The types of utilities your business requires will depend on the nature and size of your operation. For instance, the law requires even a small bistro to provide workers and clients with warm running water and restrooms, but you can start a dog walking business with little or no access to utilities. Your office utilities list and budget all depends on the particular needs of your business and the licensing requirements set by federal and local authorities.
Running water is a must for most businesses. From a health and safety perspective, it is important to have access to water for first aid and basic hygiene. Consider where your business can find a water source before you decide on a business location.
If you live near a metropolitan area, you can hook up to the town’s or city’s water services. If you live in an isolated or rural area, you may have to dig a well and connect a water pump to your office. If you plan to connect to an existing water service, allow enough time to complete the necessary forms.
Some localities group water and sewage into a single service. If this is the case, your businesses may need to register for this service and pay a monthly fee. Again, if your business is not part of a metropolitan area, you may have to install your own septic tank and connect it to your drainage system. You will need drainage for restrooms and any water usage you might incur: A car wash will have greater sewage needs than a clothing store.
Trash pick-up is often-overlooked in utilities examples. In some localities, it is compulsive to pay and use some type of trash service. Again, if your business is not part of a metropolitan area, or your trash needs exceed what is included in your tax bill, you may have to contract the services of a private company that works in your area or take your trash directly to the closest landfill. Some businesses require removal of hazardous materials, which may require a different service and higher price point.
Nowadays most businesses group their telecommunication utilities in one convenient bill. This includes your telephone, cable TV, voice over Internet protocol and Internet. If you need two or more of these services, you can save money by buying them as part of a package. On the other hand, if you only need one service, such as a telephone line, don’t pay for services you do not need. Local telephone service companies are required by law to offer a simple telephone service by itself.
Unless you are a hardcore road warrior and do all of your business from the back of your car, you need to contract electricity. Of course, another option is to generate your own electricity through a small-scale wind farm or solar panels. When shopping for electricity providers, it is helpful to know how much electricity you will need. Most businesses use between 15,000 and 25,000 kWh of energy in a year, according to Bionic.
Each state has an energy department that offers advice and tips on how to minimize the cost of electricity and ensure your appliances are as efficient as possible. You can also find help and advice at the U.S. Department of Energy Information Administration’s official website.
Natural gas often powers water heaters, central heating systems, and some appliances like stoves. Natural gas isn’t an essential fuel source, since electric alternatives exist and are easier to set up if gas lines aren’t currently installed. However, Consumer Affairs reports that natural gas represents a cheaper option in many cases. If you’re concerned about lowering your business’s energy bills, consider whether it would be more affordable to switch some appliances to natural gas.