You just purchased energy efficient equipment
and/or finally implemented that energy reduction policy that is going
to save you thousands of dollars. Now it is time to see if you are
reaping the expected benefits that justified your decision. If you
think a quick review of utility bills will do the trick, you are
probably in for a surprise. (Note: The phrase "energy savings" is often
used but can be misleading. Because utility rates change and usually
rise with inflation, a reduction in usage may not lower the dollar
amount of a bill. It does, however, result in "avoided costs" so we use
that terminology.)
A natural gas bill or electric bill is usually
influenced by a number of factors and those need to be identified and
tracked before and after an energy efficiency
project is implemented. Understanding your bills before the change
allows you to establish a baseline against which to compare. If you do
not do this before implementing an Energy Conservation Measure (ECM)
the data are lost and cannot be recreated after installation. Tracking
your bills after a change allows you to isolate your avoided costs to
either your ECM, or changing conditions that drive your energy bills.
A word of caution to our readers. In our July 2006
newsletter "Energy Efficiency Projects" we stressed the need to do a
bill analysis before proceeding with an ECM. Utility tariffs are
complicated and bills are often calculated based on many factors such
as energy use, peak demand, reactive power, time of use, seasonal
rates, etc. An ECM designed solely to reduce energy consumption often
will not translate into a 1:1 reduction in cost. Independent Energy
Consultants believes in the concept that people can not manage what
they do not understand or can not measure. Contact us and we will help
you with your unique needs.
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