A method for operating an automation machine having a field bus device and an energy consumer connected to the field bus device, includes storing energy data relating to the energy consumer in the field bus device before operation of the automation machine, the energy data identifying an energy mode being stored, reading the energy data from the field bus device by a first control device connected to the field bus device via a field bus, and using the energy data for energy-saving operation of the automation machine during operation of the automation machine.