Electric Vehicles & Site Energy Planning: Reducing Unexpected Charges
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer optional for many businesses. With fleets electrifying and employee EV charging becoming a workplace expectation, businesses need to plan carefully to avoid unexpected electricity costs. Without a strategic approach, what seems like a sustainable upgrade could lead to costly spikes in energy bills.
Why EV Charging Can Increase Your Energy Costs
EV charging isn’t just about plugging in. Key factors that can drive up costs include:
Peak demand spikes - Charging multiple vehicles during peak times can push your site into higher tariff bands.
Standing charges & network costs - Fixed site charges, like TNUoS and distribution costs, can rise if your site demand jumps.
Metering & billing misalignment - Sites on old or inappropriate meter configurations may pay more for high loads at peak times.
Uncontrolled charging patterns - Employee-driven charging during office hours can create high simultaneous demand.
Even a few EVs charging at the wrong time can add hundreds or thousands to your monthly electricity spend.
Practical Steps to Manage EV Charging Costs
Audit your current site setup
Check your meter band and voltage level.
Identify if your current supply arrangement can handle additional load efficiently.
Shift charging to off-peak times
Most suppliers offer off-peak rates for overnight or evening charging.
Smart charging systems can schedule charging to reduce peak demand charges.
Consider demand management or energy storage
Batteries can store energy at cheaper times and release it during high-demand periods.
On-site solar paired with storage can offset peak consumption and reduce reliance on grid power.
Monitor consumption and adjust
Use sub-meters for EV chargers to track usage.
Adjust charging schedules if spikes in usage appear.
Choose the right supplier & tariff
Some energy suppliers provide EV-specific business tariffs designed to reduce standing and peak charges.
Engaging with a knowledgeable energy consultant can ensure you select a solution that balances sustainability and cost control.
Why Planning Matters
Businesses investing in EVs without considering the energy implications risk:
Unexpected high electricity bills.
Breaches of contracted maximum demand (leading to penalties).
Reduced ROI on EV fleet investment.
A well-planned site energy strategy ensures EV adoption is cost-efficient, sustainable, and hassle-free.
How CEB Can Help
At CEB, we help businesses integrate EV charging into their site energy plans while controlling costs. Our approach includes:
Evaluating your current site energy setup and tariffs.
Designing smart charging and energy storage strategies.
Optimising your supplier and contract arrangements for EV-friendly tariffs.
Planning ahead today avoids surprises tomorrow - don’t let uncontrolled EV charging derail your energy budget.
If your business is planning to introduce EV charging, contact CEB today for a tailored energy strategy that keeps costs predictable.