Submetering for Energy Management

Overview
There are many advantages to metering equipment, whether it is for verification, billing, usage reduction, or documentation purposes. Metering is especially important for the initial stages of an energy audit or for buildings that are looking at making upgrades. Different types of metering are available for all types of consumables.
Smart Meters are designed to verify usage of utility products such as water, gas, and electricity. These meters output and record data electronically for ease of access. The real time outputs make integration with Building Management Systems easy, and allow for active management of usage.
Applications/Markets
Depending on the model, 25 or more leads can be monitored simultaneously, allowing for a variety of applications. Condo and apartment managers will find the meter useful for billing purposes and will be able to provide an incentive to decrease energy usage. Industrial and commercial buildings can monitor equipment and will be notified early of possible problems or potential upgrades. Metering can also be useful for monitoring the effects of upgrades or changes, to verify that targets are met and that systems are operating as designed.
Applications for Metering and Monitoring Equipment Include
Benefits
The benefits of metering and monitoring systems are largely dependent on the user. With accurate, real time information available, it is possible to optimize systems usage and performance for the situation. A building management system may be able to reduce usage during peak hours to take advantage of off peak rates, or may be able to pinpoint areas that are performing below standards. Potential savings opportunities will become apparent from patterns in the data, and action can be taken to prevent higher costs in the future.
Sources
Elster Solutions. (n.d.). Alpha Plus Meter. Retrieved from http://www.elstersolutions.com/: http://www.elstersolutions.com/en/alpha_plus.html Triacta. (n.d.). Revenue Grade Sealable Meters. Retrieved from http://triacta.com/: http://triacta.com/Products/PowerHawk-Energy-Meters-6000-Series.html
There are many advantages to metering equipment, whether it is for verification, billing, usage reduction, or documentation purposes. Metering is especially important for the initial stages of an energy audit or for buildings that are looking at making upgrades. Different types of metering are available for all types of consumables.
Smart Meters are designed to verify usage of utility products such as water, gas, and electricity. These meters output and record data electronically for ease of access. The real time outputs make integration with Building Management Systems easy, and allow for active management of usage.
Applications/Markets
Depending on the model, 25 or more leads can be monitored simultaneously, allowing for a variety of applications. Condo and apartment managers will find the meter useful for billing purposes and will be able to provide an incentive to decrease energy usage. Industrial and commercial buildings can monitor equipment and will be notified early of possible problems or potential upgrades. Metering can also be useful for monitoring the effects of upgrades or changes, to verify that targets are met and that systems are operating as designed.
Applications for Metering and Monitoring Equipment Include
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Apartment & Condominium Buildings
- Equipment Monitoring in Industrial Facilities
- Institutional and Educational Facilities
- Utility Billing in Commercial Spaces
- Hospitals
- Any Property Under Third-Party Management
Benefits
The benefits of metering and monitoring systems are largely dependent on the user. With accurate, real time information available, it is possible to optimize systems usage and performance for the situation. A building management system may be able to reduce usage during peak hours to take advantage of off peak rates, or may be able to pinpoint areas that are performing below standards. Potential savings opportunities will become apparent from patterns in the data, and action can be taken to prevent higher costs in the future.
Sources
Elster Solutions. (n.d.). Alpha Plus Meter. Retrieved from http://www.elstersolutions.com/: http://www.elstersolutions.com/en/alpha_plus.html Triacta. (n.d.). Revenue Grade Sealable Meters. Retrieved from http://triacta.com/: http://triacta.com/Products/PowerHawk-Energy-Meters-6000-Series.html