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How Much Energy Do Retail Shops Use?

Retail shops face many challenges in today’s market to remain viable. In fact, statistics show that as many as 17,145 retail shops in the UK closed their doors in 2022.

The ease of online shopping has long been a challenge to brick-and-mortar retail shops. High energy prices have further increased the challenge.

Finding ways to minimize costs is essential to all businesses and retail shops are no different. These costs include gas and electricity prices.

Keep reading to learn more about retail shop energy usage and the best ways to improve efficiency. You will also learn how Business Energy Comparison can help to find the best energy rates and save you money.

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Retail Shop Energy Use

Energy use is essential across retail. It will help to light isles products and ensure the temperature of the shop is optimal.

While the UK may not experience the extreme temperatures of some other countries, it can still get very warm in the summer and cold in the winter. Ensuring the premises are at a good temperature will encourage shoppers to stay, browse, and spend.

Some of the biggest energy drains for retail Stores include:

Lighting

Making a retail store as welcoming as possible is essential. Customers want to feel welcomed into a shopping environment, and lighting can play a significant part in that.

Good lighting will also help to display the products that are on sale. This will make it easier for people to find the things they need or spot other products.

Good lighting is also important for security. Dark and shady corners of retail shops can make it easier for opportunists to steal stock.

Spot lighting can help to highlight certain areas of the shop and good overall lighting will be necessary.

Temperature Control

Heating during the winter and air conditioning in the summer can be a big influence on how much your energy bills will be.

For customers to comfortably shop, it is important that the shop maintains a steady temperature.

Temperature control is also important to many food products. Not all foods have to be stored in refrigerated units, but some can’t exceed certain temperatures.

The size and layout of a retail shop will determine how much must be spent to regulate the temperature.

Equipment

Most retail shops will make use of computers and tills to improve the efficiency and accuracy of stock and financial records.

Some may use display screens to show videos and electrical stores will often use display products to show their capabilities.

All of this requires power and over the course of a year, it can start to add up.

Refrigeration

We already mentioned the importance of temperature control for some foods. Many foods require freezers or refrigeration which can be a significant drain on resources.

Supermarkets, garages, and shops that sell drinks will often have freezers and chillers.

Average Retail Shop Energy Bills

Energy consumption and the subsequent gas and electricity bills will be determined by the type of business. For example, a clothes shop will typically use a lot less energy than a supermarket.

Supermarkets will have all the lighting and heating concerns of a clothing shop. However, they will also have a lot more equipment to power as well as refrigeration needs.

The size of the shop will also play a part in this. A large supermarket might have an entire freezer section that is larger than a small convenience store.

With the size and business type determining average energy bills, it’s difficult to provide examples.

Below are the average energy bills small and medium-sized businesses in the UK can expect.

  • A small business in the UK has anywhere from 1 to 49 employees. A medium-sized business will employ between 50 and 249 people.
  • A small business can expect its average annual business electricity consumption to fall between 15,000 and 30,000 kWh. This would typically cost between £1,900 and £2,900.
  • A medium business can expect its average annual electricity consumption to fall between 30,000 and 50,000 kWh. This would typically cost between £2,900 and £5,000.
  • Small businesses will typically have annual business gas bills of around £1,000 from using 25,000 kWh.
  • Medium businesses are more likely to use around 45,000 kWh in gas and pay upwards of £1,500.

Costs will vary depending on the energy provider used by different businesses. Exploring the energy market for the best electricity prices will make a significant difference to how much an annual electricity bill will be.

Business Energy Comparison makes it easy for you to find the most competitive retail energy prices.

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Tips For Improving Energy Efficiency In Shops

The best way to reduce energy bills is to find the best provider and improve energy efficiency.

Keep reading for our top tips on how to reduce your retail shop energy bills:

Air conditioning

Air conditioning in the summer is essential for many shops. Minimising the risk of hot air entering the premises from outside is key to reducing costs.

Ensuring all windows are closed is important. If a window is open, your air conditioner will be working significantly harder.

You can also try to minimise the amount of direct sunlight that enters the shop. While it is a great way to enjoy a bright shop, it could also cause a greenhouse effect. Canopies that shade windows but still allow natural light to filter in can be very useful.

You can also experiment with temperatures to see what level to set the air conditioner at. It doesn’t have to feel like you are walking into the Antarctic to feel comfortable.

Heating

Reducing your heating by just 1°C can help to save as much as 10% on heating bills.

You can also look at ways to improve the efficiency of the premises. Good insulation and double glazing will make a big difference and help to reduce energy wastage.

Switch off equipment

Many workers will leave equipment on standby for convenience. But did you know that equipment left on standby mode can use as much as 16% of the energy it needs to be powered fully?

Lighting

Using energy-efficient LED lighting will help to save money. Making the most of natural light is also beneficial.

Installing motion sensors in areas with less traffic will help to minimise the cost of areas being lit without anyone there.

Energy audit

Employing a professional to conduct a full energy audit will help you improve efficiency. They will check the premises and equipment and make suggestions that can help to reduce energy bills.

This can include suggestions that can be actioned immediately. It will also provide more long-term goals that could include upgrading equipment.

Design Elements

Cheaper Energy With Business Energy Comparison

Managing your energy consumption will help to reduce energy costs for businesses. Exploring the energy market for the best business gas and electricity prices will also make a big difference.

Business gas and electricity prices will vary depending on your energy supplier. But searching the energy market for the best deals and be time-consuming.

Thankfully, Business Energy Comparison offers a convenient way to enjoy the best business gas and electricity prices without the hassle. We also offer a great service to help with business utilities.

We work with some of the biggest suppliers in the energy market. This includes:

By providing a few small details we can give you a range of business and gas energy quotes from any energy company in minutes. This will help you find the best option for your business’s individual needs.

Our team of expert business energy brokers and consultants are with you every step of the way when you decide to switch. This allows you to focus on your business while we ensure a hassle-free transfer without a break in your supply.

Conclusion

Business Energy Comparison is on hand to help with small and large business energy needs. Our team of dedicated experts are on hand to help retail shops manage their gas and electricity prices.

Lowering the average price of retail store energy and utilities is essential in the current market.

Not everyone will have the time to explore the energy market to find the most competitive prices. If you are interested in finding out how you can pay less for your gas and electricity, get in touch today.

Start your journey and compare business gas and electricity rates with Business Energy Comparison today. Use our price comparison tool and in less time than it takes to make a brew, we’ll compile your best prices from the UK’ s best suppliers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does UK business energy have a price cap?

UK gas and electricity prices do not have a price cap like domestic consumers. However, the government has introduced the Energy Bill Discount Scheme for reduced energy costs starting from April 1st 2023. This scheme will run for 12 months.

How does the wholesale market affect business energy prices in the UK?

Wholesale prices for gas and electricity will determine the prices that an energy supplier will set.

The wholesale price can affect variable tariffs that move with market fluctuations.

Do the average prices of business electricity and gas vary depending on the payment method?

In some cases, paying by direct debit can allow you to agree to a better rate. This is because energy suppliers in Great Britain prefer consumers that pay regularly without interruptions or hassle.