There are three main utilities: electricity, natural gas, and water. Applying best energy management practices and purchasing energy-efficient equipment can lead to significant savings in utility bills. Proper handling of utility bills can also lead to savings.
Basic Learning Materials
If you are new to utilities or are unsure of how efficient your system is, a great place to start is familiarizing yourself with utility basics and checking if you have already implemented the most basic energy saving measures.
Where To Start
The Understanding Your Utility Bills: Electricity Guidebook contains an explanation of how to save with electrical bills.
The Understanding Your Utility Bills: Natural Gas Guidebook contains an explanation of how to save with natural gas bills.
The Understanding Your Utility Bills: Water Guidebook contains an explanation of how to save with water bills.
Courses and Videos
For a more detailed learning experience, check out the eLearning and video courses available online.
Demand Response and the Smart Grid
Author: Schneider Electric
An overview of demand response program options
Electrical Concepts
Author: Schneider Electric
A basic course on the fundamentals of energy units and electricity
Energy Procurement I
Author: Schneider Electric
A course covering energy options in regulated and deregulated markets
Energy Procurement II
Author: Schneider Electric
An introduction to hedging in deregulated utility markets
Energy Procurement III
Author: Schneider Electric
An explanation of balanced hedging strategies and cost management
Energy Rate Structures I
Author: Schneider Electric
A course covering basics of energy rate structures and energy concepts
Energy Rate Structures II
Author: Schneider Electric
A course focused on understanding and reducing electricity bills
IAC 101 Electricity and Demand Management
Author: Industrial Assessment Centers
30 minute video detailing basic utility management
Power Factor and Harmonics
Author: Schneider Electric
A course explaining power factors and their impact on bills
Tools and Calculators
There are many resources available to help you calculate specific costs and savings for your plant. Some of these tools, calculators, and software are listed below.
MEASUR Power Factor Correction Tool
Author: U.S. Department of Energy
A tool used to calculate savings from correcting a power factor
Power Factor Calculator
Author: GCCoE
Excel tool used to calculate savings from adjusting plant power factor
These and other resources can be found on the Resource Library page.