Scope of Services
Energy Optimization Analyses:
An Energy Optimization Analysis for commercial and industrial facilities provides the facility operator an insight to where their energy dollars are being spent and how these expenses can be optimized to generate the best value. IEA Engineering provides an on-site review of the equipment as well as a review of historical bills and load data to identify cost saving and sustainability opportunities. IEA engineers will meet with facility management to understand the plant's operational patterns and objectives. The final report from IEA can include strategies to improve efficiency in lighting, HVAC equipment and sequences of operation, motors, boilers, other energy using equipment, and building envelope.
Sales Tax Exemption Analyses
Under specific circumstances, the energy used for manufacturing can be exempted from Sales and Use taxes. Typically, a study must be performed by a licensed engineer to document the energy usage in the plant and determine what percentage of energy is being used for manufacturing. If the facility qualifies for exemption, a report and appropriate forms can be filed with the utility to eliminate sales taxes on future energy purchases and a refund of past sales taxes payments made as far back as the prior four years could be refunded.
Power Factor Analysis
Commercial and Industrial electricity consumers often incur charges from their power supplier due to a low power factor (PF). Most electric loads today, such as motors and fluorescent lighting ballasts, are inductive and will cause a measured PF to drop. Most power companies require a 0.95 PF or higher to avoid additional charges. IEA can provide the analysis necessary to determine if the facility is subject to these charges and provide strategies to reduce their impact.
Utility Bill Review
Utility tariffs can be complicated. Although utilities generally do a good job of proper billing, there are always opportunities for an error, and some can be significantly costly. Errors may include demand and power factor penalties, taxing errors, meter reading or recording errors, wrong meter listing, or any number of other errors. Most bills are just paid as a matter of habit. It takes experience when looking at a bill to locate these types of errors. Besides errors, analyzing a year of billings may identify equipment or operational problems by the effect on the demand or energy usage changes.
Building Automation Evaluation and Optimization
Technology has made management of HVAC and other building systems much more flexible, effective and efficient, and yet much more complicated than ever before. From reviewing current operational procedures to revising Sequence of Operations to developing a strategic plan for implementing an integrated system, IEA can provide 3rd party input to the operation of the system to achieve improved performance and reduce cost.