How to reduce 30% of your SME's energy costs in 2026

1. Energy audit: the starting point

Before implementing any solution, it's essential to understand where you're consuming. A professional energy audit identifies critical points — lighting, HVAC and industrial equipment typically account for 80% of the bill.

• Audit consumption profile (peak vs. off-peak hours)
• Measure contracted power vs. actual power used
• Identify equipment with standby consumption
• Map peak and low consumption hours

2. Right tariff for the right profile

Most SMEs are on the wrong tariff. The liberalized market offers much more competitive options than regulated tariffs. Buildness Energy, as an authorized EDP agent, negotiates personalized tariffs based on actual consumption profiles.

Real case: A distribution company in Setúbal reduced its bill by 22% by switching to a bi-hourly tariff.

3. Solar self-consumption as savings lever

Installing solar panels has an average return of 4 to 6 years for companies with consumption above 50,000 kWh/year.

• IMI exemption for self-consumption installations
• 32% IRC deduction via RFAI benefits
• Possibility to inject surplus into the grid

4. Equipment energy efficiency

Replacing old equipment with A+++ class versions can represent savings of 30 to 50%. LED lighting, high-efficiency air conditioning and smart management systems offer the highest ROI.

5. Continuous monitoring and adjustment

Energy needs to be monitored in real time. Energy management platforms allow you to identify consumption anomalies and automate savings actions.

Buildness Energy offers free monitoring for the first 12 months.