A Comparison of Demand Side Management Data Assessment Procedures for Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Plants

Abstract

Two methods of obtaining demand reduction data from industrial energy audits are compared. One very simple method calculates demand savings by dividing energy savings in kilowatt hours by the operating hours of the plant. Problems (some obvious) arise when projects result in demand savings but no energy savings, and vice versa. However, this method is simple and easy to use, and it is presently the only way to get demand data from the publicly-accessible, national Industrial Assessment Center database. It leads to accurate demand reduction information when the operating time length of the machinery or equipment matches the operating time length of the plant (and when the same load and duty factors apply to energy and demand calculations). Systematic errors are introduced when the operating time length consistently is greater or less than that of the plant.