Rising summer demand: How to prepare your business for higher energy usage

Why energy demand spikes in summer

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Hot weather pushes cooling systems harder. Peak hours stretch into late afternoon. Many businesses also run longer trading hours. The result: higher usage, demand charges, and tougher tariff seasons. Preparation beats reaction.

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Quick wins this week

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• Find your baseline: Download your last four bills and note average daily kWh, peak vs off‑peak split, and demand charges if shown.

• Set targets: Aim to trim 5 to 10 percent over summer. Small steps add up.

• Fix the easy leaks: Close doors, seal gaps, shade west‑facing windows, and keep blinds down during the hottest hours.

• Service critical kit: Clean or replace AC filters, clear condenser coils, and check thermostats.

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Prep your site before the heat hits

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• Thermostats: Set cooling to 23 to 24°C in work areas. Avoid large setpoint swings.

• Zoning: Cool only the zones in use. Shut doors to storage or back‑of‑house areas.

• Scheduling: Program start and stop times to match opening hours. Avoid pre‑cooling too early.

• Refrigeration: Check door seals, defrost schedules, and loading. Do not overfill display fridges.

• Lighting: Replace halogens with LEDs. Heat load drops, so AC works less.

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Control air conditioning costs

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• Filter routine: Clean monthly in summer. Dirty filters can add 5 to 15 percent to consumption.

• Fans with AC: Ceiling or pedestal fans let you raise setpoints by 1 to 2°C while maintaining comfort.

• Shade and airflow: Keep outdoor condensers shaded and clear of clutter for proper airflow.

• Thermostat discipline: One person owns the setpoint. Post it where staff can see it.

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Manage peak demand and tariffs

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• Know your tariff: Check if you pay time‑of‑use or demand charges. Peak periods usually fall on weekday afternoons and early evenings.

• Stagger loads: Do not start ovens, dishwashers, or large motors at the same time as AC ramps up.

• Reschedule where possible: Shift cleaning, laundry, or baking to shoulder or off‑peak times.

• Demand control: If your meter shows a kW peak, your highest 15 or 30‑minute window can drive charges. Watch the spikes.

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Smarter operations on extreme‑heat days

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• Heat day plan: Nominate a reduced‑load plan for 35°C and above. Shorten pre‑cool times, pause non‑essential equipment, and tighten door‑open practices.

• Staff briefing: Share simple rules: keep setpoints steady, switch off unused zones, and report hot or cold spots.

• Customer comfort: Use fans near entry points and queue areas to reduce AC strain when doors open often.

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Cut wastage after hours

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• Night sweep: Lights, signage, coffee machines, vending, and bench‑top appliances off at close.

• Timers and smart plugs: Put display lighting and water chillers on timers.

• Standby load audit: Walk the site after close once a week. Note what still draws power and fix it.

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Small upgrades with big impact

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• Door curtains for cool rooms: Reduce warm air ingress and compressor run time.

• EC fans for refrigeration: More efficient and quieter.

• Smart thermostats: Better scheduling and remote checks.

• Window film or tint: Cuts heat gain and glare.

• Ceiling insulation top‑ups: Keeps conditioned air where it belongs.

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Have a plan to switch if prices rise

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• Compare now: A quick bill comparison can confirm if your rate is competitive before peak season.

• Avoid lock‑in pain: Prefer flexibility if you expect further price movement.

• Keep documents handy: ABN, latest bill, and site address details make switching simple.

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What to prepare for your 10‑minute bill comparison

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• Your latest electricity bill (all pages), or a clear photo of each page.

• Your business name, ABN, and site address.

• Contact details for approvals.

• Preferred payment method and any concessions.

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How Zembl can help

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Send us your latest business energy bill. In a 10-minute call, a Zembl Energy Expert compares your current rate with competitive offers from our retailer panel. If you approve an option, we switch you on the spot and handle the paperwork. You stay focused on trading, with a fair price and no fuss.