As with any analysis, the more detailed information
we have at our disposal, the more accurate conclusions we can draw.
Electric information is typically metered in time increments of:
- Monthly,
- Hourly,
- 30-minute, or
- 15-minute
If you are using a 15 or 30-minute interval meter your utility company
will provide that data upon request. If you do not have an interval
meter, sub metering is an economical alternative to capture this
information. Sub meters can be installed in parallel with your
monthly-read meters to provide the additional detail, or can be
installed on branch circuits to track loads of particular interest.
Once the data are gathered, a competent consultant
can analyze your load profile and apply it to various rate schedules to
determine which is most advantageous for you. We have all heard the
expression, "a picture is worth a thousand words". Well that is
certainly the case when examining an electrical load profile. A trained
eye can quickly spot patterns that would lead him/her to recommend
savings opportunities associated with issues such as:
- Converting to or from time-of-use rates,
- Elimination of ratchet demand penalties,
- Elimination of power factor penalties,
- Poor load factors that require more
infrastructure than is being used, and
- Building nighttime setback systems that are not
working properly.
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