A sound energy usage baseline is the starting point for accurate projection of potential energy savings as well as for measurement after retrofits and/or retro-commissioning. A baseline should indicate how much fuel and electricity a building can be expected to use in a day given heating and cooling conditions and occupancy of the building (and potentially other influential factors).
Depending upon the location of the building in question, the time of day at which energy is saved can have a significant impact on the dollar value of the savings achieved. Where demand charges are in effect or where rates for on-peak electric usage, load profiles must be provided to show the pattern of daily demand. An annual electrical load profile must be constructed for peak demand (KW) as recorded and billed by the utility. Rates that include Ratchet provisions must be identified. The same procedure must be followed for any other energy source that is sold with a peak demand charge separate from energy usage.
