For cannabis cultivators, energy is not a background utility, it is mission-critical infrastructure. At Hamilton Farms, an adult-use cannabis grower in New Jersey, electricity powers every aspect of daily operations, from lighting and climate control to humidity management and plant health.
The facility operates in a tightly controlled indoor environment designed to replicate ideal growing conditions year-round. That means high-intensity lighting, HVAC systems, and environmental controls running around the clock. As a result, electricity represents one of Hamilton Farms’ largest and most consequential operating expenses.
“We’re heavy users of electricity,” said K.J., Co-Founder of Hamilton Farms. “In the winter, it can feel like a tropical rainforest inside the building. We’re running lights, HVAC, and humidity control all the time.”
With so much depending on consistent power, and predictable costs, even small disruptions or unexpected price swings can have outsized impacts. Reliability matters not just for operations, but for protecting crop quality, maintaining schedules, and supporting long-term growth plans. Hamilton Farms needed confidence that its energy strategy could keep pace with the demands of a fast-growing, highly-regulated industry.
From Fixed Cost to a Smarter Grow Strategy
Despite electricity being a major cost driver, Hamilton Farms initially viewed it as a fixed expense, as something managed through a utility bill rather than a strategic decision. That changed when the team began exploring alternative approaches to commercial electricity supply.
Hamilton Farms connected with Sprague to better understand how electricity procurement could work differently. Sprague explained how it competitively sources electricity supply options while the local utility continues to deliver the power, maintaining reliability while offering clearer pricing and structure.
“Sprague came in with a really strong pitch,” K.J. said. “They arrange for the electricity to be supplied, the fees are built into the rate, and the structure made sense for how we operate.”
The simplicity and transparency stood out. Rather than adding complexity, the new approach to energy gave Hamilton Farms a clearer view of its costs and how those costs fit into the broader operating plan. After partnering with Sprague, the team gained visibility it hadn’t had before and the confidence to actively manage a critical expense.
“We didn’t initially think about electricity as something we could actively manage this way,” K.J explained. “Having more certainty allowed us to focus resources elsewhere.”
A Stronger Yield from a Smarter Energy Strategy
With a more predictable energy strategy in place, Hamilton Farms was able to move forward with confidence. Improved cost visibility removed uncertainty around one of the operation’s largest expenses, allowing the team to support expansion plans and future growth.
The facility was projected to add approximately 2,500 square feet of new cultivation canopy, increasing production capacity while maintaining the environmental consistency required for high-quality output.
“We were able to move forward with our expansion because of it,” K.J. said.
Day to day, the partnership delivers peace of mind. Reliable power supports stable lighting schedules, climate control, and humidity levels; critical factors in indoor cultivation where consistency directly affects results.
“Reliability and consistency are very important for us,” K.J. said. “We don’t deal with many outages, and having dependable energy gives us peace of mind.”
As Hamilton Farms continues to grow, energy planning remains central to its strategy. With Sprague as a long-term partner, the team benefits from fewer surprises, stronger cost control, and the dependable power needed to support a demanding operation.
By combining competitive electricity supply sourcing, transparent pricing, and responsive service, Sprague helps customers like Hamilton Farms turn energy into an enabler of growth not a constraint. To learn how Sprague can support your business, reach out today.
