A method for automatically generating user program code for a programmable logic controller configured to control a machine, includes providing, at a first earlier time, a plurality of selectable program code parts for the programmable logic controller; and automatically generating the user program code at, a second later time, by combining at least two of the plurality of selectable program code parts that have been selected by a user. At least one of the plurality of selectable program code parts is configured to activate at least one energy-saving function of an energy consumer of the machine. The at least one energy-saving function has energy-saving function properties.