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Why smart energy management is the difference between profit and pressure Hospitality chains have long perfected their operational systems: from menu engineering and mise-en-place to staff planning per shift – efficiency is the norm. But one aspect has long flown under the radar: energy management. Until the market erupted in 2022 and many chains saw their energy bills surpass even their rent. Today, energy is no longer a footnote – it’s a strategic business lever that requires governance, rhythm and realism. Ironically, while food procurement is often centrally managed, energy remains...
COMCAM is proud to announce its recent certification as a Congestion Service Provider (CSP). With this certification, we are authorized to offer our customers’ flexible capacity to grid operators, helping to alleviate congestion and prevent overload on the electricity network. Achieving CSP status confirms that COMCAM meets all technical and legal requirements to actively and reliably manage energy production and consumption. Why did COMCAM become a CSP? COMCAM’s goal is to provide the highest level of service to its customers and ensure a secure energy supply. By becoming a CSP: We enhance...
In recent years, energy expenses for hospitality businesses—from restaurants to large chains—have surged significantly. This continuous rise is driven by factors such as geopolitical tensions, scarcity of fossil fuels, and the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources. In addition, grid management fees and energy taxes have been increasing, placing further pressure on your business’s operating costs. This article explains why market volatility is expected to persist over the coming years (2025-2028), and which measures you can take to maintain control over your energy bills. We...
At first glance, the term "imbalance market" might suggest a regular energy market where companies actively trade. But nothing could be further from the truth. The imbalance market is not a traditional market, but a system that continuously works to keep the electricity grid in balance. For large-scale consumers, this system not only provides insight into risk, but also offers concrete opportunities to reduce costs or generate new revenue. In this article, we explain how it works and how you can benefit from it—with COMCAM solutions like CEI and smart control boxes. What is imbalance...
Starting April 1, a new subsidy scheme will open for companies looking to make their energy consumption more flexible. This scheme supports businesses with a contracted transport capacity of at least 100 kW in mitigating grid congestion and optimizing energy usage. Through this subsidy, companies can obtain independent advice and invest in relevant measures. Why is this subsidy important? Grid congestion is an increasingly pressing issue: the electricity grid is at capacity, which means that company expansions and new connections are often not feasible. More than 9,400 businesses are on a...
Around the world, hotels, restaurants, and cafés are under growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and stay on the right side of evolving regulations. In many countries, from the Netherlands to the United States, cutting back on fossil fuels is becoming mandatory for new and existing buildings alike. Going all-electric—relying entirely on electricity for kitchen operations, heating, cooling, and hot water—is no longer just an option for the future, but a practical pathway to maintaining compliance, staying competitive, and meeting guest expectations for green...
When the wind blows, the sun often doesn't shine. And vice versa, on a sunny day it usually doesn't blow. By cleverly combining wind and sun on one connection, you take maximum advantage. Smartly combining wind and solar on one connection Wind and solar farms located close to each other can therefore be perfectly connected to one cable or one connection, or cable pooling. The advantages for both the customer(s) and the grid operator are great, because no extra cable is drawn and maximum use is made of the connection. In principle, you can cable pool with different types of generating...
Amarant Foundation, a leading healthcare organization in the Netherlands, is taking a significant step towards a sustainable future. In a recent development, the foundation has entered into an agreement with SEFE Energy for the supply of entirely Dutch green electricity. This partnership underscores Amarant's ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly solutions within the healthcare sector. The chosen product, "Dutch Green," consists of electricity generated entirely from renewable sources such as wind, water, and solar power within the Netherlands. This decision ensures that Amarant's...
Energy consumption plays a significant role in both cost control and the sustainability of your hospitality business. Hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and snack bars consume a lot of energy due to the need for heating, cooling, lighting, and kitchen equipment to optimally serve guests. With rising energy prices and stricter regulations, managing energy efficiently is more important than ever. In this article, we discuss four practical strategies to reduce energy consumption, increase operational efficiency, and promote sustainability. Whether you run a hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, or snack...
In the daily operations of hospitality energy consumption plays a crucial role. Especially at peak times such as lunch and dinner hours. In a time of rising energy prices and increasing focus on sustainability, it is essential for decision-makers in the hospitality industry to manage their energy consumption efficiently. This article provides insights into the challenges of peak energy consumption and presents strategies that allow businesses to reduce costs and improve sustainability without compromising the quality of their services. The role of energy management during peak hours Energy...
The hospitality sector faces unprecedented challenges in energy management. Many business owners and decision-makers in the hospitality industry are grappling with rising energy costs, stricter regulations, and increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. With shrinking margins, many hospitality businesses find it difficult to stay financially viable, and their long-term survival is at risk. The energy transition—the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources—brings significant changes that have a direct impact on the day-to-day operations of hotels, restaurants, and cafes....
