Gas prices are rising.
Your consumption doesn't have to.
The energy crisis isn't temporary. Geopolitical conflict, supply chain disruption, and the transition to net zero mean gas will remain expensive. The only sustainable response is to use less of it - and prove that you are.
The energy crisis demands action, not hope
Buildings account for nearly 40% of UK energy consumption. For organisations managing heat networks, communal heating, or large commercial buildings, the impact of rising gas prices is measured in tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds annually. Waiting for prices to fall is not a strategy.
Gas Prices Are Not Coming Back Down
UK wholesale gas prices have increased over 60% since 2020. Geopolitical instability - from the war in Iran to ongoing supply chain disruption - means volatility is the new normal. The only reliable strategy is to use less gas.
Every Wasted kWh Costs More Than Ever
At 8-12p/kWh, inefficiencies that were tolerable at 3p/kWh are now devastating. A plant room losing 20% efficiency is no longer a minor issue - it's tens of thousands of pounds a year going up the flue.
Measure to Manage
You can't reduce what you can't measure. HeatFlow gives you granular, real-time visibility of gas consumption across your portfolio. See exactly where gas is going, identify waste, and track the impact of every efficiency measure.
Prove ROI on Energy Measures
When every pound counts, you need evidence that efficiency investments are paying back. HeatFlow tracks your actual savings against baseline - giving you verified data, not theoretical projections.
Protect Your Budget from Price Shocks
Reducing gas consumption by 20-30% doesn't just save money today - it insulates your budget against future price rises. The less gas you use, the less exposed you are to market volatility.
Act Now, Save Now
Every month of delay costs more than it did last month. Gas prices aren't waiting. Start tracking consumption today, identify quick wins this week, and begin saving before the next price increase hits.
The cost of inaction
Consider a 100-unit heat network consuming 500,000 kWh of gas annually:
£15,000/yr
At 2020 prices (3p/kWh)
£50,000/yr
At 2026 prices (10p/kWh)
£37,500/yr
With 25% efficiency gain
A 25% reduction in gas consumption saves £12,500 per year at current prices - and that saving grows as prices continue to rise. The payback on most efficiency measures is now measured in months, not years. Every month of delay is money going up the flue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much have UK gas prices increased?
UK wholesale gas prices have risen over 60% since 2020, with significant spikes during geopolitical events. The Energy Price Guarantee and price cap have provided some consumer protection, but commercial and communal heating users face full market exposure. Forward prices suggest continued volatility rather than a return to pre-2020 levels.
How does the Iran conflict affect UK gas prices?
Conflict in the Middle East, including the war in Iran, disrupts global energy supply chains and creates uncertainty in gas markets. The UK imports a significant portion of its gas, making it vulnerable to international supply disruptions. This geopolitical risk is a key driver of sustained high gas prices and the case for reducing gas dependency.
What can building managers do about rising gas costs?
The most effective response is to reduce gas consumption through efficiency measures: optimising boiler controls, insulating pipework, fixing faulty HIUs, and reducing flow temperatures. HeatFlow helps you measure current consumption, identify waste, implement improvements, and verify that savings are being achieved.
How quickly can energy efficiency measures reduce gas bills?
Quick wins like optimising flow temperatures and fixing stuck valves can reduce consumption within days. More substantial measures like insulation and pump upgrades typically pay back within 6-18 months at current gas prices. HeatFlow tracks the impact in real time so you can see savings accumulating from day one.
Is it worth investing in energy efficiency when gas prices might fall?
Even optimistic forecasts don't predict a return to pre-2020 gas prices. With geopolitical instability, the transition to net zero, and infrastructure investment costs, gas prices are structurally higher than the historical average. Every pound spent on efficiency reduces your exposure to future volatility - it's risk management as much as cost saving.