Restaurant Electricity Prices: Costs, Rates and Saving Tips

Running a restaurant comes with high energy demands—from keeping ingredients fresh to cooking, lighting, and maintaining a comfortable dining environment. Managing your electricity costs effectively can make a huge difference to your bottom line. At Light Up Energy, we help restaurants secure competitive energy rates, reduce waste, and optimise usage to improve efficiency.

How Much Electricity Does a Restaurant Use?

Restaurant energy consumption depends on several factors, including size, menu complexity, and equipment used. On average:

  • Small restaurants use between 15,000 – 25,000 kWh of electricity annually.

  • Medium-sized restaurants consume 25,000 – 50,000 kWh per year.

  • Large restaurants and fast-food chains can exceed 100,000 kWh annually.

What Uses the Most Energy in a Restaurant?

Energy consumption in restaurants is driven by five key areas:

  1. Refrigeration (43%) – Keeping food fresh 24/7 is essential but also the biggest energy drain.

  2. Cooking (14%) – Ovens, fryers, grills, and stoves run for long hours daily.

  3. Ventilation (12%) – Extractor fans and air filtration systems are necessary for kitchen safety.

  4. Cooling & Heating (11%) – Air conditioning and heating maintain a comfortable dining experience.

  5. Lighting (6%) – LED lighting can help cut costs while maintaining ambiance.

Types of Energy & What Uses The Most Electricity in A Restaurant?

How Are Restaurant Electricity Prices Calculated?

Restaurant electricity costs are based on:

  • Unit rate (pence per kWh) – The cost per unit of electricity used.

  • Standing charge – A daily fee for maintaining your energy connection.

  • Contract type – Fixed or variable tariffs impact price stability.

  • Usage patterns – Peak-time energy use may increase costs.

How to Reduce Restaurant Energy Costs

  1. Upgrade to energy-efficient equipment – ENERGY STAR-certified appliances use up to 30% less energy.

  2. Optimise kitchen layout – Keep fridges away from heat sources to improve efficiency.

  3. Switch to LED lighting – Reduces energy consumption by up to 80%.

  4. Monitor energy usage – Smart meters help track and reduce waste.

  5. Negotiate better rates – Partnering with an energy broker ensures you get the best deal.

Why Choose Light Up Energy?

At Light Up Energy, we specialise in helping restaurants secure cost-effective energy deals while ensuring transparency and expert support. We offer:

  • Competitive energy rates – We negotiate with top suppliers to get the best tariffs.
  • Tailored contract management – Flexible solutions to suit your restaurant’s needs.
  • Energy efficiency advice – Practical ways to reduce waste and lower bills.
  • Ongoing support – We handle supplier negotiations and renewals, so you don’t have to.

Get a Free Restaurant Energy Audit Today!

Let us help you take control of your restaurant’s energy costs. Contact Light Up Energy today for a free, no-obligation review of your energy bills and see how much you could save.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Author Profile

Light Up Energy
Light Up Energy
Light Up Energy, founded by hospitality experts with 20+ years of experience, helps businesses save money via innovative energy management strategies.