High streets across Britain may be about to become significantly more energy efficient, as well as noticeably darker.
A new government energy scheme is likely to spell the end for electronic window displays, 24 hour lights and illuminated decorations.
The project will force businesses to pay out for the carbon emissions they make by the tonne - creating an incentive to use less power.
Among those affected, according to the Environment Agency (EA), are likely to be major supermarkets, clothing stores and restaurants.
Those using more than 6,000 megawatt hours per year must sign up to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme between April and September - meaning energy efficiency will become a top priority for more than 5,000 UK firms.
Other cutbacks the EA speculates could be made include leaving doors open to entice customers in, as well as overly heating stores to give them a warm and homely feel.
Tony Grayling, head of climate change and sustainable development at the EA, says: "For businesses the main motivation to cut their energy use will be their bottom line. By cutting energy use businesses stand to benefit from lower energy bills, and could be financially rewarded through the CRC if they perform well in the energy efficiency stakes."
The agency believes that in the modern era, businesses which refuse to adhere to the new energy regulations will suffer a loss of reputation, as consumers value green credentials more and more.
Companies affected by the CRC scheme are those which are already paying out the equivalent of about £500,000 in energy bills - meaning the potential savings could be significant.
The government has also recently announced cash incentives for households which produce their own
green energy, with the installation of a solar panel set to be worth about £900 a year.
