See how much you could save on energy bills with The Publican Power Saver

What do food and drink costs, business rates and utility bills all have in common?

Apart from all causing headaches for licensees, you can also pretty much guarantee that all of the above are going to be more expensive in 2011.

So to help you with at least one of those problems, we have teamed up with utilities switching company Utilities Direct to launch The Publican Power Saver​.

The scheme - the first of its kind dedicated to businesses in the UK - will strive to help licensees get the best deals on electricity and gas bills and make vast savings in the process.

With the wholesale price of energy soaring by 35 per cent since last spring alone there is little doubt that companies will continue to put up their prices.

However, by shopping around - with the help of The Publican Power Saver​ - it is possible to make sure you get the best possible deal.

Paul Hodnett, Utilities Direct owner, said: "We have had a really good response to this so far and the important thing is that we raise awareness of what is available to people.

"Prices are going up all the time but there are better deals out there.

"I would urge licensees to make themselves aware of what they are paying and look at the alternatives."

And he added that it is essential pubs keep a close eye on when their renewal period is due.

"Business owners must also be aware of the renewal procedure with power companies as they will often have a short window of termination around three months from the end of their contract, failure to act on this could result in price increase of up to 40 per cent fixed for at least 12 months - so awareness is key."

To kick the scheme off, we visited a handful of pubs and carried out energy audits to help them save money.

As well as examining the costs of utility prices this also involved providing energy saving tips to licensees. And as you can see the results show just how much money can be saved.

The Bricklayers Arms, Grays, Essex

Electricity: With current supplier Eon the Bricklayers spends an average of £4,000 per year (plus VAT) on electricity. Comparisons completed by The Publican Power Saver​ found that around 33 per cent could be saved upon renewal.

Gas: The pub recently renewed its gas supplier prior to contacting The Publican Power Saver

Other Savings: Using power saving Philips LED replacement lights will save around £825 in power and £225 in replacement lighting every year

Scott Dickson, licensee at the Brakspear pub, said: "It was really useful having the people come round and explain to me how all of this works.

"Electricity is a huge bill for us and if we could potentially cut it by a third it would make a huge difference to us. Since getting the information back I have contacted Eon and they have already offered me a better deal.

"There are so many things to pay for when running a pub so it is good to make a saving where you can."

The Beach Tavern, Pevensey Bay, East Sussex

Electricity: The freehouse spends around £6,000 per year on electricity with current supplier British Gas. Comparison quotes sourced by The Publican Power Saver​ indicate potential savings of around 18 per cent.

Gas: Findings show that savings on gas are potentially even greater. The pub is again with British Gas and spends around £4,360 a year but this could be cut by 24 per cent.

Other savings: A lighting project at the pub whereby energy saving lightbulbs are introduced throughout would save more than £1,000 for the pub. So with potential savings on gas, electricity and lighting the pub could potentially save a staggering £3,075.

Licensee at the freehouse Stephan Ritchie said: "There is a possibility it could really save us some money so it has been a really worthwhile exercise for us.

"This is a big issue for us so we have to try and make savings wherever we can so I am looking forward to following up on what The Publican Power Saver found."

The Publican Power Saver also visited…

The Crown Inn, in Dial Post, West Sussex​. The pub's current electricity supplier is Opus and the average annual spend is around £11,000. However if the pub fails to switch at the end of its term it could face a steep increase for the next 12 months. The Publican Power Saver​ found quotes that would equate to 47 per cent of savings from the renewal price offered. The pub may also be able to apply for a Carbon Trust loan to cover the cost of installing energy saving equipment such as lighting.

The Swan, Whiteacre Heath, Birmingham​ By simply changing supplier the Swan could potentially save a staggering £3,500 a year period on its electricity bill. On top of that by switching gas suppliers it could save £700 in the first year alone.