From Volatility to Strategy: How Businesses Must Rethink Energy Procurement for 2026
“The energy market of 2026 will not reward those chasing the cheapest price - it will reward strategic planning.”
The energy landscape is shifting faster than ever. Between price volatility, increasing net zero obligations, and growing grid constraints, businesses are facing a new reality: energy is no longer just a cost to manage - it’s a strategic asset. What worked in 2024 and 2025 will not automatically work in 2026. Companies that rely solely on chasing the cheapest tariff risk exposure to market shocks and regulatory changes. Instead, the most resilient organisations are taking a strategic approach to energy procurement.
Energy costs are set to remain challenging in 2026. Many high-voltage (HV) customers are paying more than they need in standing charges and distribution costs, with further increases expected next year. The reality? Standard tariff comparisons often miss smarter, site-specific solutions - especially for multi-site and HV operations, where tailored strategies can unlock significant savings.
Lessons from 2025: Volatility, Regulation, and Complexity
The past year has reinforced the need for a proactive, strategic approach:
Price volatility: Unexpected market swings impacted budgets across sectors, showing the limits of short-term, reactive approaches.
Grid constraints: Transmission bottlenecks and distribution challenges particularly affected HV sites, increasing exposure to higher costs.
Sustainability pressure: Net zero targets and ESG obligations are forcing businesses to consider energy strategy at a board level.
Complex cost structures: Standing charges and distribution fees often hide opportunities for savings that simple tariff comparisons cannot reveal.
These realities demonstrate that conventional, one-size-fits-all procurement strategies are no longer sufficient.
Navigating HV and Multi-Site Energy Challenges in 2026
High-voltage (HV) and multi-site operations bring unique energy considerations. Each site can have different consumption patterns, standing charges, and distribution costs, meaning a one-size-fits-all approach often misses opportunities. Understanding the full picture - including grid constraints, tariff structures, and sustainability requirements, is essential for effective energy management.
Businesses that take a strategic, site-specific approach can better manage costs, reduce exposure to market volatility, and align with net zero objectives. For HV and multi-site sites, this often involves looking beyond headline tariffs to consider technical and operational factors that influence overall energy spend.
Exploring Renewable Energy Options
For businesses with solar installations, understanding export payment options is key to maximising financial and sustainability benefits. There are two main routes: the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).
SEG allows businesses to receive payments for surplus electricity exported to the grid. However, for larger systems—particularly those over 50 kWp or exporting more than 50,000 kWh per year - SEG is becoming less practical as suppliers increasingly limit applications.
PPAs are emerging as the preferred solution for larger solar installations. Benefits include:
Higher, fixed income: Payments are predictable and not subject to SEG rate fluctuations.
REGO benefits: Receive Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates alongside financial returns.
Long-term stability: Safeguard revenue against sudden policy or supplier changes.
On-site generation solutions, such as solar or combined heat and power (CHP), enable businesses to optimise consumption and reduce reliance on volatile energy markets. For HV and multi-site operations, even modest efficiency improvements across multiple locations can translate into significant overall benefits.
Looking ahead to 2026, PPAs are expected to be the most attractive option for businesses aiming to maximise returns from larger solar systems. If you’re unsure which route suits your sites, expert review can help determine the most effective approach.
Best Practices for 2026
To navigate 2026 successfully, businesses should focus on a few key practices:
Conduct a site-specific audit: Review each site’s energy consumption, standing charges, and distribution costs to uncover hidden opportunities.
Evaluate renewable options: PPAs, SEG schemes, and on-site generation can stabilise costs and support sustainability goals.
Leverage specialist insight: Multi-site and HV operations benefit from expert knowledge to interpret complex tariffs, regulatory changes, and market trends.
By following these principles, businesses can approach energy procurement proactively rather than reactively, using data and operational insight to make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Energy procurement in 2026 is about more than just price - it’s about strategy. HV and multi-site businesses that take a structured, site-specific approach will be better equipped to manage costs, navigate regulatory changes, and meet sustainability commitments.
“Every site is different. The most resilient businesses in 2026 will be those that treat energy as a strategic asset, guided by insight and informed decision-making.”