Energy Consulting Services

As grid operators and planners deal with a wave of new large loads on a resource-constrained grid, we need fresh approaches beyond just expecting reduced electricity use under stress (e.g. via recent PJM flexible load forecast or via Texas SB 6). While strategic curtailment has become a popular talking point for connecting large loads more quickly and at lower cost, this overlooks a more flexible, grid-supportive strategy for large load operators. Especially for loads that cannot tolerate any load curtailment risk (like certain #datacenters), co-locating #battery #energy storage systems (BESS) in front of the load merits serious consideration. This shifts the paradigm from “reduce load at utility’s command” to “self-manage flexibility.” It’s BYOB – Bring Your Own Battery and put it in front of the load. Studies have shown that if a large load agrees to occasional grid-triggered curtailment, this unlocks more interconnection capacity within our current grid infrastructure. But a BYOB approach can unlock value without the compromise of curtailment, essentially allowing a load to meet grid flexibility obligations while staying online. Why do this? For data centers (DC’s), it’s about speed to market and enhanced reliability. The avoidance of network upgrade delays and costs, along with the value of reliability, in many cases will justify the BESS expense. The BYOB approach decouples flexibility from curtailment risk with #energystorage. Other benefits of BYOB include: -Increasing the feasible number of interconnection locations. -Controlling coincident peak costs, demand charges, and real-time price spikes. -Turning new large loads into #grid assets by improving load shape and adding the ability to provide ancillary services. No solution is perfect. Some of the challenges with the BYOB approach include: -The load developer bears the additional capital and operational cost of the BESS. -Added complexity: Integrating a BESS with the grid on one side and a microgrid on the other is more complex than simply operating a FTM or BTM BESS. -Increased need for load coordination with grid operators to maintain grid reliability. The last point – large loads needing to coordinate with grid operators - is coming regardless. A recent NERC white paper shows how fast-growing, high intensity loads (like #AI, crypto, etc.) bring new #electricty reliability risks when there is no coordination. The changing load of a real DC shown in the figure below is a good example. With more DC loads coming online, operators would be severely challenged by multiple >400 MW loads ramping up or down with no advanced notice. BYOB’s can manage this issue while also dealing with the high frequency load variations seen in the second figure. References in comments. 

Energy-Related Climate Action Goals 🌎 Energy is one of the most critical levers for climate action—and one where companies can make measurable progress through structured steps. A practical framework by Schneider Electric outlines how organizations can evolve their energy strategy from compliance to leadership across three pillars: efficiency, decarbonization, and renewable energy. The starting point is regulatory alignment: conduct energy audits, ensure site-level consumption tracking, and report GHG emissions in line with established protocols. These are foundational steps to gain visibility and stay compliant. The next level involves more active management. Introduce submetering, set targeted reductions by site or process, upgrade outdated equipment, and disclose your performance through recognized platforms like CDP. Advanced organizations go further—using real-time energy data to optimize systems, committing to ISO 50001 or EP100 standards, and deploying on-site solutions like EV infrastructure, microgrids, or renewable heat. Efficiency becomes part of the value chain. Decarbonization begins with measurement. Track your full GHG footprint and set initial emissions reduction goals—whether absolute or intensity-based—to anchor your roadmap. Strengthen your decarbonization strategy by assessing Scope 3 emissions, setting long-term, science-aligned targets, and reporting emissions using both market- and location-based methods. Interim carbon neutrality goals may still rely on offsets. Leadership means setting net zero targets without offsets, aligning with the 1.5°C pathway through SBTi-approved targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3, and working closely with suppliers to decarbonize the full chain. Business models begin to shift around low-carbon value creation. On renewables, early actions include purchasing Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) or using green tariffs to cover Scope 2 emissions. This provides a credible but indirect solution. More advanced steps include direct procurement through onsite or offsite sources, replacing Scope 1 offsets with clean technologies, and engaging your supply chain in renewable energy efforts. The goal: 100% renewable energy, achieved through real transformation—not accounting. Source: Schneider Electric #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #energy

