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Average business energy consumption in the UK
Understanding how much energy your business uses is the first step to managing costs effectively. Consumption levels vary depending on your sector, the size of your premises, and how energy-efficient your operations are.
The table below provides a general guide to typical annual electricity and gas usage for UK businesses of different sizes.
| Size of business | Annual electricity consumption (kWh) | Annual gas consumption (kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Micro Business | Less than 100,000 | Less than 278,000 |
| Small | 100,000 – 500,000 | 278,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Small/Medium | 500,000 – 2,000,000 | 1,000,000 – 4,000,000 |
| Medium | 2,000,000 – 20,000,000 | 4,000,000 – 28,000,000 |
| Large | 20,000,000+ | 28,000,000+ |
How to calculate your business energy consumption
There are several ways to calculate how much energy your business uses. The right method depends on how detailed you want your analysis to be and what data you already have available.
Business energy bills
Your business energy bill is the quickest way to check how much energy you’re using. It calculates total kilowatt hours (kWh) consumed during the billing period and often includes an annual usage estimate from your business energy supplier. This is ideal for quick comparisons or contract reviews.
Meter readings
Regular meter readings give the most accurate measure of energy consumption over time. Take readings at the start and end of your chosen period and subtract the first from the second to calculate total usage. Enter the figures in our calculator below to get your consumption between readings in kWh.
Using a business energy monitor
A business energy monitor automatically receives live electricity and gas consumption data from your smart meters and half-hourly meters. This data is recorded to provide you with visual representations of your annual business energy consumption.
Calculating by equipment or appliance
If you want a more detailed view, calculate consumption by adding up the energy used by individual devices. Multiply the power rating (in kW) by the number of hours each item runs. For example, a 2 kW heater used for five hours a day consumes about 10 kWh daily.
Business energy consumption calculator
Use our business energy consumption calculator to find out exactly how much electricity or gas your company has used over a set period.
Enter your opening and closing meter readings, and the calculator will calculate your energy consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh) during the period between the meter readings.
Typical energy consumption of business equipment
Understanding how much energy your office equipment uses each day can help identify where the biggest savings can be made. Our experts have reviewed common workplace items and estimated their typical daily energy consumption based on standard usage in a ten-person office.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most consistent energy users in any workplace. The type of bulb and how long lights are left on can make a significant difference to your overall electricity consumption.
- LED: 1.3 kWh
- Halogen: 16 kWh
- Incandescent: 21 kWh
Heating
Heating typically accounts for the largest share of energy use, especially during winter months. The efficiency of your heating system can greatly influence total consumption.
- Combi boiler (gas): 51 kWh
- Electric radiators: 48 kWh
- Heat pump: 16 kWh
Cooling
Air conditioning and cooling systems use electricity to regulate indoor temperatures during hot weather. Even smaller portable units can add up quickly if used throughout the day.
- Central AC unit: 2.7 kWh
- Portable AC unit: 6.4 kWh
- Ceiling fans: 0.7 kWh
Hot water systems
Water heating is often overlooked but can consume a steady amount of energy, particularly in offices with kitchens, showers, or bathrooms.
- Electric water heater: 5 kWh
- Gas water heater: 4 kWh
- Instant boiling tap: 4 kWh
Personal IT equipment
Computers and monitors are used daily in most offices. While each device uses relatively little power, the total adds up quickly across a busy office.
- Laptop: 0.4 kWh
- Desktop computer: 1.6 kWh
- Monitor: 0.1 kWh
Shared IT equipment
Shared devices such as printers, photocopiers and Wi-Fi routers often run continuously, even outside of office hours. Switching off or enabling energy-saving modes can cut unnecessary usage.
- Wi-Fi router: 0.2 kWh
- Commercial printer: 0.9 kWh
- Photocopier: 0.7 kWh
Kitchen appliances
Fridges, dishwashers and microwaves are essential for staff comfort but consume steady amounts of power each day. Keeping them well maintained and using eco-modes where possible can lower usage.
- Fridge: 1.4 kWh
- Dishwasher: 3 kWh
- Microwave: 0.4 kWh
Tea and coffee making
Boiling water and running coffee machines use more energy than most people realise. Choosing modern energy-efficient models and switching them off when not in use can reduce costs.
- Electric kettle: 6 kWh
- Boiling water tap: 4 kWh
- Coffee machine: 7 kWh
Business energy consumption – FAQs
Our energy experts answer frequently asked questions regarding energy usage by businesses.
Which UK businesses consume the most energy?
According to the Government’s Energy in the UK 2022 report, here’s the breakdown of electricity and gas consumption by business type:
| Industrial sector | Energy consumption (ktoe) |
|---|---|
| Public administration | 4,376 |
| Chemicals | 2,809 |
| Food, beverages etc | 2,562 |
| Other industries | 2,382 |
| Mineral products | 1,809 |
| Mechanical engineering etc | 1,461 |
| Paper, printing etc | 1,104 |
| Electrical engineering etc | 798 |
| Vehicles | 664 |
| Iron and steel | 618 |
| Non-ferrous metals | 596 |
| Construction | 518 |
| Textiles, leather etc | 457 |
| Agriculture | 415 |
| Rail Transport | 408 |
💡The figures above are expressed in kilotonnes of oil equivalent (ktoe). One ktoe is equivalent to 11,630 kWh.
How much energy is a kWh?
Each kWh contains 3.6 million joules of energy. Here’s an idea of how a single kWh of energy can be utilised:
One kWh of business electricity can power:
- A single cycle on a typical dishwasher.
- Leaving a commercial printer on standby over a weekend.
One kWh of business gas can be used for:
- Operating a gas grill for half an hour.
- Heating a single large radiator for an hour.
How much does business energy consumption cost?
In the UK, currently, a kWh of electricity is three times more expensive than a kWh of gas. This disparity is largely due to the national grid’s reliance on gas-fired power stations to generate electricity, which are only approximately 40% efficient.
To access the latest energy prices, here are links to our guides on:
At AquaSwitch, we’re experts in helping businesses find more affordable energy rates. Discover the best deals today with our business energy comparison and business gas comparison services.