NINE out of 10 companies could save money by gaining expert energy advice, according to Utility Auditing Ltd, energy service providers to Bolton and Bury Chamber.

Utility Auditing's Director Paul Backx said: "Most people don't question a utility bill because they don't fully understand the terminology used.

"As a result, we find that about 10 per cent of businesses are being overcharged, or are paying for something they don't use.

"There are also a number of other reasons why companies are paying too much. Different organisations use energy at different times of the day, week, month or year and are charged differing amounts accordingly.

"By looking closely not just at previous bills, but also at what the business does and how it uses its energy we can properly represent its needs and get the best price."

One of the recent companies to benefit from the Chamber Energy service is Acdoco of Bolton, which is renowned for its Glo White, Dr Beckman and Stain Devils brands

Thanks to Chamber Energy, Acdoco will be able to make a 17 per cent saving on its electricity at two of its sites and is looking forward to Utility Auditing identifying further savings at a third site.

Andrea Finney of Acdoco said: "This was a pain free way of cutting costs. We handed our bills over to Utility Auditing for them to analyse and they sorted out the savings for us. We were very impressed by their professional approach and the fact that they don't bind clients into any contract with them."

According to Utility Auditing, companies also need to take extra care when obtaining online quotations from utility providers, Paul Backx added: "Most online quotation services don't allow for the input of precise data regarding a customer's energy usage. Once again, if the profile is not exactly right, the bills will be higher than necessary."

For help and advice in reducing energy bills, businesses can contact Kathryn Czaja at the Chamber on 01204 374668.