When we talk about net-zero, the first word that comes to mind is renewable energy. But, the one #decarbonization lever that is often overlooked is ‘𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲’. The following post aims to cover this area by drawing insights from the International Energy Agency (IEA)'s 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐭 2025. The toolkit outlines practical measures to 2X global efficiency gains by 2030! It highlights 6 priority sectors where regulation, information, and incentives can deliver the largest impact on emissions, costs, and resilience. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸: 🏢 Buildings - Buildings account for 30% of global final energy use and need rapid improvements to meet targets. - Codes, certificates, and retrofitting grants are essential for energy savings and resilience. - Doubling retrofit rates and expanding codes coverage by 2030 can cut sector emissions by 95% by 2050. 📺 Appliances - Appliances represent 45% of building electricity demand and nearly 3 gigatons of emissions annually. - Standards and labels steer markets to efficient technologies while guiding consumer choices. - Rebates, loans, and targeted incentives promote efficient appliances and stimulate supplier innovation. 🏭 Industry - Industry uses 37% of global energy and requires decoupling output from energy demand by 2030. - Performance standards, energy management systems, and reporting improve efficiency outcomes. - Networks, finance access, and efficiency obligations encourage innovation and investment in efficiency. 🚚 Transport - Cars and vans consume 25% of global oil and produce 10% of energy-related emissions. - Fuel economy standards and EV policies are key to annual efficiency improvements of 5%. - Labels, subsidies, and taxes encourage cleaner vehicles while driving consumer behaviour change. 🏙️ Cities and Communities - Cities are critical to energy transitions and can integrate digital tools to optimise energy systems. - Local regulations, smart metering, and open data frameworks enhance efficiency in urban settings. - National support, capacity building, and financing mechanisms enable effective city-level initiatives. ⚡ Clean Cooking - Access to efficient cooking is essential for climate and health with 2.3 million lives saved yearly by 2050. - Information campaigns, demonstrations, and labels promote adoption of clean cooking technologies. - Incentives, rebates, and replacement programmes expand access, especially for rural communities.

Shifting to solar energy in commercial settings is not just an economic choice but reflects a deeper commitment to future-proofing operations and aligning corporate values with global sustainability trends increasingly valued by consumers. Implementing solar power solutions in businesses requires strategic considerations, such as evaluating rooftop or land space to optimize installations and analyzing local sunlight conditions to maximize efficiency. Beyond the technical aspects, organizations often leverage financial incentives, including tax credits or government subsidies, significantly reducing upfront costs and enhancing return on investment. Integrating battery storage systems complements solar installations, enabling businesses to store excess power generated during peak sunlight hours for continuous energy supply during low production periods or outages. Adopting solar energy can thus substantially decrease operational expenses, minimize environmental impact, and strengthen brand reputation. #SolarEnergy #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #EnergyEfficiency #DigitalTransformation

Aloha Business Leaders! Let's dive into 2024 and discuss Microgrids vs. Traditional Power Grids. If you're considering energy solutions for your business, this is for you. Traditional Grid: A Quick Overview - Centralized system powering homes and businesses for decades - Not efficient, eco-friendly, or resilient Microgrids: The Game Changer - Agile, resilient, and greener solution - Localized power grid operating independently or with the main grid - Provides energy at your doorstep Key Differences: - Energy produced close to where it's used, reducing losses and increasing efficiency - Variety of energy sources like solar and wind, offering flexibility and reliability - Resilient to grid failures, ensuring constant energy supply - Advanced energy management for optimized usage and cost reduction - Integration of renewable sources, reducing carbon footprint Why Businesses Should Care: - Cost-effective with significant energy cost savings - Energy independence and more control over supply - Enhanced brand image, showcasing innovation and sustainability The Implementation Journey: - Feasibility study to analyze energy needs and microgrid potential - Collaborate with experts for custom design and planning - Comply with regulations and incentives - Smooth installation and integration with professional assistance - Utilize advanced management systems for efficient operation In 2024, embrace sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy solutions with #Microgrids. Future-proof your business and join the green revolution. Share your thoughts and follow my profile for more on sustainable energy solutions. Let's pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future. #AJPerkins #MicrogridMentor #CLENECT

