Ask the Energy Expert

“Why is my energy bill so high overnight — when no one’s even there?”

That’s the question a restaurant owner asked me during a recent energy audit. Confident the business was shut down tight each night — lights off, doors locked, no staff on site — but the energy bill told a different story: steady overnight usage that didn’t match her expectations.

Turns out, this customer is not alone. As much as 30% of the energy consumed in many small businesses is wasted! So, what’s driving your overnight energy use?

Here are the usual suspects:

Common causes of overnight energy use

• HVAC systems running nonstop
  Heating and cooling can make up 50% of your energy use. If systems maintain daytime temps overnight, they may be working harder than needed — especially in older or poorly insulated buildings.
• Refrigeration and freezer units
  These run 24/7 to keep food safe. Aging units or bad seals can add up to money wasted each month.
  ENERGY STAR® upgrades can offer energy savings of 10 to 70% over standard models, depending upon the product category.
• Always-on equipment
  Security systems, servers and POS terminals often stay powered up.
  Quick tip: Implement a startup/shutdown plan to ensure you’re using equipment only when you need it and see the savings pour in.
• Phantom loads
  Devices in standby mode — like coffee makers and chargers — still draw power. Multiply that across your business, and it adds up fast.

How can I find out what’s really happening?

The best way to uncover hidden energy drains is with data — and that's where FPL's Business Energy Manager comes in. The Demand Heatmap feature gives you a clear, visual breakdown of your energy use by 15-minute intervals.

You'll be able to spot: • Hour-by-hour demand patterns • Differences between business hours and after-hours usage • Day-of-week trends that may point to equipment issues • Sudden spikes that could signal a malfunction.

For example: If your business typically uses 15 kW during operating hours, but you're seeing 8–10 kW overnight, the Heatmap helps pinpoint exactly when and where that usage is happening.

What can I do to reduce overnight energy use?

Once you’ve identified the patterns, here are some smart steps to take:

• Adjust your HVAC schedule. Program thermostats to reduce heating or cooling during closed hours. Even a few degrees can make a big difference. Quick tip: Every degree of adjustment can save 3–5% on HVAC energy costs.

• Inspect refrigeration units. Check seals, clean coils and consider upgrading older models. Preventative maintenance reduces energy use and extends equipment life.

• Use smart power strips. These cut power to electronics completely when not in use—eliminating phantom loads.

• Schedule regular equipment maintenance. Aging systems become less efficient over time. Routine checkups prevent energy from creeping up and costly surprises.

Ready to uncover hidden energy drains?

Log into Business Energy Manager and explore the Demand Heatmap. Look for patterns in overnight usage and compare weekdays to weekends. If you spot consistent high demand during closed hours, you've found your starting point for savings.

Even small changes can lead to big results—and lower bills.

Log in to Business Energy Manager