How Small Businesses Can Reduce Their Electricity Costs in Spain

Electricity prices in Spain have remained volatile since the energy crisis of 2022, and while the wholesale market has stabilised, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to pay significantly higher rates than before the pandemic. For many businesses, electricity represents one of the largest monthly expenses. Understanding how to reduce electricity costs for small businesses in Spain is now essential for financial stability and sustainability.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore practical ways for companies to cut their energy bills through smarter consumption, technology upgrades, and renewable solutions — all perfectly aligned with Evergreen Eléctrica’s business electricity plans.

1. Understand How Business Electricity Pricing Works

In Spain, business electricity bills are calculated using three main components:

• Contracted power (potencia contratada): the fixed monthly charge based on the maximum power you need available.
• Energy consumption (kWh used): the variable cost depending on how much electricity your company consumes.
• Time-of-use pricing: Spain’s three-tier system divides the day into distinct price periods.

Off-Peak (Valle): Midnight to 8 a.m. and all weekends (cheapest).
Mid-Peak (Llano): 8–10 a.m., 2–6 p.m., and 10 p.m.–Midnight.
Peak (Punta): 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and 6–10 p.m. (most expensive).

Adjusting working hours or scheduling heavy consumption processes during off-peak hours can reduce energy costs by up to 20% without investing in new equipment.

2. Optimise Your Contracted Power

Many Spanish SMEs pay for more power than they actually use. Reducing your contracted power by one level (for instance, from 10 kW to 7 kW) could save over €100 annually on fixed costs. Request a consumption study from your supplier or contact Evergreen Eléctrica for a free bill analysis to determine your optimal power configuration.

3. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment

Replacing outdated equipment with modern, efficient alternatives is one of the fastest ways to lower energy bills. Focus on these areas:

• Lighting: Switch to LED bulbs and install motion sensors in low-traffic areas. LEDs use 80–90% less energy than halogens.
• Office equipment: Use ENERGY STAR certified computers, printers, and monitors. Laptops use roughly 70% less power than desktops.
• Refrigeration and machinery: Regular maintenance, clean filters, and proper insulation improve efficiency and prevent power waste.

Over time, these upgrades pay for themselves through consistent reductions in monthly consumption.

4. Use Smart Technology to Monitor and Control Energy

Smart technology gives business owners the tools to track consumption in real time and automatically adjust usage patterns. Consider implementing:

• Smart meters: monitor hourly usage and detect anomalies.
• Smart thermostats: maintain consistent temperatures and prevent unnecessary heating or cooling.
• Lighting sensors: ensure that lights only turn on when needed.

Studies show that small businesses can cut total electricity use by 15–25% with these systems.

5. Schedule High-Consumption Activities for Off-Peak Hours

Take full advantage of Spain’s time-of-use tariffs by scheduling high-consumption operations during cheaper periods. Manufacturing, cleaning, or laundry processes can often be moved to weekends or late nights to benefit from lower rates per kilowatt-hour.

Restaurants and bakeries can also preheat ovens earlier in the morning, while hotels can schedule laundry cycles overnight. Even small adjustments can lead to significant savings on your business electricity rates.

6. Improve Insulation and HVAC Performance

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for 40–50% of electricity use in many Spanish workplaces. To minimise waste:

• Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent heat loss or gain.
• Use reflective blinds or thermal curtains to block excess heat.
• Maintain air-conditioning filters and ducts for better airflow.
• Set thermostats to 19°C for heating and 24°C for cooling.

These simple measures can reduce overall consumption by up to 15% annually.

7. Eliminate Standby Consumption (“Vampire Loads”)

Devices such as routers, monitors, and cash registers often remain on standby and consume electricity 24/7. Installing advanced power strips or timed sockets ensures these devices are fully powered down after hours. For a typical office, eliminating standby loads can reduce electricity usage by 5–10%.

8. Make the Most of Natural Light

Rethink your workspace layout to increase the use of daylight. Natural light can cut lighting costs dramatically and improve employee wellbeing. Use lighter wall colours, reposition desks closer to windows, and install vertical blinds to maximise sunlight during working hours.

9. Invest in Renewable Energy and Self-Generation

Spain’s sunny climate offers excellent potential for renewable generation. Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or smaller plug-in units allows small businesses to generate part of their own power, reducing dependence on the national grid and protecting against market fluctuations.

Evergreen Eléctrica can guide your business through the process of integrating renewable solutions into your energy plan, including government grants and tax incentives available for companies investing in sustainability.

10. Engage Employees in Energy Awareness

Energy efficiency starts with daily habits. Encourage your team to take small actions that collectively have a big impact:

• Switch off lights, computers, and air-conditioning when rooms are empty.
• Use shared printers and activate power-saving settings on office equipment.
• Assign “energy champions” within teams to monitor consumption trends and promote awareness.

Behavioural changes combined with smart technology can produce long-lasting energy savings for your business.

11. Monitor and Analyse Your Consumption

Knowledge is power — literally. Use smart meter data or supplier apps to track hourly consumption and identify unusual spikes in usage. By understanding when and where your business uses the most energy, you can make targeted improvements that reduce costs.

Providers like Evergreen Eléctrica offer ongoing consumption monitoring and reporting tools that make it easier to spot inefficiencies before they become expensive.

12. Review Your Business Electricity Contract Regularly

Energy markets in Spain change frequently, and what was competitive last year may no longer be today. Reviewing your contract at least once a year ensures you’re still getting the best rate for your needs.

Through Evergreen Eléctrica’s personalised energy services, you can compare different business tariffs, analyse real consumption data, and receive tailored recommendations — all aimed at lowering your monthly electricity expenses.