Fish and chip shop energy suppliers, tariffs and costs

Fish and chip shops are quintessentially British and a staple food service business across the UK. Like any business that involves cooking and frying, these establishments are significant consumers of energy, primarily due to the constant use of fryers, ovens, and other kitchen equipment. Understanding energy usage is crucial for fish and chip shop owners to control costs and increase profit margins. By examining energy consumption patterns and exploring competitive tariffs, these businesses can optimize their utility expenses. In this guide, we will explore the energy usage profile typical of a fish and chip shop, factors affecting energy bills, and how to effectively compare tariffs tailored to this unique business type.

How much does energy cost for a fish and chip shop?

There is no published price list for fish and chip shops. What a fish and chip shop pays is set mainly by how much it uses in a year, because suppliers price by consumption band, and then by contract length, meter type, payment method and credit history. The most recent government figures (first quarter of 2026, provisional) put the average unit price paid by UK non-domestic customers at 24.14p per kWh for electricity and 5.17p per kWh for gas, including the Climate Change Levy and excluding VAT. A year earlier the averages were 25.74p and 5.54p. The smallest sites pay the most per unit: businesses using under 20,000 kWh of electricity a year averaged 35.02p per kWh, and those using under 278,000 kWh of gas averaged 7.48p per kWh.

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Prices of fuels purchased by non-domestic consumers in the UK (Quarterly Energy Prices tables 3.4.1 and 3.4.2), published 30 June 2026. Q1 2026 figures are provisional; next update 29 September 2026. Prices are fully delivered averages including the Climate Change Levy and all other elements except VAT, so standing charges are already spread across the units. Averages across every UK business in a band, not quotes.

Working out a monthly figure for your business

Take the annual kWh from your latest bill or annual statement, find the band above and multiply. A site using 15,000 kWh of electricity a year sits in the very small band: 15,000 × 35.02p is about £5,250 a year, or roughly £440 a month before VAT. A site using 60,000 kWh of gas a year: 60,000 × 7.48p is about £4,490 a year, or roughly £375 a month. Because the smallest band pays a much higher unit rate, a fish and chip shop that moves into the next band by growing, or that sits near a band boundary, can see its per-unit price change noticeably at renewal.

VAT and the Climate Change Levy on business energy

The prices above exclude VAT. Business energy normally carries VAT at 20% plus the Climate Change Levy (CCL). HMRC applies the 5% reduced rate, with no CCL, in three cases. First, low usage: supplies averaging no more than 33 kWh of electricity a day (1,000 kWh a month) or 145 kWh of gas a day (4,397 kWh a month) are treated as domestic use whoever the customer is. Second, fuel and power for domestic use, which HMRC defines to include homes providing care for the elderly or disabled, children’s homes, hospices and school or university residential accommodation. Third, a charity’s non-business activities. Where a site is mixed, 60% or more qualifying use means the whole supply is charged at 5%; below that the supply is split between the two rates, and the customer gives the supplier a certificate declaring the qualifying percentage. Source: HMRC VAT Notice 701/19 (sections 2.8, 3.2 to 3.5, 4.2 and 5.2, updated 5 February 2025) and gov.uk VAT rates.

Is a fish and chip shop a microbusiness?

Ofgem treats a business as a microbusiness if it has fewer than 10 employees (or their full-time equivalent) and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than £2 million, or if it uses no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year. A business can be a microbusiness for one fuel and not the other. Independent fish and chip shops that meet either test are covered by Ofgem’s microbusiness rules, which give extra protections around contract terms and renewals (Ofgem: get energy for your business).

Do business energy rates vary by region?

Yes. Part of every unit rate covers the cost of the local electricity distribution network, and Great Britain has 14 licensed distribution areas each with its own charges, so identical contracts are priced differently in, for example, the north of Scotland and London. DESNZ does not publish non-domestic prices by region, so regional figures quoted elsewhere are supplier or broker estimates rather than official statistics.

Which energy supplier is best for fish and chip shops?

No supplier specialises in fish and chip shops or publishes tariffs specific to them. The cheapest supplier for one business is often not the cheapest for the next, because each prices on the consumption band, meter type, contract length and credit profile in front of it. Compare the total annual cost of like-for-like contract lengths rather than the headline unit rate, and check the standing charge and any out-of-contract rate before signing.

Energy usage profile for Fish and chip shop

Fish and chip shops typically operate with high energy demands due to the need for constant heating and cooking. Fryers are often the largest energy consumers, requiring substantial amounts of gas or electricity to maintain temperature. Refrigeration units are also essential to keep ingredients fresh, adding to the energy load. Additionally, lighting, especially during evening hours, and heating for customer areas contribute to overall energy usage. Understanding these patterns can help shop owners identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, such as using energy-efficient appliances and implementing energy-saving practices.

What affects bills for Fish and chip shop

Several factors can influence energy costs for fish and chip shops, including:

• Hours of operation: Longer operating hours lead to higher energy consumption.
• Equipment efficiency: Older equipment may use more energy than newer, energy-efficient models.
• Energy tariffs: Choosing the right tariff can significantly impact costs.
• Seasonal demand: Increased customer demand during peak seasons can increase energy use.
• Location: Energy prices can vary by region, affecting overall costs.

How to compare tariffs

When comparing energy tariffs for a fish and chip shop, consider the following checklist:

• Analyse your current energy usage to understand your needs.
• Research different tariffs that suit your consumption patterns.
• Check contract terms, including length and flexibility.
• Consider dual fuel deals if using both gas and electricity.
• Look for tariffs offering fixed rates to avoid market fluctuations.

Gas vs electricity considerations

For fish and chip shops, both gas and electricity play crucial roles. Gas is often preferred for frying due to its rapid heating capabilities and cost-effectiveness. Electricity is essential for powering refrigeration, lighting, and other equipment. Deciding the balance between gas and electricity usage can depend on equipment preferences, cost considerations, and energy efficiency goals. It is important for shop owners to evaluate their needs and choose energy sources that align with their operational priorities.

Switching process overview

The process of switching energy suppliers for a fish and chip shop involves several steps:

1. Review your current energy contract to understand any exit fees.
2. Collect recent energy bills to analyse usage patterns.
3. Research and compare competitive tariffs suitable for your business.
4. Choose a new supplier and agree on a contract.
5. Coordinate the switch with your new supplier to ensure a seamless transition.
6. Inform your current supplier of the switch, providing any necessary notice.

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