Weekly Energy News Recap & Forecast for Restaurants

Week of December 1, 2025

A 5-minute read to keep you ahead of energy market trends and protect your bottom line.

The Big Picture: What’s Driving Energy Costs This Week?

This week, we’re seeing a mix of factors pushing energy prices higher, directly impacting your restaurant’s operational costs. Colder weather forecasts are driving up natural gas prices, while a surge in electricity demand, partly from the rapid growth of data centers, is putting pressure on the grid and leading to higher commercial electricity rates. These trends underscore the importance of a proactive energy strategy to mitigate the impact on your profitability.

What This Means for Your Restaurant

With rising energy costs and food inflation already squeezing margins, managing your energy consumption and procurement is more critical than ever. The National Restaurant Association estimates that an average restaurant needs a significant price increase to maintain a 5% profit margin, and rising energy costs are a major contributor to this pressure. [4]

Take Control of Your Energy Costs

In this volatile market, a proactive approach to energy management can make a significant difference to your bottom line. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Think Long-Term: Instead of reacting to daily price fluctuations, develop a 12-24 month energy strategy. This will allow you to make more informed decisions and take advantage of market opportunities.
• Watch for Buying Opportunities: While summer 2026 electricity prices are currently high, there may be opportunities to lock in lower rates if prices pull back. We recommend evaluating a 25% block purchase for July and August if prices fall below $50.00/MWh.
• Leverage Deregulated Markets: If your restaurant is in a state with a deregulated energy market, you have the power to choose your energy supplier. GWT2Energy’s reverse auction bid software can help you secure competitive rates by having suppliers compete for your business.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.

We understand that navigating the energy market can be complex. If you have any questions about your energy usage, supply contracts, or how to develop a strategic energy plan, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@gwt2energy.com.

References

[1] TPI Efficiency. (2025, November 25). Energy Market Snapshot Nov. 25, 2025. https://tpiefficiency.com/energy-market-snapshot-nov-25-2025/​

[2] U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2025, November 25). Electricity Monthly Update. https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/update/end-use.php​

[3] Sustainability Directory. (2025, November 30). US Electricity Prices Surge Seven Percent Due to Demand and Grid Limits. https://news.sustainability-directory.com/energy/us-electricity-prices-surge-seven-percent-due-to-demand-and-grid-limits/​

[4] AOL. (2025, December 1). How Restaurants Are Planning on Passing Their Rising Costs to Consumers. https://www.aol.com/articles/restaurants-planning-passing-rising-costs-145109492.html​

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