers fully understand the impact of energy costs, measures taken by businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and the challenges presented by the energy market. With this knowledge we can then ensure that continuing pressure is placed on government to implement measures that support business.

I would therefore be grateful if you would spare around 10 minutes completing this web survey.

John Longworth, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce.

Energy, water and fuel costs
How has each of your business energy and water costs changed over the last three years, if at all?
             
Electricity            
Gas            
Oil            
Petrol/Diesel            
Water            

Energy, water and fuel costs
What impact do price changes in the following have on your business costs?
         
         
Electricity        
Gas        
Oil        
Petrol/ diesel        
Water        

Energy usage (electricity, gas and oil)
Has the growth of your business been adversely affected by rising energy costs over the past three years?
How do you believe UK business energy costs compare to those overseas?
Does your business have a plan or strategy focused on managing its energy usage, e.g. ways to reduce energy usage?
Which, if any, of the following measures are you undertaking or have you undertaken to reduce your business energy usage over the past three years?

Energy usage (electricity, gas and oil)
Which of the following are your key motivations to reducing your business' energy usage?

Government policies
To what extent do you agree or disagree that the UK Government will be able to enact measures to move the UK to a low carbon (green) economy while maintaining British economic competitiveness?
To what extent do you think the following measures, proposed by the Government to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, will positively or negatively impact on your business’ competitiveness?
           
Initiatives to improve energy efficiency          
Establishment of a green investment bank; this bank would be the world’s first investment bank solely dedicated to supporting the green economy          
Introduction of the Carbon Price Floor; a minimum price for one tonne of carbon, making the UK the first country in the world to introduce such a measure          
The continuation of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme; this scheme requires large organisations to monitor and report on their emissions and to purchase allowances for each tonne of CO2 emitted          
Reform of the electricity market to incentivise investment in low carbon sources of energy such as nuclear and renewable          
Mandatory requirement for organisations to report on their greenhouse gas emissions          

Government policies
In late 2012 a new scheme called the Green Deal will be introduced. The Green Deal will enable private firms to offer households and businesses a loan to improve the energy efficiency of their premises at no upfront costs. The loan will be repayable over a period of time and it is the Government's intention that the predicted savings from the energy efficiency improvements equals or exceeds the cost of installation. For example, if the new insulation saves £30 per month on the energy bill, the repayment should be less than £30. In the event of a move/ relocation, the new occupier would inherit the loan as it is attached to the premise rather than the occupier.

Prior to this survey, were you aware of the Green Deal?
In what areas do you think the Green Deal will benefit your business, if at all?
Which of the following might prevent you taking up the Green Deal, if any?

Supply of utilities
Do you use the same supplier for your business gas and electricity?

Supply of utilities
How do you rate your business' relationship with its...
           
           
... electricity/gas supplier          
... electricity supplier          
... gas  supplier          
... water supplier          
What difficulties has your business experienced with the gas and electricity market in the last three years, if any?
How often has your business been affected by an interruption to your energy supply in the last three years?
Typically, how long has an interruption to the energy supply affected your business?

Supply of utilities
To what extent are the following an issue for your business currently, if at all?
         
Security of energy supply        
Water shortages        
Climate events (e.g. flooding)        
And to what extent are the following likely to become an issue for your business in the future?
         
Security of energy supply        
Water shortages        
Climate events        
To what extent do you agree or disagree that the UK needs a mix of energy sources to ensure a reliable supply of electricity in the future?
Which three of the following sources of energy do you believe should provide the largest share of the UK energy mix in the future? Please select no more than 3

Your business
Which ONE of the following best describes your business sector?
Approximately how many full-time equivalent staff do you have in your business?
Approximately what proportion of your annual business running costs are attributable to your usage of energy (electricity/gas/oil) and water?
How would you describe your primary business premises arrangement?

Your business
In which country or region is your business based?
Of which Chamber of Commerce is your business a member?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

THANK YOU
 
This survey is set out over several pages, that can be accessed with the "Back" and "Next" buttons at the bottom of each page.
To send your responses back to us electronically, please press the "Submit" button on the last page. Thank you for taking part in this survey.