Pubs, Restaurants, and Hotels Cut Energy Bills by £2,500 a Year with Free Government Tool

Free Energy-Saving Tool for Hospitality Businesses

The UK government is expanding access to a free digital energy-saving tool for over 500 small and medium-sized pubs, restaurants, and hotels, following a successful trial that saw 90 businesses cut energy bills by nearly £2,500 per year. The tool, developed by Zero Carbon Services with £350,000 in government funding, provides real-time alerts to reduce unnecessary energy use from extraction systems, fridges, ovens, and lighting—helping businesses slash overnight energy consumption by up to 66%.

• Trial Success: A pub in Bromley cut energy use by 26%, saving £48 per week (£2,500/year), while a smaller pub in Caterham reduced overnight use by 66%, saving £1,500 annually.
• Broader Rollout: The tool is now available to hundreds more businesses, with applications open for those looking to reduce costs and carbon emissions.

Mark Chapman, CEO of Zero Carbon Services:

"When you put energy savings into real hospitality terms, the impact becomes very clear. Saving around £2,000 a year is the equivalent of the profit from selling thousands of pints, or the breathing space that protects hard-won margins during quieter months."

Government Support for Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation

Alongside the energy-saving tool, the government has awarded £23.4 million in grants to 20 major food and drink companies, including Heinz, Molson Coors, and AG Barr, to fund carbon-cutting and energy efficiency projects. These grants, part of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF), will support deep decarbonisation and energy efficiency studies, helping businesses reduce emissions and operational costs.

• Major Winners: Molson Coors received £8.5 million for a Burton-upon-Trent brewery project, while Heinzsecured £1 million for energy efficiency upgrades in Wigan.
• Hospitality Support Fund: A new £10 million fund will help 1,000 pubs expand community services, such as cafés, village shops, and play areas, boosting local engagement and footfall.

Minister for Industry Chris McDonald:

"We’re extending support to help more businesses slash bills and protect Britain’s hospitality sector. 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."

Broader Impact on the Hospitality Sector

The energy-saving initiatives come alongside additional government support for the hospitality sector, including:

• 15% cut to business rates for pubs, saving the average pub £1,650 in 2026/27.
• Focus on Sustainability: The programmes aim to reduce carbon footprints while lowering operational costs, making businesses more resilient and competitive.

Mark Holden, Director of Inn Cornwall:

"Thanks to the energy and carbon reduction tool, we’re already looking to save £5.01 each day from a few easy-to-implement changes. Across our sites, this could mean £5,400 a year in savings."

How Businesses Can Access Support

• Energy-Saving Tool: Businesses can apply for free access via Zero Carbon Services .
• IETF Grants: The £23.4 million in grants supports large-scale decarbonisation projects, with full details available on GOV.UK.
• Hospitality Support Fund: Pubs can apply for grants to expand community services, with funding details to be announced.