Overheads nightmare!

Only bought the pub in Feb this year firstimers in the trade and in business.

The Electricity bills are crippling us and thats an understatement thing is I really dont know what is typical for the size and type of my pub. I know its abit of a how long is a piece of string but any comment would be much appreciated.

We are with Economy power say no more! I was told by energy watch yesterday that they are the worsrt suppliers to business.Looks like we are locked in with them until Feb 2007 as I signed a contract locking myself in on the second day here whcih I dont remember doing but chaos reigned so I probably did.

We have to pay in advance which to me is unbelievable as how do they or me know what we shall use in the following quarter.Our bill is almost £400 per month.

My questions are:

1. Is is usual for a business to have to pay Electricity in advance?? Its not because of any bad debt etc my record is pristine.

2. Its a small country pub turnovoer only about 110kcapacity about 80we have 3 freezers, 3 fridges 3 chillers plus cellar.electric Aga.From now all heating and water is solid fuel which surely means winter consumption will be less than summer?Anyone got a similar size place and equip? If so is £400 a month typical for electric.

3. Am I right in thinking it takes more power to cool things in summer.

4. Economy power will not accept that now I have closed down my ice cream freezer, switched off the emersion as the wood burner will heat water until around march. We switch off the the can and bottle coolers overnight.Surely this will reduce consumption?

Sorry to have rambled on this but its seriously affecting profits and Im just not sure if its normal or not.

Energywatch have taken it up with economy power on my behalf but that could take a while.

Many thanks to all for this excellent siteJane Jane Hammill