Typical garage energy consumption
Consumption depends on the number of bays, equipment installed and whether the site includes additional facilities such as a paint booth or MOT testing bay.
| Garage type | Electricity (kWh/yr) | Gas (kWh/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Small independent garage (1-2 bays) | 15,000 - 35,000 | 5,000 - 20,000 |
| Multi-bay workshop (3-6 bays) | 35,000 - 70,000 | 20,000 - 45,000 |
| Dealership workshop with paint booth | 70,000 - 150,000+ | 30,000 - 80,000+ |
What drives the cost
- Compressed air systems powering pneumatic tools throughout the workshop
- Vehicle lifts and ramps used for servicing and repairs
- Diagnostic equipment and computer-based testing systems
- Workshop and forecourt lighting, often high-bay style similar to a small warehouse
- Paint booths and drying equipment at dealership or bodywork specialist sites
Gas versus electricity split
Most garages are electricity-dominant, since core workshop equipment such as compressors and lifts is electric. Gas is generally limited to space heating, though bodywork and paint specialists using gas-fired drying booths will see a higher gas share.
Intermittent demand pattern
Unlike sectors with continuous refrigeration or heating loads, garage energy demand fluctuates with the volume of vehicles being worked on at any given time. Peak demand occurs when multiple bays are running compressors, lifts and lighting simultaneously during busy periods.
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Standing charges and metering
Standing charges reflect the electrical capacity needed to run multiple pieces of equipment, particularly compressors, which can have high startup power draw. Larger dealership workshops with paint facilities may require higher capacity connections than a small independent garage.
Contract length and renewal timing
One to three year fixed contracts are typical, offering budget certainty for independent garages managing variable workshop volumes. Renewal quotes should be compared 3 to 4 months before contract end to avoid a costly rollover rate.
How to compare garage energy prices
- Confirm number of bays and key equipment such as compressors, lifts and paint booths
- Check startup power requirements for large equipment when assessing supply capacity
- Compare standing charges given equipment-driven capacity needs
- Note any dealership-specific facilities that increase consumption above independent garage averages