The energy consumption of sites is a top focus for many businesses. From unstable energy costs to pressure for more sustainable practices, many require solutions to manage their energy usage. In this blog, we explain the role of remote monitoring in energy management and how it can be used to effectively optimise consumption across your sites.
- What is Remote Monitoring in Energy Management?
- Why Is It Important?
- What Types of Things Can Be Monitored?
- Benefits of Remote Monitoring in Energy Management
- Key Components of Remote Monitoring Systems
- Who Can Benefit from Remote Monitoring?
- How Much Does Remote Monitoring for Energy Management Cost?
- How RMS Supports Sites with Energy Management
What is Remote Monitoring in Energy Management?
Remote monitoring is the use of sensors, advanced technology and an alarm receiving centre (ARC) to track, analyse and manage certain systems or elements from a remote location. Usually carried out by a third-party monitoring company, in terms of energy management, remote monitoring can provide real-time insights into a site’s energy consumption, identify any inefficiencies, and implement correct measures, all without the need for onsite presence.
Why Is It Important?
Monitoring energy consumption is important for many sites. The average business uses between 15,000 and 25,000 kWh of energy per year. Whether it is because they want to reduce how much they spend on energy, reduce their usage to meet sustainability goals, or just want to further increase their site efficiencies.
What Types of Things Can Be Monitored?
Various parameters and systems on site can be monitored to manage energy usage. The most common include:
- Electricity consumption
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Lighting systems
- Renewable energy systems e.g. solar, wind
- Water heating systems
- Industry equipment & machinery
- Power quality
- Energy power systems e.g. battery performance
- Utility costs & billing
- Usage behaviour & occupancy
- Environmental conditions e.g. air quality, weather
Benefits of Remote Monitoring in Energy Management
Real-Time Data
A major benefit of implementing remote monitoring for site energy management is that it can provide real-time data on consumption that allows for immediate action to be taken on any irregularities.
Automated Alerts
With remote monitoring in place, automated alerts can be sent to the team of monitoring operatives, signalling any abnormal energy usage, equipment malfunctions or any deviations from set parameters. Quick responses that then be made to rectify the issues.
Improved Decision Making
Remote monitoring collects vast amounts of data about a site’s energy usage. Therefore better, data-driven decision making can be made regarding energy policies and future investments. Over time and with the increase in data collection, remote monitoring can help with historical data analysis that can help sites understand their usage patterns and forecast future needs.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Many sites are becoming more and more conscious of their carbon footprint. Remote monitoring can help with more efficient energy management which will in turn lower a site’s carbon footprint and increase their level of sustainability.
Cost Reduction
Remote monitoring for energy management also results in cost reductions for a site. By identifying and addressing any inefficiencies remotely, sites experience reduced call-out charges, avoid additional energy spend, as well as reduced energy bills.
Remote monitoring can also support predictive maintenance, identifying issues before they come into effect. Identifying issues early reduces the unexpected costs of equipment failures or other associated costs.
Key Components of Remote Monitoring Systems
To understand the role of remote monitoring in energy management, it’s good to understand the key components of remote monitoring systems.
Sensors & Metres
Smart metres are used to measure electricity, gas and water in real time, and other environmental sensors can measure variations in temperature, humidity and more.
Communication Networks
The sensors and metres are connected to the ARC via the Internet of Things (IoT) or by a wireless network. This allows for instant notification if a fault, inefficiency or unusual usage is detected.
Data Analytics
The remote monitoring provider will have advanced technology in place to have a comprehensive view of energy usage across various facilities and sites. They will be able to analyse the data, identify trends and predict consumption.
Control Systems
A remote monitoring provider will also be able to respond to any issues remotely as well as set up automations for certain events. For example, automatically adjusting lighting, HVAC and other energy consuming devices based on real-time data.
Who Can Benefit from Remote Monitoring?
Any site or industry can benefit from remote monitoring when it comes to energy management. Whether it’s a supermarket chain, office block, or university, if the optimisation of energy consumption is a concern, remote monitoring is an ideal solution.
How Much Does Remote Monitoring for Energy Management Cost?
The cost of remote monitoring for energy management will vary depending on the size of the site as well as the number of components and variations to be monitored. The larger a site and the more variants to be monitored will naturally be more expensive than a smaller site.
Although a monthly investment, when it comes to managing energy usage, the cost is usually outweighed by the cost-savings achieved in becoming more energy-efficient.
The best way to get an accurate cost for your sites is to speak to the RMS team who will listen to your needs and provide you with a free quote.
How RMS Supports Sites with Energy Management
At RMS, we monitor what matters to you. We create bespoke solutions that work with your sites and fulfil your needs. Always putting our customers first, we are proud of our world-class service and 5* customer experience. Our in-house category 2 ARC ensures that we provide the very best monitoring to our customers 24/7, 365 days a year, together with our NSI Gold accreditation which means your data and sites are in safe hands.
Trusted by leading organisations across the UK for energy management, get in touch to get started today.
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