Data-driven solutions: The value of sub-metering for multi-site retailers
Retailers are under significant financial pressure, with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) forecasting a £7 billion rise in operational costs in 2025 from the Budget, including higher employer national insurance contributions. Set against this challenging landscape, efficient energy management has become a critical strategic priority.
Sub-metering is a powerful enabler of better energy management, offering retailers the insights needed to pinpoint inefficiencies and streamline operations across complex, multi-site portfolios. It can also support compliance with growing [Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expectations].
At Cura Energy, we’re specialists in combining high-quality sub-metering installations with robust maintenance and advanced energy engineering services to turn energy data into actionable improvements - and drive cost savings in the retail sector.
What is sub-metering and why does it matter to retail?
Sub-metering involves installing additional meters to monitor specific areas, systems, or equipment within a building or across multiple sites. This granular data empowers retailers with a clear understanding of how, when, and where energy is being consumed.
For multi-site retailers, this precision can be transformative. By tracking energy usage in real time, retailers can pinpoint inefficiencies, such as underperforming sites or energy-intensive equipment, and implement targeted improvements. Benchmarking performance across different stores becomes more practical, allowing for realistic energy-saving goals.
Additionally, sub-metering provides detailed insights that support smarter decision-making, such as optimising operational schedules or upgrading equipment. This data-driven approach translates into measurable cost savings, with sub-metering providing the foundation of an effective energy management strategy.
The hidden hero: Meter maintenance
While the initial installation of sub-metering systems is the first step towards better energy management, sub-meters’ true value lies in the integrity and accuracy of the data they provide. Neglected meters can lead to unreliable information, jeopardising decision-making and missing opportunities for cost-saving adjustments.
At Cura Energy, we set ourselves apart with a dedicated team of skilled energy engineers - not general electricians. These experts ensure your sub-metering infrastructure remains in optimal condition through routine maintenance and calibration. By safeguarding the quality of your data, Cura Energy maximises the return on your investment in sub-metering technology.
Real-world impact: Enhanced energy efficiency
Consider a retailer with tens of stores spread across the country. Without sub-metering, energy data might only reflect overall averages, making it difficult to identify specific issues. Sub-metering provides the granularity needed to highlight inefficiencies, such as:
- A single store’s lighting system staying on after hours due to programming errors, wasting thousands annually.
- Inefficient HVAC operation during peak hours at another site, driving up energy costs unnecessarily.
- Refrigeration units across multiple locations consuming more energy than expected, signalling the need for maintenance.
These insights enable targeted actions, delivering cost savings while supporting sustainability goals.
Cura Energy: Your trusted partner in sub-metering
Cura Energy understands the challenges of managing energy across highly complex, multi-site retail operations. Our tailored sub-metering solutions include expert installation, proactive maintenance, and advanced engineering services. This provides the precise and reliable data needed to help retailers optimise energy use, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability targets.
Energy does not have to be another uncontrollable expense, sub-metering lays the foundation for smarter, more efficient and more cost-effective retail building operations.
Contact us to learn how our sub-metering solutions can unlock new levels of efficiency across your multi-site retail estate.