What You Need to Consider as a SME
Choosing a Green Energy Plan for Your Small Business

Key Takeaways
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Know Your Energy Usage: Reviewing past bills and understanding peak hours helps you choose a plan that fits your business’s consumption patterns.
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Compare Pricing and Renewable Content: Evaluate fixed vs flexible rates and the percentage of renewable energy to balance cost stability with sustainability goals.
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Check Contract Terms and Support: Look for hidden fees, contract length, and value-added services like energy audits to maximise savings and efficiency.
Introduction
Green energy plans are becoming increasingly popular among start-ups and new businesses in Singapore, and for good reason. Beyond helping you meet sustainability goals, the right plan can also provide cost savings, stability, and a stronger brand image. But with so many options available, choosing the best plan involves more than simply going for the lowest rate per kilowatt-hour. You’ll need to consider how your business operates, your budget preferences, and even the kind of support you’ll receive from your energy provider.
Here’s what to look out for before signing a renewable energy contract.
1. Understand Your Business Energy Usage
Before choosing any business energy solutions, it’s essential to understand how your business uses electricity. Reviewing past utility bills gives you a clearer picture of your average monthly consumption, as well as your peak operating hours.
For example, a retail shop might see its highest usage during weekends, while an office could consume more power during weekday working hours. Knowing these patterns helps you determine whether a plan with off-peak or time-of-use (TOU) discounts makes sense. Some energy providers even offer free energy audits to help start-ups and new businesses optimise consumption, ensuring you get the most out of your renewable plan without unnecessary costs.
2. Fixed vs Flexible Pricing Structures
When selecting a green energy plan, you’ll likely choose between fixed or flexible pricing. Fixed-rate plans offer cost stability, locking in your electricity price for the duration of the contract. This predictability helps with budgeting and shields you from market fluctuations, ideal if you prefer consistent monthly expenses.
Flexible or variable-rate plans, on the other hand, follow market trends. This can be in the form of pool plans, which follow the movement of Uniform Singapore Energy Price (USEP) or discount-off-tariff (DOT) plans, which follow the movement of the regulated electricity tariff. When these prices drop, you benefit from lower rates; however, when prices rise, so do your costs. This option can suit businesses with adaptable budgets or those willing to take advantage of low-price periods. The key is aligning your choice with your business’s financial comfort level and risk tolerance.
3. Percentage of Renewable Energy in the Plan
Not all green energy plans are created equal. While some offer to match 100% of your energy usage with Renewable Electricity Certificates, others may only match a smaller percentage of your usage, or require additional top-up.. Checking the plan’s details ensures that it aligns with your company’s sustainability objectives.
If your brand positions itself as environmentally conscious, opting for a plan with 100% REC matching will align with your vision and appeal to eco-minded clients. At Flo, we match 100% of your usage with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at no additional cost, allowing your business to make renewable energy claim according to the Singapore Standards 673.
2. Fixed vs Flexible Pricing Structures
When selecting a green energy plan, you’ll likely choose between fixed or flexible pricing. Fixed-rate plans offer cost stability, locking in your electricity price for the duration of the contract. This predictability helps with budgeting and shields you from market fluctuations, ideal if you prefer consistent monthly expenses.
Flexible or variable-rate plans, on the other hand, follow market trends. This can be in the form of pool plans, which follow the movement of Uniform Singapore Energy Price (USEP) or discount-off-tariff (DOT) plans, which follow the movement of the regulated electricity tariff. When these prices drop, you benefit from lower rates; however, when prices rise, so do your costs. This option can suit businesses with adaptable budgets or those willing to take advantage of low-price periods. The key is aligning your choice with your business’s financial comfort level and risk tolerance.
3. Percentage of Renewable Energy in the Plan
Not all green energy plans are created equal. While some offer to match 100% of your energy usage with Renewable Electricity Certificates, others may only match a smaller percentage of your usage, or require additional top-up.. Checking the plan’s details ensures that it aligns with your company’s sustainability objectives.
If your brand positions itself as environmentally conscious, opting for a plan with 100% REC matching will align with your vision and appeal to eco-minded clients. At Flo, we match 100% of your usage with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at no additional cost, allowing your business to make renewable energy claim according to the Singapore Standards 673.
4. Contract Terms and Hidden Charges
Before committing to any business energy plans, always read the fine print. Look out for minimum contract durations, early termination penalties, or administrative fees that could affect your total cost. Some green energy plans might also include charges for Renewable Energy Certificates, metering services, or account management.
A transparent provider will clearly outline all potential fees upfront. Don’t hesitate to ask for a full cost breakdown so there are no surprises later, especially if you’re considering switching providers before your current contract ends.
5. Additional Services and Support
Beyond supplying commercial electricity, some energy companies offer added value that can make a big difference for start-ups and new businesses. These may include energy efficiency audits, detailed usage reports, or even sustainability consultations. Such services help you monitor consumption patterns and identify ways to reduce your carbon footprint over time.
Partnering with a provider that offers ongoing support ensures your plan works for you, not just at sign-up, but throughout your sustainability journey.
In Conclusion
Selecting the right green energy plan for your start-ups and new businesses is about finding the balance between cost-efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility. By understanding your energy usage, evaluating pricing models, and reviewing contract details, you can make a well-informed choice that benefits both your operations and the planet.
If you’re ready to make the switch or simply want to explore your options, reach out to Flo Energy today and let us help you find the most efficient and sustainable energy solution for your business.