Maximizing Energy Savings with Energy Management Systems

Abstract

This is the third in a series of three articles on enterprise energy
management (EEM) systems featured in Strategic Planning for Energy and
the Environment. The first article described the current state-of-the-art in
EEM systems and their associated benefits in controlling energy cost,
quality, and reliability (see Vol. 22, #4). The second piece considered
energy in terms of managing the associated cost and reliability risks to
businesses (Vol. XX, #X).
As the field of energy management matures, so do the tools and
best practices available to ensure that the energy required by an organi-
zation is used in the most efficient way possible. In the past, energy
management practices consisted primarily of replacing inefficient equip-
ment and then using any number of methods to estimate the savings
gained. Studies performed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the
Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) have shown, however,
that energy savings can be dramatically increased and maintained over
time by adopting and implementing consistent energy management
practices and recognized measurement and verification procedures.
As energy management standards and best practices begin to see
widespread adoption, the information systems required to support them
will play a crucial role in their implementation and success.