The holiday season brings families together around tables filled with fresh turkey, crisp vegetables, and delicious desserts. But have you ever wondered how all this food stays fresh and safe before it reaches your dinner table?
Today, we want to highlight a group of clients who play a vital role during the holiday season: the unsung heroes of our food supply, Cold Storage Facilities in the food industry.
If you own or operate a cold storage business, you’re likely juggling labor and infrastructure costs, navigating compliance requirements, and managing complex inventory systems. That’s where we come in. We help ease day-to-day operations by professionally managing energy and utility portfolios, so you can stay focused on what you do best: keeping food fresh, safe, and moving efficiently.
Why Cold Storage Matters
Cold storage is the backbone of our modern food supply chain. These facilities maintain temperatures between -20°F to 40°F, preserving the quality, safety, and nutritional value of perishable foods. Without them, the abundance of food we enjoy during the holidays, from frozen hams to fresh produce, simply wouldn't be possible.
According to Grand View Research, the U.S. cold storage market is a major and rapidly expanding sector of the food and logistics supply chain. In 2024, the U.S. cold storage market was valued at over $42 billion, and industry analysts project it could grow to more than $135 billion by 2033, driven by rising demand for temperature-controlled storage and distribution.
Cold storage is one of the most energy-intensive building types most people never think about: refrigerated warehouses average ~24.9 kWh/sf/year vs ~6.1 for dry warehouses; roughly 4× the electricity intensity. In cold storage, refrigeration isn’t just a line item, it can be ~70%+ of a facility’s electricity load. That’s why energy strategy is really about reliability performance + risk mitigation + cost avoidance, not just “rates.”
During the holiday season, cold storage facilities work overtime. The demand for frozen turkeys and hams, fresh seafood, dairy products, and seasonal produce skyrockets. These warehouses ensure that whether you're in a bustling city or a small town, your holiday feast arrives fresh and safe. According to USDA-based estimates, approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed at Thanksgiving alone, and every one of those birds relies on temperature-controlled logistics along the way.
The Power Behind Preservation
Operating a cold storage facility requires significant energy. A typical facility can consume between 20-30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per square foot annually, with larger operations using millions of kWh each year. A cold storage facility that uses 10 million kWh annually spends roughly $1.2 - $2 million on electricity annually. Refrigeration systems, lighting, and climate control all contribute to this substantial power usage, making energy efficiency a constant priority for the industry.
A Holiday Thank You
Let's take a moment to express our gratitude to the dedicated staff and employees who work in cold storage facilities. While many of us celebrate in warmth and comfort, these professionals brave freezing temperatures day in and day out to ensure our food supply remains safe and reliable. Their commitment, often unseen and underappreciated, makes our holiday celebrations possible. Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice.
Energy Support for Cold Storage Operations and Beyond
If you own or operate a cold storage facility and want support managing one of your largest operating costs, Pilot Energy is here to help. From utility bill auditing to strategic energy procurement, we partner with food industry leaders to bring clarity, efficiency, and cost control to complex energy portfolios. Reach out any time to start the conversation.
About Pilot Energy
Pilot Energy is an energy advisory and procurement partner helping businesses manage rising energy costs with confidence and clarity. Founded in 2001, we provide independent, data-driven strategies for energy procurement, energy risk management, utility cost reduction, and long-term commercial energy savings.
We work closely with finance, operations, and sustainability teams to create custom energy roadmaps, aligning energy procurement, forecasting, and carbon reduction goals. With a blend of market expertise and digital platforms, we help you reduce volatility, improve budget predictability, and plan smarter in any market.
With the right advocate, uncertainty gives way to direction. If you want that certainty, Pilot is here to help. Schedule a Complementary Energy Assessment or Reach out today!