Key energy lessons from 2025 

1. Lower wholesale prices don’t mean lower bills 

One of the most important lessons of 2025 was that falling wholesale prices don’t always translate into lower energy bills. While commodity prices softened, many businesses still faced rising costs due to increases in 3rd party charges and policy-driven levies. 

Lesson: Focusing only on unit rates is no longer enough. Understanding the full breakdown of your energy bill is essential for accurate budgeting and exploring possibilities to reduce fixed and levy costs. 

2. Businesses with energy strategy perform better 

Organisations that actively manage their energy procurement were better positioned to control energy costs. This included businesses that: 

• Reviewed TCR bandings ahead of contract renewals    

• Tracked the market for best buying time instead of renewing at fixed calendar points 

Lesson: Energy procurement is better performed as an ongoing task with market and industry regulations tracked on a regular basis. 

3. Consumption visibility matters more than ever 

2025 highlighted that many businesses still lack clear visibility into when, where, and how energy is used. Those with access to consumption data and usage insights were able to make faster, more informed decisions during periods of peak demand. 

Lesson: You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Accurate data is the foundation of cost control. 

Managing energy usage in winter 

As winter sets in, energy demand naturally rises. Preparation now can prevent unnecessary costs later. 

1.OptimiseHeating, Cooling & Operations 

We recommend: 

• Reviewing heating schedules and setpoints 

• Ensuring HVAC systems are serviced and operating efficiently 

• Avoiding unnecessary energy use during non-operational hours 

Small operational changes can have a significant impact when applied across large or multi-site estates.

2.Reduce Heat Loss Across Buildings

Heat loss is a major contributor to winter energy waste in commercial properties. 

Practical steps include: 

• Addressing drafts around doors, loading bays, and windows 

• Ensuring insulation is intact and appropriate for the building type 

• Checking that the automatic doors and shutters are functioning correctly 

These measures improve thermal efficiency without disrupting operations

3.Monitor Winter Demand Patterns

Colder weather often changes how and when energy is used. 

Businesses should: 

• Track changes in consumption during the winter months 

• Identify unexpected increases during early mornings, evenings, or weekends 

• Use this insight to adjust operating schedules and controls to reduce energy waste 

Understanding winter demand patterns allows businesses to act early rather than react to rising costs later. 

Looking Ahead to 2026 

If 2025 showed us anything, it’s that energy resilience is built through preparation, not prediction. Businesses that treat energy as a strategic priority—rather than a fixed overhead—will be better equipped to handle winters, tighter margins, and evolving sustainability expectations. 

A year-end energy review is not just about looking back. It’s about ensuring your business enters 2026 informed, prepared, and in control.