Published
October 2, 2025
Writer
Brianna Sanwar

Timing Matters: The Best Time to Buy Commercial Electricity

With the right strategy, you can turn timing into a powerful tool for savings.

Did you know that the timing of when you purchase electricity for your business can significantly impact your energy costs? Electricity rates aren't fixed. They fluctuate due to seasonal demand, contract lengths, market conditions, and regional differences. Delaying your decision or renewing at the wrong time could mean paying more than necessary. But with the right strategy, you can turn timing into a powerful tool for savings.

Imagine using the money you may save on energy costs to invest in other important parts of your business, simply by making smarter decisions about when and how you buy electricity. Let's explore how you can make this a reality.

1. Seasonal Variations: When to Lock In Lower Rates

Like many products, electricity rates change due to supply and demand. The time of year can have a significant impact on energy sources as demand increases:

  • Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) usually offer lower rates due to milder weather and decreased energy demand.
  • Summer (June-August) and Winter (December-February) often have higher rates because of increased cooling and heating needs.

Your next step: Plan to renew your contracts during the “shoulder months” of spring or fall. Set reminders a few months in advance to start the process early and secure the best rates. With Arise Energy, you can also set up automated alerts to stay on top of key renewal windows and market opportunities.

2. Regional Considerations: Tailor Your Strategy

The combination of regional climate conditions, weather events, and regulatory frameworks directly impact electricity prices. Depending on your location, you may experience extreme temperatures and storms that create a strain on the grid:

  • Southern States: Experience higher summer rates due to heavy air conditioning use.
  • Northern States: Face increased winter rates because of heating demands.
  • Storm-Prone Areas: Regions susceptible to hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe storms can experience sudden spikes in electricity prices. Storms can damage infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and cause temporary shortages, all of which can drive up energy costs.
  • Local Regulations: State-specific policies, such as renewable energy mandates or taxes, can influence pricing at different times of the year.

Your next step: Understanding regional energy trends is crucial to maximizing savings. However, you can make an informed decision without the hassle of researching. Arise Energy monitors regional energy trends and regulatory changes to inform you when it's the best time to purchase electricity in each of your locations.

3. Choosing the Right Contract Length

Your contract length affects rates and flexibility. Finding the optimal balance between term length and pricing can significantly influence your long-term energy expenses and adaptability to market shifts:

  • Long-Term Contracts (2-5 years): Offer price stability and often lower rates, protecting you from market volatility.
  • Short-Term Contracts (6-12 months): Provide flexibility to capitalize on potential future price drops but may come with slightly higher rates.

Your next step: Determine which contract length best aligns with your business’ strategic roadmap and risk tolerance. With Arise Energy's platform, we help you select a contract length by comparing each option with rates included.

4. Monitoring Market Conditions

Stay informed about factors that influence electricity rates. Market dynamics can shift quickly, and understanding these changes can help you seize opportunities for savings.

  • Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in natural gas or coal prices can impact costs.
  • Supply and Demand: Economic shifts or extreme weather events can alter energy needs.
  • Regulatory Changes: New policies or environmental regulations may affect pricing.

Your next step: Instead of keeping up with energy market news yourself, rely on Arise Energy's expertise. We keep up with energy market news and provide you with real-time data and insights, allowing you to make timely and informed decisions without all the guesswork.

How Arise Energy helps you secure the best rates

Getting started is simple. Here’s how we support you every step of the way:

  1. Stay ahead with smart alerts that notify you when the market shifts in your favor.
  2. Compare competitive offers from top suppliers in real time.
  3. Choose confidently with personalized recommendations based on your goals and usage.
  4. Always-on support from our team of industry experts, even after your contract is signed.
What makes us different?
  • Direct access to top-tier suppliers: Easily compare custom quotes, with transparent pricing, so you can make better choices faster.
  • Custom, up-to-date quotes: Automated refreshes ensure your business has real-time access to the most competitive rates.
  • Clear recommendations: Our smart tech evaluates customers’ needs to deliver data-driven recommendations to empower informed decisions.
  • Industry experts: Make informed decisions with our industry experts always at your side.

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