Star Pubs & Bars has used its buying power to negotiate a new energy supply deal with British Gas for its licensees to help mitigate the energy crisis facing the pub industry. This will see the company bulk and forward buy energy from British Gas on behalf of its pubs at times when the market is lowest to ensure competitive prices.
This move aims to address the concerns of its licensees who have been reporting that they can only get energy supplied by signing up to contracts with premium prices, lengthy terms, high-security deposits and hidden extras that add up to 60% to their bills. Following the collapse of several energy firms, licensees are also concerned about the security of supply from lesser-known operators. Star Pubs & Bars’ energy scheme – which is run by its energy partner Inspired Energy – is designed to address these issues.
Licensees sign up to a one-year agreement to cushion them against the anticipated surge in energy prices in the autumn, whilst giving them the flexibility to renegotiate their contracts in autumn 2023 when prices are expected to fall. There are no additional charges and – subject to approval on a pub-by-pub basis – deposits are not required.
Says Mark MacDonald, Head of Pub Services with Star Pubs & Bars, “Energy is a pub’s second-biggest cost after wages, so the current energy issues are a major challenge for the trade. The energy market is complex, and people need expertise to navigate the terms and conditions of the different agreements. Some of the four and five-year contracts available look attractive now but could prove very expensive when the market corrects.
“Our aim is to simplify the process of securing a good energy deal for our licensees by creating a transparent agreement built around their best interests. All of our 140 managed-operator Just Add Talent pubs will be on it. By using our managed pubs’ buying power, we’re able to offer great rates and terms to our leased & tenanted licensees, too.”
To help licensees track and reduce their energy consumption, participating pubs will have access to an online portal showing how they use energy. This, combined with Smart Meter installation, improves billing accuracy and reduces the need for estimated bills. Star Pubs & Bars receives no financial benefit from its energy scheme.
