As pubs, bars, and restaurants make the most of the outdoor trading season, new analysis from Uswitch Business Energy, the comparison and switching service, reveals the hidden energy costs that can come with busy beer gardens, and the simple steps businesses can take to help keep them under control.

From outdoor lighting and fans to TVs showing sport and additional refrigeration on busy days, pubs can take on a number of extra energy demands when customers move outside. While each piece of equipment may not cost much to run on its own, those costs can add up when several are running for hours at a time.

To put the hidden energy cost of beer garden season to the test, Uswitch Business Energy analysed the outdoor set-up at The Beehive in Tottenham, which has space for up to 325 customers outdoors. At The Beehive, the outdoor set-up includes six TVs, four fans and 12 sets of lighting, with two extra fridges brought in on stadium event days.

Uswitch’s analysis found that powering the pub’s outdoor fans, lighting and TVs for its reported seven-hour weekday trading period would cost an additional £3.54 (13.8kWh), based on an electricity unit rate of 25.7p per kWh. On a weekend, this rises to an additional £5.56 (21.6kWh) over 11 hours. During a major sporting event, when trading can extend by two hours and two additional fridges are used, the cost rises to £7.37 (28.7kWh) – an additional £1.81 (7.1kWh) compared with a normal weekend day.

• Weekday — 13.762kWh — £3.54
• Weekend day — 21.626kWh — £5.56
• Major sporting event — 28.678kWh — £7.37

Outdoor energy use can change with the weather too. While warmer days may call for fans, cooler evenings see many venues switch on electric patio heaters, adding to the energy needed to keep customers comfortable outside. That makes regularly reviewing what equipment is running (and whether it is actually needed) particularly important throughout the outdoor trading season.

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, comments: “Beer gardens can be an important source of additional capacity for hospitality businesses during the outdoor trading season, particularly when warm weather or major sporting fixtures attract more customers.

“But moving customers outside also means moving some of the pub’s energy use with them. Lighting, screens, fans and extra refrigeration may individually have relatively modest power requirements, but the costs accumulate when several devices are operating for long periods.

“Every venue will be different, which is why businesses should look at their own equipment and actual operating patterns rather than relying on an assumed daily cost. Simple measures such as switching lighting on only when it is needed, avoiding unnecessary refrigeration on quieter days and turning off screens or fans in unused areas can all help control consumption without compromising the customer experience.”

Uswitch’s tips to help pubs manage outdoor energy costs

Match equipment use to customer demand

Big sporting fixtures may justify additional screens, refrigeration or fans, but the same set-up may not be necessary on a quieter weekday. Matching equipment use to expected footfall can help avoid unnecessary consumption.

Switch lighting on later

Outdoor lighting does not necessarily need to run from the moment a beer garden opens. Making the most of natural daylight and using timers or daylight sensors can reduce operating hours while maintaining atmosphere later in the evening.

Give fridges room to breathe

Refrigeration can use more energy if vents are blocked or there is not enough airflow around the unit. Keeping vents clear and leaving adequate space around fridges can help them run more efficiently.

Check what is still running after last orders

TVs, fans, lighting and additional refrigeration can continue using electricity after customers have left if they are not switched off. Adding outdoor equipment to the pub’s end-of-night checklist can help prevent unnecessary overnight consumption.

To keep costs low, make sure you’re on the right business energy tariff at Uswitch Business Energy.