What Matters Most to Companies When Selecting a U.S. Warehouse Today

Is warehouse power really that important?

Yes—because in the U.S. today, power determines whether a warehouse can still be used in the future.

State climate and energy policies are tightening, and warehouses are now directly affected. Power capacity and energy efficiency are no longer background utilities. They influence operating costs, approvals, leasing decisions, and long-term viability.

Energy rules are getting stricter

States such as California are raising energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings starting in 2026. New and renovated warehouses must meet higher power and system requirements. Other states, including New York and Massachusetts, are moving in the same direction through building performance and decarbonization targets. The result is simple: warehouses with weak energy performance are becoming harder to approve, lease, and sell.

Large tenants now care about energy infrastructure

Major retailers and 3PLs increasingly treat rooftop solar, battery storage, and power redundancy as basic facility conditions. The reason is cost and stability. Warehouses using solar plus storage can reduce electricity expenses by 40%–65%, making energy systems a direct business advantage, not a branding choice.

At the same time, U.S. power generation is shifting. In 2025, more than half of new capacity comes from solar, with battery storage expanding fast. Warehouses that cannot integrate into this system face rising costs and higher risk.

Electrification raises power demand

Even as some EV truck mandates are delayed, electrification is moving forward. Electric trucks, forklifts, and automated equipment all require more and more stable power. This shifts the key question from “Will EVs be mandatory?” to “Can this warehouse support charging and peak loads?”

What happens when power is insufficient

A warehouse with limited power faces real problems: restricted automation, higher peak electricity costs, limited expansion, and lower appeal to large tenants with sustainability targets. Over time, it becomes a high-risk asset, not because of location, but because of energy constraints.

The bottom line

In the U.S. market today, warehouse power is no longer a technical detail. It is a deciding factor in cost, tenant demand, and long-term usability. Warehouses that plan for power early stay competitive. Those that do not fall behind quietly—and permanently.

source:CommerceinUS