Convenience-store retailers nationwide are feeling the pinch of higher energy prices and Connecticut-based XtraMart is no exception. The 400-plus-store chain saw double-digit increases over the past few years in energy costs.
Fortunately for XtraMart, the blow was lessened because three years earlier it had begun a large-scale energy conservation program. The program has reduced kilowatt-hour consumption by up to 25 percent and decreased demand charges up to 12 percent in its 80-plus retrofitted stores, according to those involved in the project.