Business Energy for Takeaways & Delis
Takeaways and delis use a lot of energy in a short window: fryers, pizza ovens, grills and extraction fans run hard through the evening rush, while fridges and freezers run all day and night.
A typical takeaway energy profile
- Fryers, ovens and grills — gas or electric — dominate usage during opening hours, especially evenings and weekends.
- Extraction and ventilation fans run whenever the kitchen is in use.
- Delis carry a constant refrigeration load from display counters, fridges and cold rooms.
- Larger kitchens may need a three-phase electricity supply; check this before buying new electric equipment.
Choosing a contract and supplier
- If you trade mostly in the evening, ask whether a time-of-use or half-hourly-priced contract would cost more or less than a flat rate.
- Compare gas and electricity separately as well as dual-fuel — the cheapest supplier for each fuel can differ.
- Off-grid sites using LPG or bottled gas should compare those prices too; they are not covered by mains gas contracts.
- Note your contract end date: moving to out-of-contract rates can raise bills sharply.
Quick ways to cut a takeaway’s bills
- Switch fryers and ovens on in stages to match demand rather than all at once at opening.
- Use lids on fryers during quiet periods and filter oil regularly so it heats efficiently.
- Clean extraction filters and fit variable-speed fan controls if your system allows.
- Keep cold-room doors closed with strip curtains and avoid placing fridges next to ovens.
- Read your meter at opening and closing for a week to see your real overnight baseload.
Frequently asked questions
Which energy supplier is best for a takeaway?
Look for a supplier with competitive rates for your meter type and usage, clear business billing and good complaint handling. Because takeaways use most of their energy in the evening, ask for quotes based on your actual half-hourly data where possible.
Is gas or electric cheaper for commercial fryers and ovens?
Per kWh, gas is usually cheaper than electricity, but modern electric equipment can be more efficient and avoids gas safety and ventilation costs. Compare running costs using your own unit rates before replacing equipment.
Is business energy covered by the Ofgem price cap?
No. The Ofgem price cap only applies to domestic tariffs. Business energy prices are set by each contract, which is why comparing quotes before your renewal date matters so much.
How much VAT and Climate Change Levy do businesses pay on energy?
Business energy normally carries 20% VAT plus the Climate Change Levy (CCL). If your usage is very low (under 33 kWh of electricity or 145 kWh of gas per day on average) the supply counts as "de minimis": VAT drops to 5% and CCL is not charged. Check your bill shows the correct rate.
Am I a microbusiness, and why does it matter?
You are a microbusiness if you have fewer than 10 employees (or equivalent) and annual turnover or balance sheet of no more than €2 million, or if you use under 100,000 kWh of electricity or under 293,000 kWh of gas a year. Most cafés, takeaways and small restaurants qualify, and microbusinesses get extra Ofgem protections — including being told how much of the price goes to a broker, and access to the Energy Ombudsman for complaints.
What happens if my business contract ends and I do nothing?
You may be rolled onto a new contract or moved to "out-of-contract" or "deemed" rates, which are usually much more expensive. Note your contract end date and the notice window in your terms, and start comparing quotes a few months before it ends.
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This guide is general information, not financial advice. ChangeEnergyProvider.com is independent and not paid by any supplier.