Business energy for Car dealership

Car dealerships in the UK face unique energy challenges due to the nature of their operations. With large indoor and outdoor spaces requiring lighting, heating, and cooling, as well as the need for electricity to power office equipment and services, energy consumption is a significant concern. Additionally, as the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles, dealerships must also consider charging infrastructure, which adds another layer of complexity to their energy needs. By understanding their energy usage and exploring tailored energy solutions, car dealerships can optimise their energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Energy usage profile for Car dealership

Car dealerships typically experience high energy consumption due to their extensive lighting requirements, both indoors and outdoors. Showrooms must be well-lit to display vehicles effectively, while outdoor forecourts also require significant lighting, especially during evening hours. Additionally, dealerships use energy for heating and cooling large spaces to create a comfortable environment for customers and staff. Office spaces within the dealership contribute to energy usage with computers, telecommunication systems, and other office equipment. As dealerships increasingly incorporate electric vehicle charging stations, their electricity consumption is likely to rise, making energy management crucial.

What affects bills for Car dealership

Several factors can influence the energy bills for car dealerships, including:

• Size of the dealership: Larger spaces require more energy for lighting, heating, and cooling.
• Operating hours: Extended working hours can lead to higher energy usage.
• Type of lighting: Energy-efficient LED lighting can manage costs effectively.
• Heating and cooling systems: Inefficient systems can increase energy consumption.
• Electric vehicle charging: Installing charging stations can significantly impact electricity usage.
• Energy tariffs: The choice of energy tariff can affect overall costs.

How to compare tariffs

When comparing energy tariffs for your car dealership, consider the following checklist:

• Assess your current energy usage patterns to understand your needs.
• Check if the tariff offers flexibility for future expansion or additional EV chargers.
• Compare fixed-rate and variable-rate tariffs to determine the best fit for your budget.
• Look for tariffs that offer renewable energy options if sustainability is a priority.
• Consider the reputation and customer service quality of potential suppliers.
• Review contract terms, including duration and exit fees, to avoid unexpected costs.

Gas vs electricity considerations

For car dealerships, electricity is often more critical than gas, primarily due to the need for extensive lighting, office equipment, and increasingly, electric vehicle charging stations. While gas may still be used for heating, particularly in older buildings, the trend towards electrification of the automotive industry means that electricity consumption is likely to dominate. Dealerships should evaluate their energy needs and consider whether electricity-focused energy solutions, such as renewable energy tariffs or energy efficiency upgrades, might be beneficial.

Switching process overview

Switching energy suppliers for your car dealership can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Review your current energy contract to determine the end date and any exit fees.
2. Compare offers from various suppliers to identify the best tariff for your needs.
3. Contact the new supplier to initiate the switch and provide them with necessary information.
4. Ensure any outstanding bills with your current supplier are settled.
5. Coordinate with both suppliers to ensure a smooth transition with no service interruption.

More business energy guides

Return to our business energy hub to explore guides for other industries, or go directly to our business gas or business electricity pages.

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