All Posts
Log in / Sign up

The simple fix to lower energy costs in hospitality and leisure

Imagine cutting your energy bills by nearly a fifth without making sweeping changes to your operations. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But what if the answer lies in something as straightforward as voltage optimisation?

For businesses in the leisure and hospitality sector, energy consumption is a constant challenge. With heating, lighting, kitchen equipment, and other facilities running around the clock, costs can quickly add up. Voltage optimisation might just be the key to savings, helping you not only cut costs but also extend the life of your equipment, reduce waste, and contribute to sustainability goals. And it’s all done quietly in the background, without disrupting guest experiences.

What is voltage optimisation?

Voltage optimisation works by regulating the power supply that enters your building. Think of it as a filter. Energy coming into your premises is often supplied at a higher voltage than necessary—typically above 240 volts, while most electrical equipment in the UK only requires around 220 volts to operate efficiently.

That extra voltage doesn’t translate into better performance. Instead, it results in unnecessary energy consumption, overheating, and wear on your equipment. This is where voltage optimisation steps in. By reducing the incoming voltage to an optimal level, it ensures that everything runs smoothly and efficiently, using only the energy that’s needed. And when you’re not wasting energy, you’re saving money.

How does it work?

Once installed, a voltage optimiser will lower the voltage supplied to your equipment without impacting its performance. Guests, staff, and visitors won’t notice any changes in how your facilities operate, but you’ll notice a difference in your energy bills. It’s like tuning a radio to the perfect station, removing the static so you hear only the music. Voltage optimisation fine-tunes your power supply, reducing energy waste and ensuring everything works efficiently.

The benefits to your business

Voltage optimisation offers a variety of advantages for the leisure and hospitality sector, all working together to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Here’s how it can help:

  • Energy cost savings: One of the most immediate impacts of voltage optimisation is reduced energy consumption. While the maximum savings can be as high as 19%, the average savings for most businesses is around 6.5%. For a hotel spending £100,000 a year on electricity, that’s a potential saving of £6,500 annually. Over several years, these savings can be significant, freeing up funds for other areas of your business, such as guest experience improvements or facility upgrades.
  • Prolonged equipment lifespan: Electrical equipment in hospitality, from kitchen appliances to lighting systems, can suffer when exposed to higher voltages than necessary. This can lead to overheating and faster wear and tear. Voltage optimisation ensures your equipment only gets the voltage it requires, reducing strain and extending its lifespan. This means fewer maintenance costs and longer-lasting equipment, keeping your operations smooth and cost-effective.
  • Boost operational reliability: By smoothing out power fluctuations, this system helps protect equipment like kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, and lighting from damaging surges. This ensures your guests enjoy uninterrupted service, while you avoid unexpected downtime and repair costs.
  • Minimal maintenance: One of the best things about voltage optimisation is that it’s low maintenance. Once installed, it’s “fit-and-forget” technology. It doesn’t require ongoing monitoring or adjustments, allowing you to focus on what really matters—providing exceptional guest experiences. The system works quietly in the background, delivering energy savings without any extra effort on your part.
  • Sustainability gains: Reducing energy consumption is not just good for your budget; it’s also a step towards a more sustainable future. The leisure and hospitality sector is under increasing pressure to adopt greener practices, and voltage optimisation helps you meet those expectations by reducing your carbon footprint. By cutting energy waste, you’re contributing to environmental goals while also benefiting from lower operational costs.
  • Rapid return on investment: The savings on your energy bills, combined with extended equipment lifespans, means that most businesses recoup the cost of installing a voltage optimisation system within 18 months. After that, the savings continue, helping you reinvest in guest services or facility improvements.

Real world results

This isn’t just theoretical. Voltage optimisation has already been implemented in over 20,000 locations across the UK, including major retailers, manufacturers, and service providers. These businesses have seen tangible results, from lower energy bills to improved equipment longevity.

For businesses in the leisure and hospitality sector, where energy demands are high and margins are often tight, the return on investment can be even more impactful. The savings can be reinvested into upgrading facilities, enhancing guest experiences, or boosting your sustainability initiatives.

Is voltage optimisation right for your business?

If you’re wondering whether voltage optimisation could benefit your business, the first step is to test your current voltage levels. This will show you if the power coming into your building is higher than what’s needed, potentially leading to wasted energy and unnecessary wear on your equipment.

At Troo, we offer a free tool called Troo Volt. This simple plug-in device measures the voltage at your sockets, giving you an accurate reading of what’s coming into your building. It’s quick and easy to use, providing clear data to help you decide whether voltage optimisation could benefit your operation.

Want to know more? Click through for a detailed look at how the tool works and how it can help you make informed decisions about your energy use.