Energy Assessment / Audits

– Current Infrastructure Consumption Patterns

We endeavour to conduct a comprehensive assessment (Energy Audits) of energy sources and significant energy users (SEU) within the current utility community / immovable facilities.

As an important step preceding the implementation of the Integrated Smart Energy Efficient Technology Solution intervention, M3 will request permission to conduct an assessment of the energy consumption patterns of the current infrastructure systems. This proposed integrated smart infrastructure improvement programme is based on our perceived understanding of the utility’s energy requirements and its compatibility with regard to “smart city” readiness.

It is our opinion that firstly we have to acquaint ourselves fully with the perceived renewed layout and operations of the utility current system. Secondly, in order to conform to these requirements, a physical (walk-thru) energy audit / assessment of the utility system is absolutely necessary and we strongly believe any proposal provided for such an audit / assessment will be inaccurate without a site visit. We therefore propose that a scoping audit (typically a few days) be conducted first with a draft roadmap towards energy efficiency as an outcome.

The purpose of this scoping audit will be to get acquainted with the layout and operations of the utility’s system and also understand the number, type and amount of energy used (focus areas). We also aim to determine quickly whether it is worthwhile to continue in-depth investigation of a specific section or opportunity. We can almost accurately assume that the utility’s technical losses can be attributed to a number of issues that directly prohibit effective service delivery. Our immediate plan will include an assessment of the current “as is” with respect to specific areas of electricity supply and consumption within the utility’s areas.

An assessment of the current energy sources and significant energy users within the utility’s system will include: –

(1) An analysis of energy consumption for the utility system;

(2) Metering Infrastructure; and

(3) Independent Measurement & Verification (M&V),

will support the utility in its efforts to reduce electricity consumption by optimising their use of energy.

  1. Analyse energy consumption for the utility’s system    
    • We will analyse the total utility energy usage by processing the utility’s energy bills. This analysis will help us understand how much energy is consumed for which purpose (e.g., public lighting, HVAC, building lighting, etc.) and how much of each source (e.g., electricity) of energy is consumed.
    • Once the analysis of the bills is complete, we will determine where the energy is consumed by identifying SEUs as well as the main drivers that influence energy consumption. 

The focus of this particular assessment will be those sources and users that fall within the responsibility of the utility and unable to generate revenue such as existing conventional public lighting systems.  The purpose of this assessment will be to understand what the breakdown of energy usage is and each type and real count. We will also confirm that public lighting is the highest consumers of energy within the utility community.

The overall objective of the energy consumption analysis will primarily be the identification of financially viable and technically feasible energy efficiency “quick hit” projects that will deliver measurable results within a reasonable time window. 

    • Walk-thru Audits
      • We will need to do walk-thru audits of the entire utility system to understand better the energy consumption within each area. The purpose of these audits is to identify and confirm energy drivers and to assess the potential for energy efficiency saving within these areas.
    • Identify Opportunities
      • We will identify energy- and cost savings opportunities and draft objectives and targets as part of the energy survey. Our focus will be on conservation opportunities first, then energy efficiency, energy demand reduction, and lastly renewable energy solutions. An audit finding report and recommendations will be developed for each intervention based on agreed financial criteria.

     2. Metering Infrastructure, if any

We will do a technical assessment of the current metering infrastructure with a view to determine whether the existing metering system is “fit for purpose” as the supporting technology for effective Energy Management.  

  • Assessment of Metering Infrastructure
    • We will assess the existing metering instrumentation and develop a metering inventory. The scope of this assessment is:
      • Electricity feeders into these immovable facilities
      • Large and small consumers – 3 phase / Single phase within the utility community.
    • Metering Gap Analysis
      • The metering inventory matrix will indicate any potential gaps between the existing and recommended (in terms of being fit for ISO 50001) metering infrastructure at these facilities, with reference to Measuring, Monitoring, Targeting and Reporting requirements. These activities are necessary to maintain the developed baselines, Energy Performance Indicators and consequently to demonstrate the success and sustainability of the Energy Management System, as specified by ISO 50001.

  3. Measurement & Verification (M&V)

The savings impact of energy efficiency interventions (the projects that have been implemented) will be measured and reported on. The upgraded smart infrastructure (the energy monitoring platform) will provide most of the measurement data. However, the combination of energy consumption and relevant energy drivers helped us to develop the required energy baselines. These baselines are developed in-line with SANS50010 principles. In addition, we hope to leave the utility with a model suitable to forecast energy consumption and perform benchmarking based on the baseline models and data sets analysed.

An independent Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP) agent will be selected from an approved CMVP panel and be appointed by M3 – A 3rd party entity that confirms the project baseline as determined by the M3 conducted audit / assessment and provides verification of actual savings achieved against that baseline.

The CMVP plan will be based on agreed baseline assessments of the energy efficiency equipment as follows:

  • The baseline to be utilized is to a calculated figure based on the agreed burn hours, number of lamps and measured sample circuit wattage.
  • Lamp failure and replacement is not an adjustable variable, but will be in accordance with the maintenance agreement, i.e., it will be assumed that all lamps are burning for the stipulated hours.
  • Lamp performance is to be independently monitored on a sample basis which will be reported to the parties.
  • The independent CMVP practitioner will certify directly to the utility and copied M3 (the ESCO) on a quarterly basis the savings accumulated over the period.
  • This will be a calculated energy savings as per the agreed baseline and the calculated energy usage based on the stipulations above and the monitored lamp performance.

From a ‘bird’s eye view’ we noticed a significant number of conventional types of lighting technologies. To this end, we can almost accurately assume that the utility’s excessively high energy consumption and technical losses can be attributed to the current usage of the conventional high-pressure sodium (HPS) and mercury vapour (MV) street and high mast lamps and the perceived lack of adequate control / communication systems.

Secondly, we request your permission to verify the above assumptions by undertaking a technical study which includes a photometric study of the lighting solution and layout to the streets without lighting.

To be able to do this, we will need to determine existing LUX level requirements if not determined by the road class, the exact number and type of lamps with each wattage output, pole spacing, operating hours, tariff, etc. We will also establish if there are any specific offset from the road distance considerations such as road verges, pavements etc. For now, we assumed that the main regional roads are all 120km/h (double lane) and urban / town roads / streets are all 60km/h (single lane) busy roads. We further assume that predominantly the current standard light fitting is either HPS 250W or MV 125W.

Furthermore, we will do a technical assessment of the current metering infrastructure with a view to determine whether the existing metering system is “fit for purpose” as the supporting technology for effective Energy Management.