Running a restaurant takes more than just great food—it also requires a lot of energy. From powering ovens and fridges to lighting and heating, UK restaurants can be some of the most energy-intensive businesses per square foot.
But just how much energy does a typical restaurant use each year?
In this blog, Scalex Technology breaks down the numbers, the key drivers of energy use, and how your business can cut costs without compromising service.
Average Annual Energy Usage in UK Restaurants
On average, a small to medium-sized UK restaurant consumes:
- ⚡ Electricity: 50,000 – 100,000 kWh per year
- 🔥 Gas: 150,000 – 300,000 kWh per year
These figures can vary significantly depending on:
- Business hours (e.g., open late, 7 days a week)
- Kitchen equipment
- Type of cuisine (e.g., grill vs. salad bar)
- Number of covers per day
- Efficiency of appliances and building insulation
Breakdown of Restaurant Energy Usage
Here’s where the energy typically goes in a commercial kitchen:
| Energy Use | % of Total Energy |
|---|---|
| Cooking appliances | 40–60% |
| Refrigeration & freezing | 10–20% |
| Heating & hot water | 10–15% |
| Lighting | 10–15% |
| Ventilation & air extraction | 5–10% |
| Miscellaneous (dishwashers, POS systems) | 5–10% |
How Energy Use Affects Restaurant Profitability
With energy prices still high across the UK, even modest savings can boost your bottom line. For example:
- Cutting just 10% of annual energy use on a combined £15,000 energy bill could save you £1,500/year—the equivalent of selling hundreds of extra meals.
- Efficient restaurants often benefit from better food quality, safer kitchens, and improved sustainability credentials.
5 Tips to Reduce Restaurant Energy Consumption
Here are proven ways to lower your usage and bills:
1. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Look for Energy Saving Trust-recommended or A-rated commercial ovens, fridges, and dishwashers.
2. Install Smart Controls
Use timers, sensors, and thermostats to control lighting, heating, and extractor fans.
3. Regular Maintenance of Equipment
Clean filters, maintain burners, and service refrigeration systems to keep efficiency high.
4. Train Your Staff
Simple habits like turning off unused equipment or closing fridge doors properly can reduce waste.
5. Conduct an Energy Audit
A professional audit identifies your biggest energy drains and provides a roadmap for improvement.
How Scalex Technology Can Help Restaurants Save Energy
At Scalex Technology, we help restaurants and hospitality businesses across the UK:
- Benchmark energy usage against industry averages
- Access better energy deals tailored to hospitality
- Identify high-impact savings through audits
- Upgrade to smart metering and renewable solutions
Whether you’re running a takeaway, pub, fine dining venue or multi-site chain, we provide data-driven energy insights that work in the real world.
🍽️ Ready to Take Control of Your Energy Use?
Contact Scalex Technology today for a tailored energy audit or tariff comparison. Start saving money—and serving smarter.
