Winter is the new summer: How businesses can stay ahead of rising energy peaks

New York’s energy landscape is changing fast. Traditionally, summer placed the highest stress on the grid, but electrification of heating and transportation is reshaping demand patterns. According to the NYISO 2025 Power Trends report, winter peaks are now projected to exceed summer highs, reaching nearly 47,000 MW by 2045. That’s a dramatic shift that signals a new reality for businesses.

For commercial real estate and industrial facilities, the message is clear: winter demand response is no longer optional. It’s becoming a central strategy for resilience, cost control, and operational reliability.

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Plan ahead, don’t scramble later

Cold snaps can hit quickly and severely. Waiting until demand spikes often leads to higher costs and disruptions. Early planning is far more effective. Office buildings can optimize HVAC schedules, manufacturers can identify flexible production runs, and operators can target non-essential loads to reduce stress during peak hours. The sooner these strategies are implemented, the smoother operations will remain when demand surges.

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Let data do the heavy lifting

Every facility has a unique energy profile. By analyzing when and where demand spikes occur – such as heating systems ramping up during frigid mornings – businesses can pinpoint reductions that make a real impact. Smart use of energy data delivers efficiency gains without sacrificing comfort or productivity.

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Build in flexibility

Winter demand peaks are inherently unpredictable. Flexibility is key. For buildings, this might involve pre-heating before peak periods or temporarily adjusting ventilation. Industrial sites can shift production schedules or automate load reductions. Combining these tactics with incentives and dynamic pricing can further maximize benefits.

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Make it a people-first team effort

Demand response works best when all stakeholders are aligned. Utilities, grid operators, building managers, tenants, and staff all contribute to reducing load during peak times. Clear communication explains why the measures matter, boosting engagement and results. Each winter provides new lessons – by learning from past successes and identifying opportunities for improvement, businesses can refine their strategies annually.

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Think beyond this winter

The long-term picture is striking. NYISO projects a negative 6,750 MW winter capacity margin by 2034, highlighting the growing importance of energy storage, distributed generation, and broader demand response participation. Businesses that act now position themselves for greater operational stability, cost savings, and resilience for years to come.

Thinking demand response could be right for your building or portfolio? Let's talk.