As a hotel owner or manager, you understand the importance of managing your costs effectively. One of the most significant expenses for any hotel is energy, which can be difficult to manage if you do not have the right tools in place. This is where energy meters come into play.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is an energy meter?
An energy meter is a device that measures how much energy your hotel is consuming. It records the electricity and gas you use and allows you to monitor your consumption and energy usage.
With this information, you can determine how much energy you are using and identify areas where you can make energy-saving improvements.
Why is it important for my hotel to be conscious about energy usage?
Being conscious about energy usage in your hotel is crucial for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is essential for environmental sustainability. By conserving energy, you can significantly reduce your hotel’s carbon footprint, which can have a positive impact on the environment. It’s important to remember that the hospitality industry is one of the biggest consumers of energy, so even small efforts to reduce energy usage can make a significant difference.
In addition to the environmental benefits, reducing energy consumption can also result in significant cost savings for your hotel. Energy costs can make up a significant portion of your hotel’s operating expenses, so by being conscious of your energy usage and implementing energy-efficient practices, you can reduce your energy bills and improve your bottom line.
Another benefit of being conscious about energy usage is that it can help to enhance your hotel’s reputation. In recent years, more and more consumers have become environmentally conscious, and many people now actively seek out eco-friendly accommodation options. By promoting your hotel’s energy-efficient practices, you can appeal to these consumers and potentially attract new customers who value sustainability.
What types of energy meters are available for hotels?
There are several types of energy meters available, but the two most common ones are traditional meters and smart meters.
Traditional meters require manual meter reading, while smart meters provide real-time information about your energy consumption.
Electricity meters come in two types: standard meters and Economy 7 meters. Standard meters measure your electricity usage per kWh, while Economy 7 meters measure your usage across two rates – a cheaper night-time rate and a more expensive daytime rate.
How can I find out the best meter for my hotel?
To find the best energy meter for your hotel, you need to consider several factors, including your energy supplier, your current energy consumption, and your billing arrangement.
If you don’t already have a meter installed, you can contact your energy supplier to arrange for one to be installed. The supplier will ask you for your current energy usage, and based on this, they will recommend a meter that is suitable for your hotel’s energy consumption.
Smart meters are becoming increasingly popular because they make it easier to monitor energy usage and cut costs. Smart meters also provide real-time data about your energy consumption, so you don’t have to wait for a meter reading or estimate your energy usage.
Smart meters come in two types: SMETS1 and SMETS2. SMETS2 meters are the latest version and provide more accurate bills than SMETS1 meters. If you already have a smart meter, you may need to switch to a SMETS2 meter to get the most accurate bills.
One of the benefits of smart meters is that they come with an energy monitor that displays your energy usage in real-time. This makes it easier to identify appliances that are using too much energy and make changes to reduce your energy consumption.
- Remote access: Smart meters can be accessed remotely, allowing hoteliers to monitor energy consumption from anywhere. This can be especially useful for hotel chains with multiple properties.
- Sustainability: Smart meters can support a hotel’s sustainability goals by reducing energy waste and helping to minimize the carbon footprint of the business.
- Accurate measurement: Smart meters measure electricity consumption more accurately than traditional meters. This ensures that hoteliers are charged only for the electricity they use, which can save them money.
- Real-time data: Smart meters provide real-time data on energy consumption, allowing hoteliers to monitor their energy usage and adjust it as necessary. This can help them identify areas where they can save energy and reduce costs.
If you’re not sure what type of meter you have, you can check your electricity bill. The type of meter you have will be listed on the bill. If your bill doesn’t say what type of meter you’re using, you can contact your energy supplier to find out.
If you want to change your meter, you’ll need to contact your energy supplier to arrange for a new one to be installed. There may be a cost associated with this, so it’s worth finding out how much it will cost before you make a decision.
If you have an Economy 7 meter, it’s essential to understand how it works. These meters provide two rates – a cheaper night-time rate and a more expensive daytime rate. You can save energy by using appliances during the cheaper rate period and avoiding using them during the more expensive rate period.
Half-hourly meters are used for larger premises, such as hotels. These meters provide more accurate bills because they record your energy consumption every half-hour. If you have a half-hourly meter, you will need to pay for the meter installation and ongoing metering costs.
When choosing an energy meter, it’s essential to consider your hotel’s opening hours and energy consumption patterns. This will help you choose a meter that accurately measures your energy usage and provides accurate bills.
How much energy do hotels use annually?
The amount of energy used by hotels in the UK annually can vary depending on factors such as the size of the hotel, the number of rooms, the type of facilities offered, and the energy efficiency measures in place. According to a report by the Carbon Trust, hotels in the UK use an average of 500 kWh per square meter per year for electricity and 65 kWh per square meter per year for gas. However, the energy consumption can be much higher for larger hotels, luxury hotels, or those with additional facilities such as spas, swimming pools, and conference centers.
One example of how much energy a hotel in the UK may use can be seen in a case study of a 49-room boutique hotel in Brighton. The hotel underwent an energy audit to identify ways in which energy consumption could be reduced. Before any energy-saving measures were implemented, the hotel’s annual electricity consumption was around 93,000 kWh and gas consumption was around 47,000 kWh.
To calculate your electricity usage, visit here.
To calculate your gas usage, visit here.
What are some ways to reduce my hotel’s energy consumption?
With energy prices rising and environmental regulations increasing, it’s even more important to make sure your hotel is as energy-efficient as possible. Luckily, there are a number of simple and creative ways to reduce your hotel’s energy consumption, saving money and helping the environment in the process:
- Installing occupancy sensors: Install occupancy sensors in hotel rooms and public areas to automatically turn off lights and air conditioning when no one is present.
- Upgrading HVAC systems: Upgrading HVAC systems to more energy-efficient models can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Implementing a linen reuse program: Encourage guests to reuse their towels and linens during their stay, which can reduce the amount of water and energy used in laundering.
- Reducing hot water consumption: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water consumption and install heat traps on water heaters to reduce heat loss.
- Installing solar panels: Install solar panels on the hotel’s roof or parking lot to generate renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Conducting regular energy audits: Regularly assess the hotel’s energy consumption to identify areas where energy-saving measures can be implemented.