Venue operators are paying far more attention to how their buildings use power. Rising utility costs play a big part in this shift, especially where the prices are increasing because of various factors.
In Denver and across Colorado, for example, utilities had warned citizens they could face rising energy bills after the Republican budget bill. Estimates showed that the average increase per household could be between $100 and $160 per annum.
Thus, people are calling and trying different things to keep the rising costs to a minimum. For instance, some are hiring a Denver electrician to upgrade panels to improve efficiency and reduce rising utility costs.
Some venues have sought advice from specialists to understand how electrical design choices affect ticketed events, rehearsal schedules, and visitor comfort. Conversations like these often guide teams as they decide how to balance efficiency with performance demands. These advantages are prompting more venues to involve technical experts at the start of their planning process.
This article explores why an increasing number of venues are focusing on energy-focused improvements.
Growing Focus on Smarter Power Distribution
Energy-focused improvements typically begin with a review of how electricity moves through the building. Older venues often carry layers of previous upgrades, which can create hidden stress points behind walls and above stages.
Modernizing distribution panels, cable runs, and safety devices helps steady the load during concerts, conferences, and multi-day events. Smoother power flow lowers the risk of sudden equipment failure during key moments, something every crew wants to avoid as show expectations grow.
One way to ensure efficient power distribution is through smart grid technology. A scientific study states that using a temporal convolutional network (TCN) and a bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) model could be beneficial for this purpose. This hybrid deep learning model can accurately predict energy consumption demands.
Upgraded systems also make it easier to support high-tech productions that rely on advanced lighting rigs and sound systems with a broader dynamic range. As these productions grow more ambitious, reliable power distribution becomes a foundational part of the venue’s identity.
How does structured power distribution help prepare for shows more efficiently?
Touring crews appreciate buildings that offer steady, well-mapped power access because it simplifies setup routines. When circuits are labeled clearly and distribution points are easy to reach, crews spend less time troubleshooting. This extra time can be used for sound checks, rigging adjustments, or rehearsal needs, strengthening performance quality.
Lighting and HVAC as Key Targets for Change
Lighting and climate systems draw a large share of a venue’s power, so they tend to be early targets when planning renovations. LED fixtures have become standard in many new buildings, and older venues are following suit because the long lifespan cuts replacement downtime.
For example, the Mary Graydon Student Center and Roper Hall got energy-saving LED lights during renovations. And the benefit of using LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs is clear. These new fixtures use about half the wattage of what was consumed previously. Thus, they could reduce the hall’s energy consumption by 34,000 kWh/year. This benefits both the environment and the American University.
The same goes for HVAC upgrades. They are also shaping renovation schedules, since outdated units often struggle to keep up with large crowds or rapid room flips.
A prime example is the renovation at the Heritage Hall in Topeka. Used for weddings, private parties, and more, the property was identified as a candidate for getting something refreshing. The venue secured $300,000 in CIP funding to cover the costs of HVAC replacement, acquiring new banquet chairs, a pergola development, and more.
How do lighting updates influence staff workflow behind the scenes?
New fixtures often include control features that let technicians adjust brightness or color temperature more easily during rehearsals. This flexibility helps staff refine stage looks without constant fixture swapping. It also shortens setup times between events, creating smoother transitions during weeks packed with productions.
How Energy Monitoring Is Influencing Renovation Planning
A growing number of venues have adopted monitoring tools that track consumption across departments and event types. These systems reveal unusual spikes, wasted output, or aging equipment that no longer meets production needs.
Managers can study months of data before approving renovation budgets, allowing them to set clear priorities with contractors and engineers. The result is a renovation roadmap shaped by performance patterns rather than guesswork, which leads to more targeted improvements and fewer unexpected costs.
Monitoring also strengthens long-term planning because staff can see how new upgrades perform compared to older ones. The European Union is planning to make transparency in data center energy use mandatory. This shows how important monitoring energy consumption is for efficient planning.
How does monitoring help identify staff training needs?
Energy reports frequently highlight patterns linked to operational habits, such as equipment left running longer than necessary. Managers can use this information to shape training sessions that encourage more disciplined energy practices. As teams learn better routines, consumption becomes steadier and the building performs more predictably.
The Expanding Role of Backstage Technical Teams
As venues shift toward smarter and more efficient infrastructure, backstage teams are gaining more influence over renovation decisions. Electricians, audio engineers, lighting designers, and stage technicians often have decades of experience working with equipment under intense conditions.
Their input helps identify weak points that general contractors may overlook. Many renovation committees now ask technical staff to join early discussions, recognizing that minor adjustments can produce meaningful improvements during shows.
This collaboration also builds stronger communication between departments and supports smoother transitions once renovations are complete. Moreover, these professionals can ensure safety in renovation planning and also when installing wiring and electrical devices.
According to Table Mountain Electric, proactive and preventive care is essential during electrical upgrades. Regular maintenance of wiring and panel upgrades helps maintain safety and efficiency.
The shift toward energy-focused work reflects a wider push for stability across busy entertainment calendars. Show organizers want buildings that support bigger productions without adding stress to the crew. Visitors appreciate steadier temperature control, clearer lighting, and fewer interruptions.
Renovation leaders see these upgrades as a path to dependable performance seasons, keeping venues competitive as touring schedules become more demanding. Well-planned electrical and mechanical improvements also reduce the need for emergency repairs during high-profile events. This helps protect ticket revenue and maintains trust with performers.