Presentation: Using Data Analytics to Monitor and Reduce Energy Consumption

Utilities can track their energy cost, but usually only at a high level and only after the fact by reviewing bills from a previous period. Using data integration and data analytics to calculate or estimate energy use down to the asset level could improve the understanding of how much energy is being used and how it relates to the energy bill. Additionally, it could provide Key Performance Indicator (KPI) metrics, such as energy and cost calculations, to show asset use and efficiency. Analytics also support decisions on how to balance energy consumption and production with real-time energy market prices.

In this presentation, Black & Veatch - a global leader in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the crucial areas of energy, water, and telecommunications - will discuss the implementation of an energy management pilot project with the City of Lawrence, Kansas that incorporated an asset level and system level view of energy and chemical usage. The pilot has provided the city with visibility into the actual cost of treatment for all of their various systems, allowing them to make more informed decisions. Specifically, during periods of high flow such as wet-weather events, they can determine the cost of starting or operating their Excess Flow Treatment System and weigh that against other treatment options, such as storing excess in an excess flow basin to be pumped and treated later or, in the future, pumping to another wastewater treatment facility. The integration of LIMS, SCADA, and NOAA data into a single source will save City of Lawrence employees from having to manually extract data from these various sources, combine data into a common spreadsheet, and then analyze and generate monthly reports. This process can now be done quickly and easily through PI System tools, saving time and offering more convenient access to energy use information."