Last week, the #ResidentialRetrofitsforEnergyEquity(R2E2) initiative released an authoritative Playbook designed to navigate the complexities of energy upgrade financing models, economic inclusion, and community engagement. One of the most noteworthy elements of the Playbook is found in Section 2: Actions and Best Practices, particularly under the “Identify Program Focus Areas” header. This section underscores the significance of the 2021 High-Road Workforce Guide for City Climate Action. The #HighRoadWorkforceGuide, developed in collaboration with the Bloomberg Philanthropies' American Cities Climate Challenge, offers city staff, elected officials, and advocates a strategic framework for supporting high-road workforce development. This approach is aimed at creating a qualified local workforce to meet ambitious climate goals while advancing racial equity in workforce programs. With the infusion of billions of dollars from the #InflationReductionAct(IRA), the 2021 #BipartisanInfrastructureLaw(BIL), and other federal sources, there is an unprecedented opportunity to address the critical issue of energy inefficiency in low- and moderate-income homes while reimagining and focusing on equitable workforce development. Explore the Playbook to learn more about its recommendations for energy upgrade programs, actions for program administrators, and best practices aimed at improving health outcomes, lowering energy bills, and strengthening local economies. Overall, I found the user experience and methodologies to be straightforward, making it a comprehensive read filled with an abundance of case studies that reflect real-life applications of the suggestions offered. The hyperlinked report and site attachments are also highly valuable. At the intersection of climate action and economic recovery, the #R2E2 Playbook serves as an excellent tool that offers practical and digestible guidance. I encourage everyone to bookmark the link and share it with Environmental Justice and Community-Based Organizations in your networks! Congratulations to Annika Brindel, Ian Becker, and to the Playbook’s collaborative efforts as a whole, produced by The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Elevate , Emerald Cities Collaborative, and HR&A Advisors. This playbook is a good reminder to embrace a future where energy-efficient homes are a standard, not a luxury, and where every community, especially those historically divested, can thrive. #R2E2 #Workforce #EconomicInclusion  #EnergyEquity

Energy efficiency isn’t just about reducing costs; it’s about building resilience and competitive advantage in a volatile energy world. The latest IEA report shows a paradox: global investment in efficiency is rising, yet progress is only 1.8% annually, less than half the COP28 target of 4%. This gap is a massive opportunity for businesses ready to act. Efficiency is no longer an operational detail; it is a boardroom priority. Organizations that treat it as strategic infrastructure, not overhead, are gaining margins competitors cannot match. Companies implementing energy management systems achieve 11–30% savings in their first year. Industrial motor upgrades boost performance by 40%. Heat pumps cut process energy demand by 75%.  Payback periods run 3 to 5 years for buildings and under 10 for industry. Emerging markets like India and Africa are embedding efficiency into growth strategies, while mature markets offer advanced tech and financing ecosystems. Success means adapting to local dynamics. Digital intelligence is transforming energy audits into real-time decision tools. Efficiency is now risk management, resilience, and a signal of maturity to investors. The companies that act today will define competitive advantage for the next decade.  Let’s accelerate together. 

How can IoT help us use energy smarter? Imagine checking your energy use from your phone, hour by hour, and knowing exactly when your electricity use spikes. For many of us, it might seem like something out of the future—but it’s very much the present thanks to smart meters and IoT integration in energy grids. Smart grids are changing the way we balance energy supply and demand. They’re not just a tech upgrade; they’re a practical response to the need for a cleaner and more efficient energy system. By integrating IoT, utilities are now able to gather real-time data that helps them predict demand, prevent shortages, and ultimately reduce the environmental impact of energy production. For instance, consider solar power. One of the challenges with solar is that it’s intermittent—it depends on the weather and time of day. Smart grids, combined with IoT-enabled meters, allow utilities to manage this by collecting consumption data and forecasting energy needs. This way, they can respond instantly when demand surges, helping reduce the need for power plants to stay on standby, burning fuel unnecessarily. According to a study by the Department of Energy, this kind of smart tech could cut energy waste by up to 20%. And it’s not just a benefit for the grid. Smart meters provide valuable insights into everyday energy use for consumers, showing how much power is being consumed in real time. It’s as simple as seeing which appliances or times of day are responsible for higher bills—and then making small changes that add up. The EPA reports that households with smart meters save an average of 10–15% on their annual energy bills by adjusting usage habits. From a human perspective, this technology isn’t just about data; it’s about giving people the control to make better decisions for their wallets and the environment. Smart grids and IoT are bridging that gap, making energy management a reality for both utilities and everyday users.

