Greggs | UK Networks Services

Smart power solutions to keep the ovens baking

Using our advanced energy monitoring systems and online assessment tools, we removed the need for unnecessary power upgrades for new or upgraded Greggs shops, allowing them to lower costs and open shops faster.

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When Greggs launched a new store rollout, they faced a common challenge: supplying enough electricity to power everything from ovens to air con. The complications were compounded by the mix of drive-throughs, multi-floor locations and full kitchens. Would these complex shop sites risk exceeding a standard small supply?

Prototype Greggs Control System

The chain was initially planning 200A electrical supplies for each new shop. This would guarantee the electricity supply, but also come with slow and expensive grid works compared to the standard 100A service. Our task was to come up with a smarter, faster, cost-effective solution.

We quickly identified the key issue. Most in-shop appliances only draw maximum power for a few minutes each morning. Did these shops really need the extra power or could they get by with the 100A load? And crucially, how could each Project Manager judge the new shop’s requirements?

Large Greggs shop with 100A supply & UKNS 'Soft Start' system

We monitored the overall power use of key equipment within each shop, along with the minute-by-minute electrical load of its biggest appliances. Enabled by our smart monitoring equipment, we spent several weeks gathering a complete data set.

The results were clear. Few shops ever needed more than 100A, and those that did only had a brief spike in consumption of 10 minutes a day at most. So we were able to assure our client that nearly all new shops could apply for the cheaper, simpler service, and also provide a solution for shops exceeding 100A.

The chain was then supplied with an automated online portal to evaluate the energy load for any new shop, along with Soft Start control boxes for shops where demand exceeded 100A. Those drawn-out and costly 200A upgrades were all but eradicated from the store rollout programme, except for the very large shops.

Soft Start Control Box in our factory

By accurately assessing the expected load for new shops, our handy portal removes the headache of applying for unnecessary upgrades. This has helped the bakery chain streamline its shop expansion in 3 valuable ways:

Lower Costs: Removing the onus of 200A upgrades cuts setup and operational expenses.
Faster Openings: Sticking to 100A connections enables stores to open sooner, keeping expansion on track.
Smarter Decisions: With real-time data, the bakery chain can now make informed choices on whether or not to upgrade a store's power supply.

Online portal

UK Networks Services 'Soft Start' control box under manufacture in our factory in Hertfordshire

Smart power solutions to keep the ovens baking

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