The electricity bill arrived like a headache for Spanish companies, especially over the past year. The price signal for megawatt-hours hit record highs for more than a year, and the situation has intensified with Europe facing energy pressures linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Spain and Portugal secured Brussels’ approval for the Iberian mechanism, commonly referred to as the Iberian exception. It aimed to curb the rapid surge in energy costs affecting the wider European market. Yet, this approach also produced unintended effects, including a tariff now known as the regulation fee, a temporary levy on utility bills to cover the costs of price caps. The policy changes followed measures outlined in Royal Decree 10/2022 dated May 13.
Even with government intervention, eurostat data show electricity costs in Spain nearly doubled versus the Eurozone, rising by more than 60 percent last year, compared to 7.7 percent in France and 16.6 percent in Germany. Yet practical steps exist for businesses to significantly reduce their electricity expenses. The following measures outline straightforward, actionable savings:
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Assess and optimize the lighting system efficiency. In large offices, a centralized control system such as a Building Management System (BMS) can automate lighting based on occupancy. This smart approach provides granular consumption data, enabling strategies that cut electricity bills while maintaining comfortable work environments.
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Limit outdoor lighting where not essential. Exterior illumination, including signs and window displays, often receives more power than needed. When lighting is necessary, operate at the minimum required level and for only the required hours, since excessive brightness incurs high costs.
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Install motion sensors in areas with irregular usage, such as hallways and meeting rooms. Lights activate only when people are present, delivering meaningful savings.
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Pair motion sensors with timers. Timers help reduce consumption by varying usage from 2% to 45%, depending on programmed activity. Such controls promote stable, eco-friendly office environments that rely less on continuous lighting.
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Replace aging equipment with high-efficiency alternatives. LED lighting uses significantly less energy than older, low-consumption bulbs, translating into lower bills and reduced heat output. LEDs also boast lower environmental impact as they do not contain mercury and are recyclable.
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Reconsider interior layout to maximize natural light. Open partitions and light-colored walls, along with larger windows, help daylight permeate interiors and reduce reliance on artificial lighting. This approach aligns with research advocating ecological architecture as a solution to rising energy bills.
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Adopt a hybrid operating model. The Energy Efficiency Plan promoted telework to lower energy consumption, with studies indicating measurable savings per employee when remote work is utilized part of the week. Public administration has encouraged telework to reduce energy use, aligning with ongoing efforts to curb gas and electricity demand during peak periods.
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Keep air conditioning and heating systems clean. Dirty filters and obstructed vents hinder performance, forcing devices to work harder. Following manufacturer guidelines or consulting technicians ensures optimal operation.
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Leverage natural light whenever possible. Avoid heavy reliance on blinds and maximize daylight entry. When feasible, creating new openings in ceilings or walls can significantly reduce electricity use over time.
These shifts in energy costs have increased awareness across private firms and public administrations, underscoring a climate and energy crisis. The industry faces a challenging winter ahead, with last summer proving difficult for Spain’s electricity system due to high-priced fuels like gas used for heating. Experts emphasize the need for ongoing adaptation and efficiency improvements across sectors.
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