From Heatwaves to Heating: Preparing Your Business for Seasonal Energy Shifts
As summer draws to a close, businesses across the UK face a familiar challenge: adapting to seasonal changes in energy demand. The long, hot months have seen cooling systems, air conditioning, and refrigeration working overtime. Now, as temperatures dip and the focus shifts towards heating and lighting, businesses must be ready for a different set of pressures on energy consumption - and costs.
At CEB Consultants, we see this transition as a prime opportunity for organisations to take stock, reassess, and prepare. Here are some of the key considerations as we move from heatwaves to heating.
1. Anticipating the Autumn - Winter Energy Curve
Cooling demand eases in September, but heating systems soon take centre stage. For many sectors - manufacturing, logistics, hospitality - this seasonal switch means higher energy intensity. Electricity use may plateau, but gas and heating costs begin to climb.
Reviewing recent usage data is essential. Understanding your organisation’s consumption profile allows you to anticipate cost spikes and make proactive adjustments, rather than reacting once the bills arrive.
2. A New Non-Commodity Cost: The Nuclear RAB Levy
From this autumn, businesses will also see a new charge on their electricity bills: the Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) Levy.
October 2025 - An Operational Levy of £0.0028 per MWh is introduced.
November 2025 - A Supplier Obligation Levy of £3.455 per MWh (around 0.3455 pence per kWh) takes effect.
These charges are designed to support the construction of Sizewell C, the UK’s new nuclear power station, by spreading costs across consumers before the plant begins generating power.
While the policy aims to boost long-term energy security, it increases the non-commodity portion of bills for many businesses, particularly those not exempt under the Energy Intensive Industries (EII) scheme. This makes it even more important to review procurement strategies and efficiency measures to offset the additional costs.
3. Reviewing and Optimising Energy Contracts
The seasonal transition is already a good time to revisit energy contracts, but with the RAB levy landing in November, the timing is critical. Businesses that act early may be able to secure favourable terms and avoid unnecessary exposure to market volatility.
An experienced energy partner can benchmark your current arrangements against the market, identify opportunities for savings, and build flexibility into your procurement strategy to absorb new charges.
4. Quick Wins for Efficiency
Seasonal adjustments also open the door to small but meaningful efficiency gains:
Heating system checks - service boilers and HVAC units before peak demand.
Lighting strategy - replace older systems with LEDs and adopt smart controls as daylight hours shorten.
Insulation and draught-proofing - simple measures that cut heating costs.
Employee engagement - encourage behaviours like sensible thermostat use and “switch-off” culture.
These steps won’t cancel out the RAB levy, but they can help balance the impact.
5. Building Resilience Against Uncertainty
Energy remains one of the most volatile business costs, shaped by global markets, geopolitical pressures, and weather extremes. This autumn is an ideal time to review risk management strategies - whether through flexible procurement, demand-side response, or investment in on-site generation. Factoring in new levies and potential winter price spikes is now a central part of that planning.
6. Looking Ahead
Transitioning from summer to autumn isn’t just about swapping cooling for heating - it’s about preparing for the wider structural and seasonal shifts that shape business energy costs. With the new RAB levy arriving in November, now is the time for businesses to take action.
By reviewing contracts, tightening efficiency, and building resilience, organisations can enter winter with confidence - ready to manage both rising demand and new regulatory costs.
At CEB Consultants, we specialise in helping businesses navigate these transitions with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s benchmarking contracts, identifying efficiency savings, or planning for long-term resilience, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Get in touch today to ensure your business is ready for the season ahead.