How to manage seasonal energy costs as a small business
Seasonal energy changes can sneak up on small businesses and bump up your bills. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on top of things year-round.
Running a small business means wearing many hats. Managing energy costs is one of them, and it often shifts with the seasons. Whether it’s keeping the office warm in winter or cool in the summer, energy use rises and falls in cycles. Add rising costs and sustainability goals, and it’s clear: you need a plan.
Our guide is here to help you. It’s packed with practical steps to manage energy smarter across the year, and shows how our RED platform gives you real-time visibility, control and confidence when managing your energy.
Why seasonal energy management matters
Energy use isn’t fixed. It moves with the seasons, shaped by temperature, light, working hours, and demand. Heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment all shift in intensity.
Failing to prepare can mean:
Higher, unexpected bills.
Strain on outdated or inefficient systems.
Discomfort that impacts productivity.
A bigger carbon footprint.
For small businesses, making your energy work smarter for you is important and, overall, good business.
The four types of energy management
To stay ahead of seasonal swings, it helps to think in four directions:
1) Preventive energy management
This is about staying ahead of problems before they happen. Keep systems running efficiently with small, regular actions:
Service boilers and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) units.
Replace filters.
Seal drafts and check insulation.
Make sure windows and doors shut tightly.
2) Predictive energy management
Here, data does the work. Utilising predictive tools helps you see what’s coming and act before costs rise.
Look at usage patterns over time.
Plan for seasonal spikes.
Use smart metres to track peak times.
Let tools like tem energy’s RED platform turn patterns into action.
3) Corrective energy management
Noticed something off? Corrective steps fix inefficiencies you’ve already spotted.
Replace old appliances.
Fix broken thermostats.
Recalibrate controls.
4) Proactive energy management
Think long term. Proactive energy choices make your systems more efficient over time.
Install renewable tech.
Use motion sensors.
Upgrade lighting and equipment.
Train staff in everyday energy-saving habits.
Together, these four approaches help you ride seasonal changes with less waste, more control, and all while saving costs for your small business.
How seasonal changes affect energy use
Every season brings its rhythm. Here’s how to tune in as a small business.
Saving energy costs in winter: stay warm without burning cash
In colder months, energy use peaks.
Key energy drains in winter:
Heating (space and water).
More lighting (shorter days).
How to keep energy costs low in winter:
Try to improve your insulation, especially walls, roofs, and windows.
Use smart thermostats to only run the heat when it is needed.
Only heat occupied spaces.
Encourage staff to report drafts or cold spots.
Review your tariff, does it still match your winter usage?
Saving energy costs in spring: reset, recharge, and get ahead
Spring is a window to prepare for summer and fix what winter left behind.
Tips for cutting energy costs during spring:
Service heating and check cooling systems.
Upgrade to LED lighting; use timers or daylight sensors.
Run an energy audit to find inefficiencies within your small business.
Clean windows and skylights to boost natural light.
Saving energy costs in summer: stay cool without overloading
When the temperature climbs, so do cooling needs for your small business.
High usage energy areas in the summer:
Air conditioning and fans.
Refrigeration (especially if your small business revolves around food!).
Lighting during longer working hours.
Smart energy actions to take in summer:
Set thermostats no lower than 24°C.
Use reflective blinds or window films to block heat.
Shift heavy tasks to cooler times of day.
Check fridge seals and fix leaks.
Ventilate using cooler night air when possible.
Saving energy costs in autumn: take stock and prepare
As things cool down, it’s time to look back and plan for your small business’s energy needs.
An energy checklist for autumn:
Review your summer usage and get staff feedback.
Test heating systems early, avoid breakdowns later.
Adjust lighting for shorter days.
Clear gutters and roofs to avoid insulation issues.
What’s wasting your small business’s energy on standby?
Standby power use quietly adds up. According to the Energy Saving Trust, UK homes and businesses waste around £140 million a year this way.
Potential common culprits for small businesses:
Printers and copiers.
Computers and chargers.
Coffee machines and kettles.
Microwaves and fridges with bad seals.
How to combat wasted standby energy costs:
Use timers or smart plugs.
Create simple shutdown checklists.
Choose appliances with auto-off features.
Tackling heating and lighting costs as a small business
Heating and lighting often top the list for small business energy use. But simple changes go a long way.
To recap, here are some of our quick wins for small businesses:
Install programmable thermostats.
Add motion sensors in low-use spaces.
Clean fixtures, dust cuts brightness.
Switch to LED or smart lighting.
How can we, tem energy, help small businesses?
Managing energy across the seasons can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Our platform, RED, gives you and your small business control on your terms.
With RED, you can:
Track use in real time – See what you’re using, when and where, across all areas of your business.
Get insights you can act on – The RED portal flags unexpected spikes so you can make changes before bills rise.
Understand seasonal trends – Compare usage year-on-year with clear dashboards.
See your impact – Know what share of your energy comes from UK renewable generators.
Simplify billing – No more confusing invoices. Just clear, honest visibility.
From winter heating to summer cooling, our RED platform helps you manage energy better, with less effort and less cost.
Start making energy work with you
There’s no one way to manage energy. But there is a better way. One that starts with planning, continues with the right tools and evolves season by season.
Let’s build an energy strategy that lasts all year.
Let’s reduce waste, save on energy costs, and move closer to net zero, together.
Ready to tackle seasonal energy changes smarter?
Let’s talk. Our team at tem energy are ready to show how your small business can save money and power the upcoming seasons with RED.