Typical retail energy consumption
Consumption varies significantly between a small non-food shop and a convenience store with extensive refrigeration, which can use several times more electricity for the same floor area.
| Retail type | Electricity (kWh/yr) | Gas (kWh/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Small non-food shop | 10,000 - 25,000 | 3,000 - 15,000 |
| Standard retail unit | 25,000 - 50,000 | 10,000 - 25,000 |
| Convenience store with refrigeration | 50,000 - 100,000+ | 10,000 - 20,000 |
What drives the cost
- Shopfront and display lighting, often run beyond opening hours for window displays
- Refrigerated and chilled display cabinets in food and convenience retail
- Air conditioning and heating to maintain comfortable shopping conditions
- Point of sale systems, security systems and CCTV running continuously
- Stockroom lighting and heating in addition to the main shop floor
Gas versus electricity split
Most retail units are electricity-dominant, with gas limited to space heating where installed. Shops without gas heating rely entirely on electric heating or air conditioning, further increasing the electricity share of total energy spend.
Extended trading hours
Retail trading hours, particularly for convenience and high street stores open seven days a week, extend the total time lighting, refrigeration and climate control systems are running compared with a typical Monday to Friday office, increasing overall annual consumption even where floor area is similar.
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Standing charges and metering
Standing charges for standard retail units are generally moderate, reflecting typical single-phase or small three-phase connections. Larger stores or those with substantial refrigeration may require higher capacity connections and correspondingly higher standing charges.
Contract length and renewal timing
One to three year fixed contracts are common in retail, providing cost certainty against variable footfall and sales. Renewal comparisons should begin 3 to 4 months before contract end, particularly for multi-site retailers coordinating several store contracts.
How to compare retail energy prices
- Confirm trading hours and whether window displays run outside opening hours
- Note refrigeration or specialist display equipment when requesting quotes
- For multi-site retailers, consider consolidated portfolio contracts
- Compare standing charges against unit rates, particularly for smaller units