Managing Peak Demand in Submetered Buildings

Peak electricity demand is the highest point of electricity consumption in a building over a given period. For buildings served by certain rate classes, peak demand can significantly affect electricity costs. Submetering data provides insights that help property managers understand and manage building-wide demand patterns.

In many commercial and some larger residential rate classes, electricity bills include a demand charge based on the highest rate of consumption (measured in kilowatts) during the billing period. Even if a building uses relatively little total energy, a high peak demand spike can result in elevated demand charges for the entire month.

Submetering data helps identify what drives peak demand. By analyzing suite-level consumption patterns, property managers can see whether peaks are caused by simultaneous high-use activities across many suites, specific equipment cycling (such as HVAC systems starting up), or a combination of in-suite and common area loads.

Once the drivers are identified, management strategies can be targeted. Common approaches include staggering the start-up of large common area systems (chillers, boilers, ventilation fans), communicating with residents about the impact of simultaneous high-use activities, and scheduling maintenance activities that involve large electrical loads during off-peak periods.

Some buildings use building automation systems to manage demand by controlling when large loads operate. Submetering data helps validate that these controls are working as intended by providing before-and-after consumption comparisons.

Voltage Vision provides consumption data and analysis that supports peak demand management. Understanding your building's demand profile is the first step toward managing it effectively.