The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has expanded access to a government‑funded digital energy and carbon reduction tool to more than 525 small and medium‑sized pubs, restaurants and hotels in England. A 12‑month trial with 90 sites cut average annual bills by nearly £2,500, with some operators reducing overnight electricity use by up to 66 percent. Published on 17 March 2026, the scheme aims to cut costs while lowering emissions. (gov.uk)
Eligibility is narrowly defined. The offer is England‑only, for hospitality SMEs, and requires a smart meter to enable half‑hourly data capture. Successful applicants receive 12 months’ access, with 525 fully funded licences available and registration handled by Zero Carbon Services. There is no fee for eligible businesses because the programme is funded by government. (zerocarboncompany.org)
Delivery focuses on operational behaviour change supported by data. Through the tool, operators receive tailored reduction plans and real‑time alerts that flag unnecessary electricity use in common hotspots such as extraction systems, refrigeration, ovens and lighting. A web portal and virtual coaching track progress and quantify savings over the year. (gov.uk)
Trial evidence cited by government includes a Bromley pub that reduced energy use by 26 percent-saving about £48 per week, equivalent to nearly £2,500 a year-and a smaller pub in Caterham that cut overnight consumption by 66 percent, worth over £1,500 annually. These case studies illustrate where baseload and out‑of‑hours consumption can be reduced without capital outlay. (gov.uk)
The project is delivered by Zero Carbon Services with £350,000 in government funding to support scaling across the sector. The intent is to provide straightforward, data‑led support to businesses that have struggled to access affordable energy management expertise. (gov.uk)
The extension lands alongside other measures targeted at hospitality. On 27 January 2026 the Chancellor set out a 15 percent cut to new business rates bills for pubs in England from April 2026, followed by a two‑year real‑terms freeze. Treasury estimates indicate an average saving of around £1,650 per pub in 2026/27, and ministers also committed to review valuation methods for pubs. A £10 million Hospitality Support Fund over three years will support community‑focused projects. (gov.uk)
Industrial decarbonisation support has also been announced. On 17 March 2026, 20 businesses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland secured £23.4 million from the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to cut energy use and emissions, supporting total project costs of £60.7 million, subject to contracts. Recipients named by government include H. J. Heinz Manufacturing and Molson Coors. (gov.uk)
For operators, the practical requirements are clear: confirm SME status and location in England, ensure a functioning smart meter, nominate a site lead, and be prepared to implement low‑ or no‑cost procedural changes flagged by alerts. Typical gains arise from addressing overnight baseload and equipment left running after service. The programme’s 12‑month coaching and monitoring structure is designed to embed these changes. (zerocarboncompany.org)
Coverage varies by instrument. The free digital tool is restricted to hospitality SMEs in England; the business rates measures also apply to England given devolution; the IETF awards span England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Businesses should check the relevant guidance for jurisdictional scope before applying. (zerocarboncompany.org)