Waterford businesses well above national retail average on energy use

Waterford businesses are using "well above" the national average on retail energy use, according to a new study from energy broker Procure.ie.

Between 2009 and 2025, businesses in Waterford used an average of 1,138 kWh per square metre a year, well above the national shop average of 871 kWh a year, making it the fourth highest county for energy-hungry businesses.

Unlike a BER rating, which gives a building a letter grade, this study looked at primary energy use across building types, measuring the actual figure businesses' energy bills are built on.

Based on the data conducted on over 790 certificates across Waterford city and county, shops are the main problem for businesses trying to keep their energy costs down in Waterford.

Retail is the main energy user in three of the top five worst counties, including Waterford, with counties housing older, standalone shops feeling this problem the hardest.

Offices become the main driver further down the list, but don't appear to be a heavy hitter in Waterford's energy use.