A method is presented to identify the potential for demand-side management (DSM) in energy supply systems. Optimization of energy supply systems usually considers energy demands as fixed constraints. Thereby, possible changes on the demand side are neglected. However, demand changes can lead to a better overall solution. Thus, DSM measures should be integrated into the optimization of energy systems. However, integrating optimization of DSM measures generally requires problem-specific process models. To avoid the need for problem-specific process models, we present a generic method applicable to various process domains. The method identifies a merit order of time steps with large potential for DSM and quantifies potential cost savings by DSM. Targets for demand-side measures are provided in a DSM map as guidance for the process engineer. The merits of the novel method are illustrated for an industrial case study. In this study, 9.6% of all time steps are promising for DSM measures since they show a high sensitivity to demand changes. In particular, the method identifies non-intuitive time steps with high cost saving potential through DSM. We identify potential cost savings of more than 10% if DSM measures are implemented. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.