Saving electricity

Reducing electricity use in schools can save you money, meet climate action targets and have a positive impact on the environment. Learn how to manage your use of lighting, computers and more.

Electricity use in schools

Between 30% and 50% of the energy used in schools is electrical. This is mostly for lighting and plug powered items including computers, screens and other ICT equipment. There are some electrical items that need to be constantly powered on but many can be switched off when not in use.

Always onCan be switched off and onCan be automated
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Security systems
  • Emergency systems
  • CCTV
  • Phones
  • Heating frost protection
  • Lift controls
  • ICT mainframe
  • Computers
  • Screens
  • Projectors
  • Chargers
  • Photocopiers
  • Teaching equipment
  • Fridges (during holiday periods)
  • Public address system
  • Sound systems / amplifiers
  • Cooking appliances 
  • Water boilers in staff rooms
  • Heating controls
  • Ventilation
  • Internal lighting
  • External lighting
  • Hot water

Opportunities to manage electricity use

Schools can play their part in reducing their electricity use while keeping classroom conditions comfortable.

Start your journey towards saving energy by listing all systems, types of equipment, appliances and the people that use electricity in your school. Anywhere you can reduce electricity use for the listed items is a savings opportunity. This list of opportunities can act as a living document shared across the school.

The following factsheets give tips for reducing your school's electricity use

Switch off electrical items

When you are closing for holiday periods, it's important for your school to properly close down. Completely switch off as much electrical equipment as possible to save money and save energy. A large school could waste over €1,000 on electricity over the summer.

Of course, you'll need to keep essential systems running such as fire alarm and security. However switching off non-essential equipment is a good idea. Make sure someone is designated to switch off and unplug each system.

To see how much you'll save, you can take electricity meter readings before and after unplugging equipment.

Finding electrical savings

To save energy and money, you need to know how much energy your school is using. Documenting energy bills and meter readings is a good place to start. Try to record all your energy bills in kWh rather than €. This tracks your actual use rather than variable costs from suppliers.

Reading your electricity meter

Your electricity account is like a bank account: you need to monitor it to manage what you're spending. If your bills are estimated, we recommend contacting your supplier with a meter reading to use your real consumption figures.

The more often you read your meter, the more useful the readings will be for controlling your electricity use. Pupils can help to take meter readings from electricity/gas meters and record details from bills.

Analysing your electricity bills

Electricity suppliers change their pricing and tariffs frequently. You need to know what electricity tariff applies to the school and if it is the most beneficial. The name of the tariff is usually written on the school’s electricity bill.

Part of the tariff is the “Maximum Import Capacity Charge” or “MIC Charge”. You may be able to reduce this charge at no cost. Look at your electricity bill to see what tariff you are on. Also the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) amount may be too low and your school may be penalised for exceeding set MIC figure.