7 Questions Business Owners Should Ask Before Switching to LPG

Running an off-grid company will see you face commercial pressures in the same way as any other business. There is a great deal of pressure on your shoulders to reduce overheads, keep an eye on profit margins, improve efficiencies and stick to the increasingly stringent carbon reduction targets.

This is where choosing the correct energy supply is important. In the UK, an average small business (with 10-49 employees) spends a staggering £19k a year on gas and electricity – so securing the very best off-grid, commercial energy source and deal couldn’t be more vital to your bottom line.

When it comes to providing commercial heat and power, oil has long been the off-grid fuel of choice. However, price volatility over the years matched with rising environmental pressures mean the likes of LPG (liquified petroleum gas), LNG (liquified natural gas) and of course renewables are becoming increasingly more favourable options for the off-grid business community.

And it’s not a surprise. The likes of LPG provide a billion businesses and people across the globe with a versatile, reliable and secure supply – that’s both cleaner and more efficient than traditional fossil fuels. This means they benefit from swift cost savings and a lower carbon footprint to boot.

For those who still rely on oil, electric or solid fuel, the good news is that switching to LPG is incredibly quick and pain-free and has minimal downtime to operations.  However, before you take that all-important step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution, LPG  gas tank  suppliers, Flogas,  has compiled its top FAQs to help you make a fully-informed decision.

1. What exactly is LPG?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a blanket term that is used for two types of natural gas: Propane (C3H₈) and Butane (C4H10). Both of these gases are easily converted into a liquid by cooling or adding pressure. LPG is a natural by-product of natural gas and oil extraction (66%) and the refining of oil (34%). It’s an exceptional and efficient source of energy, that would otherwise go to waste if not captured.

2. How environmentally friendly is LPG?

LPG is very friendly to the environment compared to most other fossil fuels, thus helping to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It emits 33% less CO₂ than coal and 15% less than heating oil, with virtually no black carbon (a major contributor to climate change). What’s more, it doesn’t pose a risk to soil or groundwater and releases less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than most other fossil fuels.  The result for companies? A lower carbon footprint and a cleaner, more futureproof supply.

3. Is LPG suitable for my business?

One of the main positives regarding LPG is that it is an incredibly versatile fuel that can be used almost anywhere. In fact, it has more than 1,000 uses. Available in bulk or in handy cylinders, it’s used across a vast array of commercial industries – from leisure, hospitality and agriculture through to the likes of industrial heating and manufacturing processes, including steam generation. Additionally, it can be used as efficient forklift truck fuel or to run greener vehicle fleets. You can find an exhaustive list on the UKLPG website.

4. Will LPG save my business money?

There will be a greater opportunity to reap notable cost savings the larger and more energy-intensive your business. We find this is particularly true for those still relying on oil. LPG has a higher calorific value per tonne than oil, making it more energy efficient. It is also cleaner, so requires far less maintenance – meaning businesses can reduce costly downtime.

5. How easy is it to switch from oil?

You can make the switch from oil to LPG quickly and with minimal hassle. At Flogas, for example, we’ll manage the whole process from start to finish – making the conversion seamless. A dedicated project manager will ensure you receive a bespoke solution to meet your company’s exact energy needs, and expert engineers will coordinate the installation (either above or below ground).

6. Can I rely on LPG?

The short answer is definitely yes! With LPG, it’s like having a mains gas supply, off the grid. It has multiple, major sources making it a widely available, secure energy source that’s in global abundance. There’s a strong network of depots and storage facilities across the UK, so you can always rely on a dependable supply. Also, tanks nowadays typically feature telemetry systems, allowing for remote monitoring and auto top-up, so you never run out.

7. When should I opt for LNG instead?

As Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been cooled to a very low temperature (-162ºC), it is very compact and light to store and transport. It’s a particularly popular option amongst more energy intensive off-grid companies (across all sectors), for example, those using a high amount of oil (kerosene, gas oil or HFO) to drive larger manufacturing or industrial processes.  It is also ideal for large logistics operations, such as road haulage and shipping, as well as for powering emergency backup generators at large usage sites.