Licensees have been paying up to £7,000 too much a year for power, according to research by a major pub company.
In a trial of 35 pubs Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company (S&NPC) found by switching suppliers it helped licensees save an average of £2,500 on gas bills and a further £1,400 on electricity bills.
The findings are part of the company's Think, Act Save campaign' which provides lessees with guidance on getting the best value for money.
Mike Pope, S&NPC projects support manager, said: "To put it another way, lessees were able to add £3,000 profit to their bottom line without selling a single extra pint or plate of food. It can be time consuming to change suppliers but in a tough economic climate, it has to be worth checking you are getting the best deal.
"Reduced economic activity across the globe has resulted in low commercial energy rates so now is a very good time to review your utility contracts and renegotiate rates or switch your supplier."
She added that websites such as www.powerswitch.com can help licensees thinking of changing their suppliers.