Implementing IoT solutions for monitoring and managing energy consumption requires an integrated vision combining technology, data analysis, security, and sustainability to achieve significant efficiency and cost savings. Internet of Things (IoT) IoT refers to a network of physical devices that communicate via the Internet. These include sensors, smart meters, thermostats, and HVAC systems, all of which work together to collect and share real-time energy consumption data. Energy Consumption Monitoring Using smart sensors and meters allows real-time tracking of energy use, enabling the identification of inefficiencies and the implementation of immediate corrective measures to reduce unnecessary energy expenditure. Energy Management Automation systems in IoT can control lighting, heating, and cooling based on environmental data and occupancy. This optimization reduces energy waste without compromising comfort and operational needs. Data Analysis Advanced data analysis techniques, including big data and machine learning, help identify trends and consumption patterns. These insights drive long-term energy-saving strategies and continuous improvement in energy performance. Integration with Existing Systems Ensuring compatibility and seamless integration of new IoT devices with existing systems is crucial. Interoperability allows for smooth data exchange and functionality, enhancing overall system efficiency. Data Security Protecting the data collected by IoT devices is essential. Implement robust security measures, including encryption and access control, to safeguard sensitive energy data and ensure only authorized personnel have access. Economic and Environmental Benefits Efficient energy management leads to substantial operational cost savings, and reducing energy consumption supports corporate sustainability goals by lowering the organization’s carbon footprint. Implementation and Maintenance The implementation process includes planning, device installation, system integration, and staff training. Ongoing maintenance and regular updates ensure the IoT systems remain efficient and effective over time. Regulations and Standards Compliance with local and international energy management and IoT standards is vital. Certifications ensure the quality and security of the IoT solutions, meeting regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Staff Training Training staff on the use and maintenance of IoT systems is essential. Building an energy-conscious culture within the organization promotes efficient energy use and maximizes the benefits of IoT solutions. #IoT #EnergyManagement #BusinessEfficiency Ring the bell to get notifications 🔔

Number marking of components like Raw Number (Row No.), Table Number, Inverter String Number, and Equipment Numbers is crucial in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and Breakdown Management for ground-mounted solar projects 1. Fast Fault Identification & Isolation When a fault is reported (e.g., string underperformance), number marking helps technicians quickly locate the exact table, row, or string inverter while online guidance Reduces time spent searching, enabling faster troubleshooting and repair. 2. Efficient Preventive Maintenance Maintenance teams can schedule and execute routine inspections, cleaning, and thermographic scans based on clear component IDs. Ensures no table/string is missed and all are periodically covered. 3. Streamlined Reporting & Documentation Component IDs (e.g., INV-04-STR-10, TB-15, RW-03) allow precise recording of events, repairs, or replacements. Enables data-driven performance tracking and root cause analysis over time. 4. Inventory & Spares Management Equipment tagged with unique IDs helps in matching spares correctly, avoiding mismatches or repeated ordering. Aids in tracking the life cycle and warranty of specific components. 5. Safety & Compliance Clear marking is essential for safe shutdown, isolation, and energization during work. Supports audit readiness and regulatory compliance (e.g., DISCOM or MNRE inspections). 6. Workforce Efficiency & Accountability Minimizes miscommunication between O&M team members. Helps assign and monitor tasks based on tagged components, improving team accountability.