How to save money on your shop business’ energy bills
Cut your online retail energy costs with simple, practical steps. Learn how to save money on your shop business’ energy bills and explore smarter ways to manage usage and reduce overheads.
Boost your efficiency and bottom line
Use energy more efficiently
Follow our practical tips to reduce your retail business 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 retail 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 business customers view their data – and ultimately – get better control over their energy consumption.
How to save money on your shop business’ energy bills
Discover practical ways to save money on your shop business’ energy bills with simple efficiency improvements and smart energy choices.
Heating in retail businesses
- In warm weather, turn down the heating rather than opening the windows
- Close window blinds in the early evening to help reduce night-time heat loss
- Don't use extra electric heaters – these are one of the most expensive heat sources
- Encourage individuals to turn down the thermostat radiators in their rooms - the optimum temperature in most offices is around 22°C
- Regularly service boilers and heaters to ensure they're running efficiently
Raising the temperature by just 1°C can increase your heating costs by approximately 8%
Refrigeration in retail businesses
- 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
- Only use the appliance size you need – smaller appliances are likely to be cheaper to run
When buying new refrigerators, A+++ is the most efficient rating
More ways to save on your retail business’ energy bills
Adjust your routine at your restaurant and you could start saving money on your shop's energy bills.
IT equipment
- IT equipment burns energy, even in standby mode
- Encourage staff to switch equipment off when not in use - on a business desktop PC will cost £41 per year to run when it's powered on
- Use the energy-saving features on things like monitors and printers
Turning computers and monitors off at night can save £35 a year per desk
Lighting in retail businesses
- Encourage staff to switch lights off when they're not needed
- Use movement detectors, time switches and daylight sensors
- Install energy-efficient lights – LED lights could reduce energy wastage through heat from 95% to just 5%
Installing the right lights could reduce your lighting costs by up to 80%
Upgrade your building
- Install self-adhesive thermal strips around doors and windows to reduce draughts – a door with a 3mm gap can let in as much cold air as a brick-sized hole in the wall
- Fit automatic closers on external doors e.g. fire doors
- Save potentially hundreds of pounds on your energy bill every year with roof insulation
In many buildings, around 18% of heat loss is through windows
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.
Get a quote for business energy
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Our latest blogs about energy efficiency
Explore practical strategies on our blog to enhance your business's energy efficiency and lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can online retailer businesses save money on energy bills?
Switching to an energy-efficient tariff and monitoring usage with a smart meter are great first steps.
Can retail shops utilise renewable energy sources?
Yes, many shops use solar panels or green energy tariffs to cut carbon and lower costs.
What is the average energy consumption of a shop?
It varies by size and equipment, but most small shops use between 15,000 and 30,000 kWh per year.
How do shops use energy?
Lighting, heating, cooling, and running equipment like tills and refrigeration are the main drivers of energy use.
How do you switch business energy suppliers?
It’s simple. Compare deals, choose your tariff, and we’ll handle the switch for you. Start your switch today.
