Survey reveals energy cost concerns are impacting business performance

Dubai: Research shows that businesses around the world remain concerned about the impacts of energy security and prices, which could be a catalyst for a range of environmental, social and economic ripple effects. According to ABB Electrification’s Energy Insights survey¹ of 2,300 leaders in 10 markets around the world, including the UAE, from small and large businesses across a range of sectors, 92 per cent of respondents feel that the continuing instability of energy is threatening their profitability and competitiveness. Energy costs and insecurity are having a significant impact on the workforce with decreased investment in employees. Business leaders are also concerned about the potential impacts of meeting their sustainability targets.

Loay Dajani, Managing Director, Electrification, Middle East and Africa, ABB said, “As the UAE prepares to host COP 28, this survey underscores the critical importance of prioritizing sustainable energy practices for businesses in the region. By recognizing the impact of energy concerns on competitiveness, the workforce, and decarbonization efforts, companies can take proactive steps towards a more sustainable future that supports economic growth and environmental preservation. It emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to address these challenges and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.”  

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Restricting business investment and growth

Rising energy costs and insecurity are forcing business leaders to rethink how they operate and where they invest in their businesses, to grow and remain competitive. The key impacts on businesses due to rising energy costs in the last year include lower profit margins (34 per cent) and cuts to spending in some areas (34 per cent), leading to a shift away from investment in R&D and other business growth initiatives. Over a third (38 per cent) have or plan to reduce technology investment, while a third (33 per cent) expect to cut spending on infrastructure and 31 per cent foresee a decline in marketing spend.

Impact on employees

Businesses say they have reduced investment in their workforce in the last year because of increased energy costs and the need to implement mitigation measures. This is expected to continue over the next three to five years if energy challenges persist. Three of the top five business areas highlighted for budget reductions are related to the workforce: 42 per cent will spend less on recruitment; 38 per cent will decrease spending on salaries, overtime and bonuses; and 37 per cent will reduce investment in staff training and development.

Delaying decarbonization

Respondents further cite concerns that energy pricing and insecurity could delay progress on climate change, with meeting carbon reduction commitments currently considered less of a priority than reducing energy costs. Over half (58 per cent) of business leaders surveyed said the cost of energy could delay achieving their sustainability and carbon reduction targets by anywhere from one to five years. While reducing energy costs is the top priority for 61 per cent of companies, only 40 per cent currently have reducing carbon emissions within their overall business priorities.

Energy security

83 per cent of business leaders express concern about the security of their business’s energy supply, and many are taking action to address this. Over a third (36 per cent) are worried about further rises in energy costs, 31 per cent are concerned by power cuts and blackouts, and a quarter by energy rationing. In response, 34 per cent have already increased investment specifically focusing on improving their energy efficiency and 40 per cent are looking to install on-site renewable energy generation to become less dependent on the grid.

Morten Wierod, President of ABB Electrification, said: “Businesses say they need to insulate themselves from energy prices and insecurity and are re-evaluating current and future spending plans. Taking action to mitigate this is a clear priority, but this doesn’t have to be a catalyst for the potential workforce or environmental impacts. Investing in smart and sustainable on-site renewables and energy efficiency technology means businesses can simultaneously cut costs and reduce their emissions. With the right approach, it is possible for industry to achieve cost savings without sacrificing competitiveness, workforces or the journey to decarbonization.”

Taking action

While businesses overall want to take proactive actions to address their energy challenges, a third are being put off by the perceived cost of implementing energy efficiency measures, and almost half (49 per cent) feel they don’t have the know-how or resources to proceed.

Much of the technology that can help businesses – large or small – to optimize their energy management and reduce costs, is already widely available and at a reasonable cost. For example, at a telecoms HQ in Hanoi, smart building technology reduced energy costs by 20 per cent, while retrofitting hardware and using energy management solutions at an ABB factory in Italy has led to 30 per cent energy savings.

To find out more about how ABB and our customers are collaborating to mitigate energy challenges visit Sustainability in Electrification. Businesses can also join the ABB – Energy Efficiency Movement- a global forum of over 300 organizations sharing ideas and solutions that can help the industry lower costs, mitigate energy challenges and accelerate climate action.

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