Energy saving for restaurants
For restaurants and caterers, saving on business energy can help you concentrate resources on the plate
Save your energy for kitchen and customer
Use energy more efficiently
Follow our practical tips to reduce your restaurant energy consumption, stop wasting energy and start using it more efficiently.
Upgrade to a smart meter
Smart meters are the clever way to measure your business energy use. Once your smart meter is connected and sending smart readings to us you'll receive accurate bills.
Get more control
Energy360 DataView is the free platform we've created to help existing larger business customers view their data – and ultimately – get better control over their energy consumption.
Refrigeration in restaurants
- Keep fridge doors closed whenever possible
- Regularly defrost and clean fridges
- Check that the seals on cold rooms and fridges are intact
- Keep the condensers and evaporators on your fridges and cooling equipment clean
- If fridges only store fizzy drinks, turn them off after hours
- When buying new refrigerators, AA++ rated units have the lowest running costs
In some sectors, up to 90% of energy onsite is used for refrigeration
Water management in restaurants
- Check your water temperature is at 60°C – this keeps water hot and kills bacteria
- Insulate hot water pipes to reduce heat loss
- Spray water taps use less water than conventional faucets
- Fix leaking taps as quickly as possible
Restaurants and kitchens use significantly more hot water for cleaning than any other sector
More ways to save
Adjust your routine at your restaurant and you could start saving money on your business energy bills.
Restaurant heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Ensure that systems are regularly serviced to optimise performance
- Consider turning down thermostats to a comfortable level
- Switch off kitchen extraction hoods when not needed
- Match your heating timer to the times when rooms are in use
- Air conditioning is rarely needed below 24°C
Zoned heating will keep customers and staff comfortable while saving the business money
Restaurant lighting
- Encourage staff to switch lights off when they're not needed
- Use movement detectors, time switches and daylight sensors
- Replace traditional light bulbs with LED ones
Installing the right lights could cut your
lighting costs by up to 80%
More advice from the Carbon Trust
The Carbon Trust helps organisations contribute to and benefit from a more sustainable future through carbon reduction, resource efficiency strategies and commercialising low carbon technologies.
Download their free guide to help identify energy and cost savings which can be easily made with little or no cost, and explore energy hotspots such as heating, lighting and commercial equipment.
Read more about business energy saving
Business energy saving in winter
Business energy spending increases enormously in the winter, but we can help you make savings
Energy help for micro businesses
The energy regulator Ofgem has set out a number of standards, rules and guidelines for all suppliers to help support micro businesses.
Our latest blogs about energy efficiency
Explore practical strategies on our blog to enhance your business's energy efficiency and lower costs.
