Energy consumption in the hospitality sector risen by 19% during the summer months according to the latest Savills-Pinergy Energy Monitor.

The sector, which comprises of hotels, bars and restaurants, saw the biggest drop of all sectors between March and May due to Covid-19 restrictions, with consumption levels at 30%.

This rebounded to 37% post phase 1 re-opening of the economy and is now at 56% of normal levels as business increased during the summer months.

Elsewhere, energy consumption in offices remains at 77%, with a significant proportion of the country's office workers still operating from home. The retail sector has rebounded to 97% of normal levels of consumption – up from 92% in June – and the professional, science and technology sectors is at 76% - up from 69%.

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Consumption in the health and leisure sector (private clinics, gyms, sports clubs etc) has seen a small adjustment from 79% in Phase 2 to 77% to end of the Phase 3.

Sharyn McAndrew, Head of Energy & Sustainability at Savills Ireland commented: "With 'wet pubs' remaining closed, it's not surprising that the hospitality sector has seen the biggest decrease in energy consumption during Covid-19 restrictions. However, since the 29th June, when hotels and restaurants re-opened, there has been a significant increase in consumption across the country, which can be attributed to the rise in staycations."

Peter Bastable, Director – Pinergy said: "As Ireland unlocked economic activity during the summer we saw welcome rebounds in activity across a number of sectors, and in particular retail & hospitality. Real estate and offices remain at close to three quarters capacity as many people are working from home some or all of their time."