It is proposed that an industrial installation, be operated with the power consumption being optimized for a target function. The target function may also factor in further parameters, with the result that multitarget optimization, for example, can be performed and the installation can be adapted in respect of the power consumption or the power consumption can be adapted in respect of the installation. Both the industrial installation and an energy supplier or network operator provide information which can be factored in as appropriate for the purpose of optimization or as part of the target function. It is advantageous that overload situations are avoided and a large number of regenerative energy sources can be used as energy suppliers, because adaptation is effected in line with the amount of energy actually provided. Hence the power supply system can be operated and loaded as appropriate.