Typical warehouse energy consumption
Consumption is closely tied to floor area, ceiling height and whether the warehouse includes ambient storage only or temperature-controlled sections.
| Warehouse size | Electricity (kWh/yr) | Gas (kWh/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30,000 sqft) | 80,000 - 180,000 | 20,000 - 60,000 |
| Medium (30,000-100,000 sqft) | 180,000 - 400,000 | 60,000 - 150,000 |
| Large (100,000+ sqft) | 400,000 - 800,000+ | 150,000 - 350,000+ |
What drives the cost
- High-bay lighting across large open floor areas, often running long hours
- Space heating, particularly in warehouses handling temperature-sensitive goods
- Electric forklift and materials handling equipment charging
- Conveyor systems and automated sortation equipment where installed
- Loading bay doors and dock levellers with electric operation
Gas versus electricity split
Many modern warehouses use electric or gas-fired unit heaters for space heating, with the balance depending on installation choice. Warehouses without significant heating installed will show electricity as the dominant fuel, driven mainly by lighting and equipment.
Lighting upgrades and consumption impact
LED lighting upgrades in high-bay warehouse settings can reduce lighting-related electricity consumption substantially compared with older fluorescent or sodium lighting, which is worth factoring into consumption estimates if an upgrade has recently taken place or is planned.
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Standing charges and metering
Larger warehouses, particularly distribution centres with automated equipment, often qualify for half-hourly electricity metering. Standing charges reflect the connection capacity needed to support lighting, heating and equipment across a large single site.
Contract length and renewal timing
Warehouse operators typically fix contracts for 1 to 3 years, with logistics groups managing multiple sites sometimes aligning renewal dates across a portfolio for administrative simplicity. Renewal comparisons should begin 3 to 5 months ahead of contract end.
How to compare warehouse energy prices
- Confirm floor area, ceiling height and any temperature-controlled sections
- Note recent or planned lighting upgrades that affect consumption estimates
- Check whether forklift charging or automated equipment is separately metered
- For multi-site operators, request consolidated portfolio quotes