Making the announcement, The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said its Zero Carbon Services energy-saving tool had already helped cut the average energy bills of 90 hospitality businesses by nearly £2,500 during a 12-month trial period, by reducing overnight energy consumption for some trialists by up to 66%.
The online tool, which is backed by £350,000 of Government funding, delivers energy saving plans tailored to participants, providing real-time alerts to reduce unnecessary electricity use from wasted energy hotspots including extraction systems, fridges, ovens and lamps.
Participants in the trial included a pub in Bromley that cut its energy usage by 26%, saving it £48 per week, equating to nearly £2,500 saved a year. Another smaller pub in Caterham, Surrey, cut its overnight energy use by 66%, meaning savings of over £1,500 a year.
Cornish hospitality group Inn Cornwall said that it was looking to save £5.01 a day by using the tool, which could result in savings of around £5,400 a year across its sites.
Following the success of the trial, it is now being extended to hundreds of hospitality businesses across England – with applications now open.
“We’re extending support to help more businesses slash bills and protect Britain’s hospitality sector,” says Minister for Industry Chris McDonald.
“Our pubs and restaurants are playing a leading role in cutting emissions, which is not only good for the planet but for cutting their costs too.
“Alongside this, our clean power mission will protect businesses in the long-term. The conflict in the Middle East is yet another reminder that the only route to energy sovereignty is to end our dependence on fossil fuel markets we do not control and transition to clean homegrown power.”