How much energy does a small business use?
A small business’s energy use depends on its floor area, opening hours, equipment, heating and hot water. For example, an illustrative café planning range is 15,000–35,000 kWh of electricity and 10,000–30,000 kWh of gas per year.
Illustrative use by business type
| Business type | Illustrative electricity | Illustrative gas | Why use varies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café | 15,000–35,000 kWh | 10,000–30,000 kWh | Opening hours, refrigeration and cooking |
| Restaurant | 25,000–70,000 kWh | 25,000–80,000 kWh | Kitchen equipment, covers and heating |
| Office | 10,000–50,000 kWh | 5,000–40,000 kWh | Floor area, occupancy and HVAC |
| Shop | 10,000–45,000 kWh | 3,000–25,000 kWh | Trading hours, lighting and refrigeration |
| Salon | 8,000–25,000 kWh | 4,000–18,000 kWh | Styling equipment, hot water and hours |
| Pub | 25,000–65,000 kWh | 20,000–75,000 kWh | Kitchen, cellar cooling and hot water |
| Gym | 40,000–180,000 kWh | 20,000–150,000 kWh | Ventilation, pool facilities and showers |
| Workshop | 15,000–100,000 kWh | 5,000–80,000 kWh | Machinery, operating shifts and space heating |
These broad ranges are illustrative planning assumptions created to show how business activities affect demand. They are not figures attributed to DESNZ and are not a substitute for a meter reading or bill. For a better estimate, use 12 months of actual bills or meter data.
How to estimate your own use
Use the kWh totals from a full year of bills, or add monthly readings for the same period. Keep electricity and gas separate, and note whether a site was closed, expanded or changed its equipment during the year. If you only have a partial year, account for seasonal heating and trading patterns rather than simply multiplying one month by twelve.
Usage helps explain cost, but the rate and standing charge determine what you pay. Estimate my business energy costs using your actual consumption for a more useful estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Are these official average consumption figures?
No. The table provides broad illustrative planning assumptions, not official or measured averages and not figures attributed to DESNZ. Actual use varies substantially.
What is the best source for my annual usage?
Your supplier bill or annual statement is usually the best starting point. Look for annual consumption in kWh for each fuel, or use meter readings covering a complete year.
Why can two similar businesses use different amounts?
Their floor area, opening hours, equipment, heating, occupancy and operating routines may differ. Weather and whether gas is used for process heat can also make a substantial difference.