Small Businesses That Use The Most Energy And Ways To Cut Down

While it’s true that all small businesses should pay close attention to their energy consumption in order to keep on top of it and to ensure their energy costs do not exceed unmanageable highs, there are particular types of small businesses that use more energy than others. Which, we have highlighted in this blog and offered our expert advice for these specific businesses and industries. With our best tips on how to manage consumption with industry specific notes on cutting consumption.

Small restaurants and cafés

With such high intensity equipment, from industrial-sized ovens, to fridges, freezers, and food preparation tools, it is no surprise that restaurants and cafés are some of the highest energy consuming businesses. While chains and large restaurant businesses may have the cash flow to manage rising costs, smaller businesses such as family-owned restaurants and independent cafés may struggle.

And in recent years, examples of this have been seen throughout the country. With the industry taking a big hit due to the recent energy crisis. Walking through highstreets it is clear to see that many long-standing food businesses have taken a hit, either choosing to open only on weekends or closing indefinitely.

In order to save money in areas of the business, where possible, following these tips will help cut down energy consumption:

• Clean and service all cooking and prep equipment regularly to ensure it is operating to its full potential.
• Turn off the equipment when not in use. For example, your baking ovens. Once used to cook your fresh loaves and cakes in the early morning, switch them off and do not turn them back on again until the next day.
• Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature. Even turning this down by 1 degree could save you hundreds in energy bills.
• Ensure that any warm or hot equipment is kept away from cooling appliances like fridges. The warmth of the ovens and the heaters will only make the fridges work harder to stay cool.

Hair salons

Another industry that undoubtedly uses a lot of energy is the hair and beauty industry. With so many tools and a constant flow of customers through the door, the demand for electricity, especially, is high. And while long hours and busy periods means tools like hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, are switched on and used frequently, some of the highest demand comes from the need for a constant supply of hot water. From washing hair to keeping towels fresh with on-site laundry facilities, all very important for making sure that not only is the service the best it can be, but industry standards are met. The following tips have the ability to help hair salon owners keep energy consumption down and cut costs: 

• Consider investing in low-flow nozzles for your salon’s sinks and taps to minimise the amount of hot water used on a daily basis. 
• Avoid using space heaters, where possible. Research indicates that the use of space heaters and similar equipment contributes to some of the highest amounts of energy used in the service industry. If you’re struggling to keep your premises warm during winter months without a space heater, consider what may be causing this and carry out an energy audit of your salon. 
• Consider switching to low-power settings when operating hair tools, especially tools like hair dryers. 
• Avoid overloading electrical power sockets and extension cables. Only plug in the tools you need at each given time.

Boutique hotels and B&Bs

With operations and staff on-site from day to night, hotels and B&Bs are another of the highest energy consuming businesses in the UK. Having to provide a high level of service, making sure hot water is constantly available to guests, lighting can be used in all rooms, hot food can be served, and laundry facilities can be operated by staff. There’s so much that goes into running these businesses that requires a huge amount of electricity. 

• One of the best, most cost-effective and simplest ways a hotel or B&B can cut their energy cost is to reduce the use of lighting and source natural light, where possible. This could simply mean removing old netted curtains or shades and allowing the sunlight to light communal areas and rooms that are not being used. 
• Set timers on HVAC units, and encourage guests to keep these at a regular temperature.
• Switch to energy efficient devices in guest rooms.
• Update old lighting with LED light bulbs. 
• Use motion sensor lighting in communal areas and bathrooms so guests can and staff do not leave lights on unnecessarily.

For more support and guidance to keep your small business’ energy costs down, consider contacting your business energy supplier and discuss your concerns. At D-ENERGi our friendly support team is always happy to help our business energy customers. Considering ways we can support your business, deciding upon payment plans or reviewing bills and usage. What’s more, if you would like greater control over your energy consumption, we are supporting small businesses with the smart meter roll out scheme, click here to find out more. 

Contact D-ENERGi today for more information about your energy bills or to consider switching to us to lower your business energy bills.