North West forecourt operator The Kay Group is hoping to shave thousands of pounds off its bills following the launch of an energy reduction programme across eight of its Spar branded stores.

The roll-out follows a successful three-month trial at its site in Blackburn Lancashire.

The stores will be fitted with ‘Energy Reduction Packs’ from Enviroglow.

Packs focus on optimising voltage, making in-store and exterior lighting and refrigeration more efficient and installing timers and sensors.

Together the measures can save more than 30% on electricity costs with an average rate of return on investment of less than 26 months.

Kay Group managing director Richard Cox said: “Enviroglow came to us with projections of 38.5% savings on our electricity costs, to say we were sceptical was an understatement, however given they were guaranteeing a minimum return of 30%, it was a bit of a no-brainer”.

“Throughout the first six weeks we were actually achieving figures well above the projected 38.5%, although this has now dropped slightly due to the additional lighting and heating requirements needed at this time of the year, but we fully expect this to rise back to the higher figures once we are through winter,” he added.