Energy expert from Voltera shares practical tips to save on electricity in 2026, cut waste and adopt more sustainable consumption habits.
Energy as a strategic resource in 2026
Starting 2026 on the right foot also means rethinking how we use and consume energy. In recent years, power costs have risen much faster than general inflation, putting pressure on households and businesses. Therefore, the end of the year is a strategic moment to plan changes and improve efficiency.
Between 2010 and 2024, electricity prices in the regulated market jumped 177%, while inflation reached 122%, according to Abraceel. In 2025, the scenario remained tight, with hikes above inflation and six months of red tariff flag, extending extra charges on bills. As a result, energy efficiency is no longer optional — it has become essential.
Consumption that reveals habits and values
For electrical engineer Alan Henn, CEO of Voltera Energia, the first step is to treat energy as a strategic resource. This applies both to companies and to households. “The way we consume energy reflects our habits, our culture and even our values. Cutting costs is a natural consequence for those who adopt more conscious and sustainable practices,” he explains.
With this mindset, savings and sustainability go hand in hand. Simple changes in daily behavior can reduce waste, improve budgets and lessen environmental impacts. Below, the specialist shares practical tips to begin 2026 using energy more wisely, with greater efficiency and awareness.
1. Start with a clear consumption diagnosis
Before cutting expenses, it is crucial to understand where energy is being consumed. Companies should map usage patterns, identifying peak hours, waste sources and inefficient equipment. These insights support decisions on equipment upgrades, automation and operational adjustments.
At home, it helps to look for “silent energy thieves” such as poorly adjusted air conditioners, old light bulbs, devices left on standby and long showers with electric heaters. In this way, families can prioritize changes that deliver the greatest impact on their bills. A solid diagnosis prevents random decisions and increases the effectiveness of every measure.
2. Free energy market: predictability and real savings
For small and mid-sized companies, migrating to the free energy market is one of the most effective ways to lower costs in 2026. In this model, consumers can choose their supplier and negotiate prices, gaining access to more competitive tariffs. They also benefit from greater predictability, which supports better financial planning.
“The free market allows companies to plan, avoid tariff flag volatility and even choose renewable sources,” Henn notes. Thus, businesses are no longer tied solely to regulated price increases. At the same time, they gain flexibility to tailor contracts to their consumption profile and growth strategy.
3. Linking the free market to ESG and long-term sustainability
An increasing number of companies are joining the free energy market to align their consumption with ESG targets. By purchasing electricity directly from renewable sources such as solar, wind or biomass, they cut costs and improve their environmental performance. This move strengthens their commitment to sustainable practices in the eyes of clients, investors and society.
This freedom of choice creates a virtuous cycle: lower expenses, lower impact and greater value for the business. Energy efficiency becomes part of the corporate strategy and brand narrative. Over time, the free market consolidates itself as a tool to combine cost reduction and sustainability.
4. Small everyday actions with big effect
In day-to-day life, small actions can reduce energy bills by up to 20%. Key measures include replacing old lamps with LED models, making better use of natural light and turning off equipment when not in use. It is also important to adjust refrigerator thermostats and set air-conditioning temperatures more efficiently.
“Saving is not just about spending less; it is about using better. Every kilowatt saved is a step towards a more sustainable future,” Henn adds. As these practices become routine, energy efficiency turns into a habit rather than a one-off effort. Over the year, the accumulated effect on costs and emissions becomes significant.
Growing while consuming less energy
Starting 2026 by cutting energy costs is, above all, a sign of evolution for businesses and households. With technology, planning and more conscious decisions, it is possible to grow while consuming less and avoiding waste. At the same time, financial gains come along with positive environmental and social outcomes.
For Voltera, the mission is to make this transition simpler and more accessible. By connecting companies to the free energy market, the firm delivers clean energy at lower prices, combined with integrated management supported by data and technology. In practice, efficiency moves from theory to reality — and sets the tone for a smarter, more sustainable 2026.
