Retailers have saved up to £10,000 each on annual electricity bills after switching to more energy-efficient chillers to accommodate an increased demand for chilled and fresh. 

Raj Aggarwal spent £30,000 to modify 25 metres of chillers in his 3,000sq ft Sheffield Spar three years ago. The decision to add new fans, hinged doors and lighting led to monthly electricity savings of £900. 

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He told RN: “I decided to alter the existing chillers in my store after my previous energy bills were too high and making my overheads too expensive. My initial expense has been paid off now.”

Similarly, Ramsey Hasaballa switched to closed upright chillers in his 2,100sq ft Premier in Liverpool. “I needed more chilled space to cater to the demand for fresh and chilled, but wanted to keep my costs as low as possible. I’ve saved £150 per month with the changes,” he said.

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Hasaballa confirmed that switching to closed chillers had not affected his sales. 

Demand for more efficient chillers has increased at PastorFrigor, according to the manufacturer’s sales director, Kevin Sizer. “Retailers are looking for more energy-efficient options because overheads are increasing and they need more space for fresh and food to go,” he said.

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