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food retail

Energy, water and waste for convenience and food retail groups

Chillers and freezers run every hour of the year, so a food store uses electricity at a steady rate day and night. For a convenience group or food chain, that makes night rates, capacity charges and buying every store together worth more than the headline unit rate.

  • Every store on one register
  • Capacity and meter setup checked for refrigeration
  • Food waste and recycling rules covered

What we check

  • A 24-hour load

    We compare unit rates and night rates on a load that never drops, rather than a typical shop pattern.

  • Capacity charges

    Capacity is often set when a store had different equipment. We check it against what the store draws today.

  • Meter setup

    Whether a day and night split or a half-hourly meter suits each store, and what market-wide half-hourly settlement will change.

  • New and acquired stores

    A store that changes hands or opens in a new unit is often on deemed or out-of-contract rates. We find those first.

  • Waste

    Food waste, cardboard and general waste, and the separation rules in England, Wales and Scotland.

  • Water

    Compared across stores in England and Scotland, where you can choose your retailer.

A chain of stores?

We put every store's meters on one register, move them to a common end date as contracts expire, and tender the estate together. New stores join the register when you take the keys.

Get a portfolio reviewHow multi-site buying works

How we are paid

At Business Savings Guru, we believe customers should understand how their energy broker is paid. Our commission is clearly disclosed on the energy contract you sign, so you know how BSG is remunerated before you commit. How broker fees work

Questions we are asked

Is a fixed or flexible contract better for a store group?
It depends on volume and how much price risk you want to carry. Larger groups sometimes buy flexibly; many prefer a fixed price so refrigeration costs are known. Our guide to fixed or flexible contracts explains the trade-off.
We have just opened a new store. Is the energy already on a contract?
Often not. The supply may be on deemed or out-of-contract rates. Send us the first bill and we will check.

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