The CEO’s Guide to Energy Cost Planning: What Smart Businesses Do Differently 

Let’s be honest — energy costs aren’t always at the top of the list when businesses sit down to map out their 2- to 3-year plans. Sure, we know these costs exist, and yes, we factor them into operating expenses, but too often, they get treated as a fixed, predictable line item. That’s a mistake. 

If your business relies on energy-intensive operations — like an auto dealership or any other facility that is in the midst of installing an EV charging network — you’re already seeing the writing on the wall. Energy costs aren’t just rising; they’re becoming more unpredictable. And that unpredictability? It can eat away at your bottom line if you’re not planning for it. 

The energy cost landscape is changing — fast

Global energy demand is surging. According to ExxonMobil, we’re looking at continued growth in electricity consumption, driven by everything from data centers to electric vehicle adoption. At the same time, renewables are expanding as a reliable source to fuel power grids, but they’re not yet at a point where they can stabilize energy pricing across the board. 

Throw in supply chain issues, geopolitical instability, shifting regulations, and extreme weather events, and what do we get? Volatile energy markets. Reports from Deloitte and Energy Digital point to continued fluctuations in energy prices in the coming years. And Reuters has already warned that U.S. wholesale power prices are set to increase in 2025 to the tune of 7 percent. If you’re not thinking ahead about price volatility, you’re going to feel it, intensely. 

Energy cost trends

In the years ahead, your business energy bill is likely going to swing up and down more than you’d like, especially if you don’t have systems in place to regulate energy pulls, conduct load-shedding, forecast energy needs, etc.  And as your energy demand grows, those swings will have bigger financial consequences. 

As OEMs add more electric and hybrid vehicles to model year rollouts, dealers need more reliable charging stations and systems on site to keep inventory ready for test drives. And as more businesses install Level 3 units, some utilities are adjusting their pricing models to reflect this new reality. Meanwhile, many other types of companies that use power are forecasting their simultaneous growing needs for manufacturing, data centers and other uses. (Deloitte estimates data centers alone will drive about 44 GW of additional demand by 2030.)  If your business isn’t factoring in potential demand surges or shifts in energy pricing structures, you could be in for some nasty surprises. 

EV charging: A game changer for energy costs

A few things we’ve been helping businesses like yours think through: 

• How demand charges will impact your monthly energy bill 

• Why time-of-use rates will shift how and when vehicles are charged 

• If on-site energy storage or solar solutions or other solutions can offset peak pricing for some clients 

We’re already seeing businesses struggle with the financial impact of scaling up their EV infrastructure without a solid energy cost strategy. And that’s where the right planning — and the right energy partner — comes into play. 

How businesses can get ahead

So, what can you do to get ahead of rising or unpredictable energy costs? Here are a few strategies we recommend: 

1. Energy Efficiency Upgrades: The cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one you don’t use. Optimize everything else – HVAC, lighting, and other equipment. 
2. Smart Energy Procurement: We help businesses lock in better energy rates and identify commercial procurement strategies that reduce exposure to market swings. 
3. Renewable Integration: On-site solar, battery storage, or even microgrids can provide long-term energy cost stability for certain organizations. 
4. Load Management for EV Charging: If you’re investing in EV infrastructure, strategic scheduling and demand-response programs can help you avoid peak pricing. 
5. Proactive Planning: Don’t wait for a price spike to react. Work with an energy managed service provider (like us) to build a forward-looking energy strategy that aligns with your business goals. 

The bottom line? Energy costs are changing, and they need to be a bigger part of your business planning than ever before. Ignoring them could mean higher expenses, squeezed margins, and missed opportunities. Don’t embark on electrification without a plan.  With the right approach, you can turn energy management from a risk into a competitive advantage.

Our passion is helping businesses like yours navigate the complexities of energy cost planning, installation and management, through software tools backed by an expert team. Let’s talk about how we can future-proof your business against energy price volatility — so you can focus on what you do best. 

Ready to get ahead of rising energy costs? Schedule a complimentary energy cost consultation today.