Energy Consumption Behavior and the Role of Submetering
One of the most pressing challenges today is influencing the behavior of clients and customers regarding their energy consumption. This challenge stems primarily from a lack of access to reliable data, insufficient guidance on how to interpret and manage this data, and a general unawareness of the financial and environmental impacts of inefficient energy use (Gunay et al., 2014). Furthermore, in buildings with conventional infrastructure, building owners often bear the full cost of energy consumption, distributing these costs to tenants through a service charge based on area units. A key solution to addressing this challenge is the implementation of submetering.
Submetering offers a robust method for monitoring and optimizing energy consumption across critical assets while providing precise and routine data on usage. This data is typically digitalized, offering a comprehensive view of energy consumption patterns (Rao et al., 2016). Specifically, BTU submetering is used in central air-conditioned systems with chilled water networks to measure the thermal energy consumed or produced. BTU submeters present an effective solution for enhancing transparency in energy usage, ensuring accurate billing, and enabling the rationalization of cooling energy consumption.
Submetering allows for the precise allocation of cooling costs, minimizes delays in service charge collection, and facilitates better management of HVAC system performance. Based on Ark Energy's experience, buildings with proper submetering can achieve energy savings of approximately 10% on costs from chilled water providers. This not only reduces operational expenses but also drives greater accountability and efficiency in energy management.
Sources:
Conducting a metering assessment to identify submetering needs at a manufacturing facility [Journal] / auth. Rao Prakash, Muller Michael R. and Gunn Garan // CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology. - Berkeley: CIRP, November 15, 2016. - 1: Vol. 18. - pp. 107-114.
On the behavioral effects of residential electricity submetering in a heating season [Journal] / auth. Gunay H. Burak [et al.] // Building and Environment. - Ottawa Elsevier Ltd., August 1, 2014. - 1:Vol. 16.