Electricity use in commercial and office buildings plays a major role in Australia’s overall energy picture. Offices, retail spaces, healthcare facilities, schools, and other commercial premises depend heavily on electricity for lighting, cooling, computing, and daily operations. As energy prices fluctuate and sustainability targets tighten, understanding how electricity is used across the commercial sector has become increasingly important.
This blog examines commercial and office electricity statistics in Australia using verified data from 2023 to 2024, with careful interpretation for 2025–2026 where only trends, not final figures, are available. All data is drawn from government sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Australian Energy Market Operator.
Australia’s Electricity Supply Context
Australia’s electricity system is reported through multiple frameworks. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) focuses on total energy use by sector, while AEMO reports electricity generation within the National Electricity Market.
According to AEMO, total electricity generation within the National Electricity Market (NEM) was approximately 185 terawatt hours in calendar year 2023. This figure excludes off-grid generation and Western Australia’s separate electricity systems.
At the same time, ABS data confirms that electricity remains one of the most significant forms of energy consumed by service-based industries, particularly offices.
It is important to note that ABS does not publish a single national electricity total in gigawatt hours across all systems, which is why sector analysis must rely on energy accounting rather than a single generation number.
Commercial and Services Sector Energy Use
The most reliable source for commercial energy use is the ABS Energy Account Australia.
For the 2023–24 financial year, ABS reports that the commercial and services sector used 577 petajoules of total energy, an increase from the previous year. This category includes offices, retail trade, accommodation, education, health services, and public administration.
In 2022–23, the same sector recorded lower total energy use, reflecting a continued rebound in economic activity post-pandemic.
While this figure includes electricity, gas, and other fuels, ABS and DCCEEW both confirm that electricity is the dominant energy source in office-based environments, particularly in metropolitan business districts.
Electricity Use in Office Buildings
Office buildings are among the most electricity-dependent commercial assets in Australia. Unlike industrial sites, offices rely very little on direct combustion fuels.
Electricity is primarily used for:
- Space cooling and ventilation
- Lighting across extended operating hours
- Computers, servers, and communication systems
- Vertical transport, such as lifts
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water identifies commercial buildings as a priority area for energy efficiency because they represent a large and concentrated electricity load across the grid.
However, government agencies do not publish official end-use percentages such as exact HVAC or lighting shares. These figures come from building performance studies, NABERS assessments, and engineering audits rather than ABS accounting.
As a result, it is more accurate to state that HVAC systems are consistently identified as the largest electricity load in offices, followed by lighting and office equipment, without assigning fixed percentages.
Commercial Buildings and National Electricity Demand
Rather than assigning a precise percentage, official sources describe the commercial sector as a major contributor to national electricity demand.
DCCEEW confirms that improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings is central to Australia’s emissions reduction strategy, largely because:
- Electricity is the primary energy source
- Demand is concentrated during business hours
- Many buildings operate year-round
While older reports have estimated commercial buildings at roughly one quarter of electricity demand, no 2023–2026 ABS or AEMO dataset confirms this as a current statistical figure, so it should not be stated as a fixed value.
Renewable Electricity and Commercial Use
ABS and federal energy publications confirm that renewable electricity continues to grow as a share of Australia’s supply.
In 2023–24, renewables accounted for roughly one-third of electricity generation nationally, depending on the reporting method and system boundary. Solar and wind continue to expand, supported by rooftop solar on commercial buildings and large-scale renewable projects feeding the grid.
For offices and commercial tenants, this means that while electricity consumption may remain stable or grow modestly, the emissions intensity of electricity supply is gradually declining.
What We Can Say About 2025–2026?
As of now, final national energy accounts are only available up to 2023–24.
For 2025 and 2026, government agencies provide forecasts rather than confirmed statistics. These projections suggest:
- Continued growth in electricity demand from services
- Increased renewable penetration
- Stronger focus on building efficiency standards
Any discussion beyond 2024 must be clearly identified as trend-based rather than confirmed data.
Why These Statistics Matter?
Understanding commercial and office electricity use helps:
- Business owners forecast operating costs
- Property managers plan upgrades and retrofits
- Policymakers target efficiency programs
- Tenants assess sustainability performance
Reliable data ensures decisions are based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Stats Summary
Commercial and office buildings remain a central part of Australia’s electricity demand profile. ABS data confirms that total energy use in the commercial and services sector rose to 577 PJ in 2023–24, with electricity as the dominant energy source for offices. While detailed electricity splits by end-use are not published by ABS, government and industry sources consistently identify HVAC, lighting, and office equipment as the main drivers of electricity consumption.
Renewable electricity continues to grow, and efficiency improvements in commercial buildings are expected to play a key role in shaping demand through 2025 and 2026.
Final Words
Commercial and office electricity use is a major part of Australia’s energy landscape, and the data from 2023 to 2024 clearly shows rising demand across the services sector. As offices continue to rely on electricity for comfort, technology, and safety, the importance of compliant and well-maintained electrical systems cannot be overlooked.
For businesses looking to upgrade, expand, or ensure their electrical infrastructure meets current requirements, working with a licensed professional is critical. IZCO Electrical provides trusted Level 2 electrician services, supporting commercial properties with power upgrades, metering, private pole work, and supply connections. With experience in complex commercial electrical work, IZCO Electrical helps businesses stay compliant, safe, and ready for future energy demands.
Request a Quote today and get your commercial electrical work handled by a qualified Level 2 electrician before small issues turn into costly shutdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do office buildings rely so heavily on electricity in Australia?
Office buildings mainly use electricity because most core systems run on it. Lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, computers, servers, lifts, and security systems all depend on electrical power. Unlike industrial sites, offices use very little direct fuel such as gas, which makes electricity the primary energy source for daily operations.
2. Does the Australian Bureau of Statistics publish office-only electricity data?
No. The ABS reports energy use at a broader sector level under “commercial and services.” This includes offices, retail, healthcare, education, and public services. While ABS confirms total energy use and growth trends, it does not isolate electricity use specifically for office buildings or break it down by end use like lighting or HVAC.
3. Are commercial electricity demands expected to increase after 2024?
Current government forecasts suggest that electricity demand from the services sector is likely to grow gradually beyond 2024. This is linked to population growth, higher use of digital systems, and increased cooling needs. However, efficiency upgrades and stronger building standards are expected to help limit sharp increases in overall consumption.
4. How can commercial properties manage rising electricity use?
Commercial properties can manage electricity demand through regular electrical inspections, efficient lighting systems, modern switchboards, proper load management, and compliance with current electrical standards. Working with a qualified Level 2 electrician is essential for upgrades involving metering, supply connections, and capacity changes.
