When the new school year begins each September, the start of term doesn't just bring full classrooms - it brings a sharp rise in energy demand. For headteachers, business managers, and academy trusts already under financial pressure, this seasonal spike can stretch budgets even further.
The good news?
With the right strategies in place, schools can regain control of their energy spend and free up more resources for what really matters: education.
Why Energy Use Spikes in September
Schools are unique when it comes to energy demand. Unlike many businesses that run consistently year-round, schools see major seasonal swings.
- Full occupancy returns: After the summer break, every classroom, office, kitchen, and sports facility comes back into use at once.
- Lighting demand increases: As nights draw in, classrooms, corridors, and outdoor areas require longer lighting hours.
- Kitchens scale up: With catering services running at full tilt, kitchen equipment becomes one of the biggest energy consumers.
- Heating systems restart: Boilers and central heating often come back online in September, running earlier each morning to keep buildings comfortable.
According to the Department for Education, schools are the second largest non domestic energy users in the UK. When term starts again in September, energy demand rises sharply - with some schools reporting usage jumping as much a third compared to summer months.
The Cost Challenge for Schools
Budgets in education are already under strain. Rising wholesale energy prices, combined with increasing demand, mean schools face tough choices. Paying more for energy often means cutting back elsewhere, whether in resources, maintenance, or even curtailing further investment.
And it’s not just about total cost. Many schools are on outdated contracts, or worse, default ‘out-of-contract’ rates that can be 40 - 80% higher than competitive tariffs - according to industry benchmarks. Without proper management, the seasonal spike can become a permanent drain.
And the pressure isn’t only financial. More than 2000 Uk schools, representing over 1 million pupils, have now pledged to hit net zero by 20230 through the Lets Go Zero campaign led by climate charity Ashden. That ambition puts schools in the spotlight: cut energy costs now, cut carbon for the future
How Schools Can Save on Energy
The good news is that there are practical steps schools can take to reduce costs without compromising comfort or safety.
1. Audit Current Contracts
When was the last time your school reviewed its energy agreement? Many contracts include hidden fees or outdated terms. An audit helps ensure you’re not overpaying and highlights opportunities for savings.
2. Benchmark Against Market Rates
Energy markets are volatile. Comparing your current tariff against wholesale market rates ensures you’re not stuck paying above the odds. Schools that benchmark regularly can negotiate stronger renewals.
3. Check for Out-of-Contract Rates
If your contract expired and rolled onto a default rate, you could be paying 40% more than necessary. Switching to a fixed-term deal can deliver instant savings.
4. Monitor Usage Across Facilities
Large schools and academies often have multiple meters and varied usage patterns across classrooms, gyms, and kitchens. Smart monitoring identifies where the biggest drains are and helps cut waste.
5. Consider Group Purchasing
Multi-academy trusts or groups of schools can pool demand into a ‘basket’ agreement, gaining the leverage usually reserved for larger organisations. This often means lower unit rates and more favourable terms.
6. Plan for Net Zero
Alongside cost control, schools are under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and meet net zero targets. Taking small steps now - whether through efficiency measures, renewable options, or smarter procurement - can set the foundation for long-term sustainability. You can explore practical guidance and resources via our Resolve Net Zero site.
Case Example: Academy Trust Savings
Resolve recently supported a regional academy that had been paying default rates across several sites. By auditing contracts, consolidating supply, and renegotiating terms, we:
- Reduced annual energy costs by 22%.
- Secured flexible terms aligned with seasonal usage.
- The academy was able to redirect savings into priority areas.
Preparing for Dark Nights Ahead
September is just the beginning. As autumn progresses and daylight hours shorten, electricity and heating demand continue to climb. Without action now, many schools will face their highest bills just as winter sets in.
Proactive contract management and usage monitoring make the difference between reactive bill shock and planned, controlled costs.
The Bottom Line
Energy is one of the largest controllable costs for schools and September is when those costs bite hardest. By auditing contracts, benchmarking rates, and monitoring usage, schools can cut waste and keep budgets under control.
At Resolve, we work with schools and academies across the UK to:
- Eliminate costly out-of-contract rates.
- Negotiate stronger, more flexible supply agreements.
- Provide clarity and confidence over future costs.
Want to see how much your school could save this term? Send us your latest bill for a free, no-obligation review.
If you're looking to save money on your business gas bills then why not get in touch today? The close relationships Resolve Energy has developed with over 24 of the UK’s biggest business energy suppliers allows our energy experts to source the best business gas rates available for your company right when you need them. Request a free quote today and start saving money on your energy.
