A method is provided for reducing the energy consumption of a motor vehicle having at least one vehicle electric system, to which at least a first electric consumer is connected. In order to achieve an efficient vehicle electric system, which, in addition, contributes to a reduced energy consumption of a motor vehicle, in a first operating mode of the motor vehicle, the level of the electric load on the vehicle electric system without at least the first consumer is at a first level. In a second operating mode of the motor vehicle, the level of the electric load on the vehicle electric system without at least the first consumer is decreased temporarily to a second level that is lower than the first level. A device, which is intended for detecting the driving situation and is provided in the vehicle, recognizes an imminent specific driving situation on the basis of the previous behavior of the driver in controlling the vehicle and/or the behavior of the vehicle in advance and initiates a temporary switch in the level of the electric load on the vehicle electric system to the second lower level.