Signs Your Plant Could Benefit From an Energy Management System

Energy and industrial manufacturing plants go hand in hand although many plant managers don’t look into this area as thoroughly as they should. Generally speaking, the largest budget for operating a plant is usually set for energy. If you haven’t yet installed an energy management system, there are a few good reasons to invest in one including qualifying for industrial energy efficiency rebates. If you still aren’t sure that such as system is for you, below are a few signs that your manufacturing plant could benefit from an Energy Management System (EMS).

Utility Bill is Out of Control

If the utility bill is constantly fluctuating or catches you by surprise at the end of every month, it may be time to consider an EMS. The numbers on a utility bill aren’t enough to help you figure out where you are wasting energy or what you can do to remedy the situation. 

An energy management system offers detailed reports and data so you can see exactly where and what you can do to save energy. You are also better able to predict energy costs, reduce waste, optimize energy use and gain great insight into your overall energy usage. 

You Require Data to Implement Sustainability Programs 

Getting stakeholders to approve your energy efficiency programs can be difficult without raw data. Energy efficiency programs do not just lower energy bills but also bring in positive PR value. In addition to this, you may qualify for California energy rebates. Even the most comprehensive energy efficiency program wouldn’t make sense to stakeholders and upper management without the data to back it up. 

EMS offers all the data you would need to make a strong case. You can continue to collect data even after implementation to show what impact your measures have had and what can be improved in the future. 

Runaway Off-Hours Consumptions

Conserving energy is much more complicated than simply turning the lights off during closing. LCD screens, HVAC systems, heavy machinery and other equipment may continue to run when no one is on the premises and therefore consuming power unnecessarily. An energy management system would be able to track all these problem areas and help in coming up with appropriate measures to curb the problem. 

Overridden Building Management System 

You may think that because you have a Building Management System (BMS), then there is no point in getting an energy management system as well. Note that the BMS can be overridden rendering the system inefficient or even useless. Having the two system running concurrently helps with monitoring consumption, usage and waste. The EMS also sends alerts any time your BMS experiences sub-par settings or is overridden. 

An EMS may be the tool you need to enjoy optimum energy efficiency. It is also worth thinking about getting an external energy audit. You may be missing out on California solar rebates and other great energy and money saving opportunities.