Self storage facility energy suppliers, tariffs and costs

Self storage facilities play a critical role in providing individuals and businesses with space to store items securely and conveniently. For these facilities, managing energy consumption efficiently is essential to maintaining profitability and sustainability. Energy use in self storage facilities can vary significantly based on factors like the size of the facility, the level of climate control offered, and the operational hours. By understanding their energy usage patterns and exploring options for energy savings, facility managers can make informed decisions that may help manage costs effectively and improve environmental impact. This page aims to guide self storage facility operators through the nuances of business energy management, offering insights into typical usage profiles, cost factors, and strategies for comparing and switching tariffs effectively.

How much does energy cost for a self storage facility?

There is no published price list for self storage facilities. What a self storage facility 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 self storage facility 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 self storage facility 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 self storage facilities 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 self storage facilities?

No supplier specialises in self storage facilities 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 Self storage facility

Self storage facilities typically exhibit energy usage profiles that are influenced by their size and the services they offer. Facilities offering climate-controlled units generally consume more energy due to the need for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that maintain optimal conditions for stored items. Lighting also contributes significantly to energy usage, especially in facilities that operate 24/7 or have extensive indoor spaces. Additionally, security systems, including surveillance cameras and alarms, are essential for protecting stored goods but can also add to energy consumption. Understanding these patterns can help facilities identify areas where efficiency improvements could be made, potentially leading to reduced energy costs over time.

What affects bills for Self storage facility

Several factors can influence the energy bills of a self storage facility, including:

• Size and layout of the facility, with larger spaces typically consuming more energy.
• Type and efficiency of climate control systems in use.
• Lighting technology and the extent of its usage.
• Operational hours, with facilities open 24/7 incurring higher energy costs.
• Energy efficiency of security systems, cameras, and alarms.
• Seasonal variations, particularly affecting climate-controlled units.
• Tariff type and contractual terms with energy suppliers.

How to compare tariffs

When comparing energy tariffs for a self storage facility, consider the following checklist:

• Determine your facility's energy profile and typical usage patterns.
• Identify whether your priority is price stability or flexibility with variable rates.
• Review contract terms, including duration and any exit fees.
• Check for green energy options if sustainability is a priority.
• Consider any additional services or support offered by the supplier.
• Evaluate the reputation and customer service ratings of potential providers.
• Use a reputable comparison service to ensure a comprehensive market overview.

Gas vs electricity considerations

For most self storage facilities, electricity is the primary energy source due to its necessity for lighting, climate control, and security systems. Gas may be used in some instances, particularly for heating, but it is generally less common. The choice between gas and electricity will depend on the specific requirements of the facility, the local climate, and the infrastructure in place. Facility managers should assess the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of their energy choices to align with their operational goals and sustainability commitments.

Switching process overview

To switch energy suppliers effectively, follow these steps:

1. Review your current energy contract to understand any exit penalties or notice periods.
2. Gather data on your facility's energy usage and current costs to inform your search.
3. Use a comparison service to find suitable new energy tariffs.
4. Contact your chosen new supplier to initiate the switch and agree on terms.
5. Inform your current supplier of your intention to switch, adhering to any contractual obligations.
6. Ensure a smooth transition by coordinating meter readings on the switch date.
7. Monitor your first few bills from the new supplier to confirm expected outcomes or improvements.

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.

Explore other industry guides

• Restaurant energy quotes
• Cafe energy quotes
• Pub energy quotes
• Hotel energy quotes
• B&B and guesthouse energy quotes
• Takeaway and fast food energy quotes