Florida Retail Store Electricity Costs (2025)Cut $1.50-$2.50/sqft Costs by 18-32%
🏬 Retail Energy Quick Facts
- • Typical cost: $1.50-$2.50 per sqft annually
- • Biggest expenses: Lighting (40%), HVAC (35%), refrigeration (15%)
- • Peak hours: 10am-8pm (store operating hours)
- • Savings potential: 18-32% through LED, controls, and HVAC optimization
- • Quick win: LED retrofit saves 50-70% on lighting (40% of total bill)
- • Rebates available: $5k-$25k from Duke/FPL/TECO
Florida retail stores typically spend $1.50-$2.50 per square foot annually on electricity. For a 10,000 sqft store, that's $15,000-$25,000 per year—a significant operating expense that directly impacts profitability.
The good news: Retail is one of the easiest commercial sectors to optimize. With 40% of costs from lighting (easily upgraded to LED), retail stores can achieve 18-32% savings with straightforward upgrades and 1-3 year paybacks.
💰 Real Example: Fort Lauderdale Clothing Store
Store: 8,500 sqft retail, Fort Lauderdale (FPL)
Annual electricity: 95,000 kWh
Annual cost: $16,150 ($1.90/sqft)
Breakdown:
- • Lighting: $6,460 (40%)
- • HVAC: $5,650 (35%)
- • Refrigeration: $2,420 (15%)
- • Other: $1,620 (10%)
After optimization:
LED retrofit + controls: -$3,550/year (lighting: -55%)
HVAC scheduling + setback: -$1,130/year
Walk-in cooler upgrade: -$725/year
Total savings: $5,405/year (33% reduction!)
FPL rebates: $8,900
Net investment: $5,100
Payback: 11 months
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1. Lighting (40%)
Why so high: Long operating hours (10-12 hrs/day) + high lumen requirements
Optimization Strategy:
- • Convert to LED (50-70% savings)
- • Install occupancy sensors (storage areas)
- • Use daylight harvesting (windows)
- • Implement task lighting strategy
ROI: 1-2 years with rebates
2. HVAC (35%)
Challenge: Customer comfort + Florida heat + large open spaces
Optimization Strategy:
- • Upgrade to high-efficiency units (SEER 16+)
- • Smart thermostats with scheduling
- • Pre-cool before store opens
- • Regular maintenance (quarterly)
Savings: 15-25% on HVAC costs
3. Refrigeration (15%)
Applies to: Grocery, convenience stores, delis, beverage shops
Optimization Strategy:
- • Upgrade to ENERGY STAR units
- • Install LED lighting in cases
- • Add night covers on open cases
- • Clean coils 2x per year
Savings: 20-35% on refrigeration
4. Other (10%)
Includes: Registers, security, signage, office equipment
Quick Wins:
- • LED exterior signage
- • ENERGY STAR office equipment
- • Smart power strips (registers)
- • Turn off exterior lights at closing
Cost by Retail Type
| Retail Type | Avg $/sqft/year | Biggest Cost | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery/Convenience | $2.00-$2.80 | Refrigeration (30%) | Upgrade coolers + LED |
| Clothing/Apparel | $1.50-$2.00 | Lighting (45%) | LED + controls |
| Big Box | $1.80-$2.40 | Lighting (40%) | LED high-bay fixtures |
| Electronics | $1.70-$2.20 | HVAC (40%) | Smart controls |
| Specialty/Boutique | $1.40-$1.90 | Lighting (42%) | Task lighting + LED |
Florida Retail Success Stories
Miami Chain Store (3 Locations)
Type: Apparel, 6,500 sqft each
Before: $31,200/year (all 3 stores)
Actions: LED retrofit + occupancy sensors + smart thermostats
After: $21,840/year
Savings: $9,360/year (30%)
FPL rebates: $13,500
Payback: 8 months
Orlando Grocery Store
Size: 12,000 sqft
Before: $28,800/year
Actions: Cooler upgrades + LED + night covers
After: $19,440/year
Savings: $9,360/year (32%)
Duke rebates: $16,200
Payback: 1.2 years
FAQ
What's the quickest ROI for retail stores?
LED lighting retrofit. With lighting representing 40% of retail energy costs and LED reducing that by 50-70%, most stores see $0.60-$1.00/sqft annual savings. Combined with Duke/FPL/TECO rebates covering 40-60% of costs, payback is typically under 18 months.
Should retail stores use Time-of-Use rates?
Usually not. Most retail stores operate 10am-8pm, which overlaps entirely with peak TOU hours (12pm-9pm). You'd pay more on TOU rates. Exception: 24-hour convenience stores can benefit if they shift energy use to overnight hours.
How much can retail stores save with demand charge management?
10-20% additional savings. Retail peak demand typically occurs during afternoon hours (2-5pm) when HVAC + lighting + refrigeration run simultaneously. Smart controls that stagger equipment start times and implement peak shedding (reduce HVAC 2-3°F during peak) can cut demand charges significantly.
Related Resources
Reduce Demand Charges
Retail stores have predictable demand patterns. Learn how to reduce charges 15-25%.
Read Guide →RebatesFPL Retail Rebates
Get $5k-$25k in rebates for LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, and refrigeration.
View Rebates →Complete GuideReduce Costs 15-40%
5 proven strategies retail stores use to dramatically cut electricity costs.
See Strategies →Cut Your Retail Energy Costs
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