subject: Electrical Energy Conservation -- Moves Forward [print this page] Electrical Energy Conservation -- Moves Forward
Electrical energy conservation techniques can be proactive or reactive, systemic or project-based. Often, especially in the retail environment, electricity represents a large portion of total energy spend. Conservation is nothing new, as companies can trace significant electricity use reduction initiatives back to the energy crises of the 1970s. However, with sustainability and smart energy management at the top of the list for business executives today, companies need to use modern technologies to enable a real cost reduction opportunity.Our electrical distribution networks are far from efficient, even though we haven't seen any rolling blackouts or disruptions of any significance for some time. We should be wary of the integrity of the grid though. It was thought that deregulation, separating generation from distribution, would be the golden ticket, but this has not proved to be the case. A limited approach to investment has not helped the situation, either.As utility companies become more sophisticated and the market continue to move toward a "smart" grid, opportunities for electrical energy conservation at the business level can help to generate real savings and possibly income streams. Increasingly organizations are being encouraged by utilities to take part in demand response programs. The smartest organizations interpret their own needs and gain access to lower tariff programs when available.You have to be proactive when it comes to electrical energy conservation. Without information, it is difficult for companies to understand how valuable any efficiency push could be and we really must proactively approach the task of gathering data.Sustainability gains can be made through smart energy management and monthly energy costs can be cut substantially. Corporate planning at the highest level should embrace electrical energy conservation and understand not only the economic impact, but also the societal liabilities.If every item of equipment is able to be benchmarked, it's consumption understood and data made available, projections can be written for certain events or parameters. Energy spikes can be predicted when data is analyzed correctly and this is just the beginning of truly smart energy management. Some day we will realize ultimate efficiency as we gather all possible savings as part of a future smart grid.For many companies, electrical energy conservation plans point initially to retrofit or replacement projects. Many motors, racks, and HVAC systems can be upgraded to newer and more efficient models, which consume less energy. However, many business executives do not realize that it is possible to monitor and manage their equipment in real time, in order to pinpoint and help eliminate wastage and even predict unit failure. If organizations monitor real-time equipment consumption, they can replace assets when they reach a certain limit instead of guessing which pieces of equipment should be retired.Energy costs are increasing and supply chains are becoming more sophisticated, It only make sense to initiate systems and software solutions that are directed toward electrical energy conservation.
