How to Measure Electricity Consumption for Energy Optimisation?
In a world increasingly focused on energy optimisation, electrical metering has become essential for managing and improving building performance. But too often, organisations rush into choosing a tool without first defining their goals. At Smart Impulse, we believe that successful metering starts with the right questions.
Why measure electricity consumption?
Before undertaking an energy consumption tracking project, it is necessary to ask for what purpose and in what manner these consumption data will be used—especially when the end goal is energy optimisation.
The risk: thinking in terms of product and drifting away from the need
When undertaking this type of initiative, it is not uncommon to focus on technology, forgetting the initial need. The risk is to end up with a solution that is out of sync with the actual needs and the available resources.
Just as you wouldn’t consider putting Formula 1 tyres on your car, despite their performance, because they would not meet your needs and would require specialised mechanics, a measurement solution must be tailored to your objectives and operational capacities. For example, investing in an oversised (and expensive) solution may generate a volume of data that is too large to be processed, or may require maintenance resources not accounted for.
This is why energy optimisation projects must begin with clear and appropriate questions:
– Why do I want to measure my consumption? (What is my goal?)
– What level of detail do I need?
– Who will use and analyse this data?
– What is the final format I need?
Depending on your needs, expectations will differ in terms of detail level, analysis capacity, and presentation format.
Measurement vs simulation
To estimate the energy consumption of buildings, it is also possible to use energy simulation software. These tools allow for the evaluation of the building’s thermal behaviour and simulate plans for energy savings by improving the structure or systems.
However, the results of simulations depend on assumptions about the actual operation of systems (operating hours, setpoints, occupant behaviour, etc.). These details can be difficult to obtain and may result in significant discrepancies between the simulation and reality.
Measurement therefore plays a key role in energy optimisation: it complements simulation by refining assumptions and validating the relevance of the simulated scenarios. This helps propose renovation plans with more accurate forecasts of savings and return on investment.
Main objectives and actions for energy optimisation
We have identified four main objectives that lead building managers to measure energy consumption. Several types of actions can be implemented to meet these goals:
Understanding how your building operates
Having a clear vision of how energy systems function helps ensure that equipment operates as intended to meet the building’s operational needs (comfort, air renewal, lighting, etc.).
Energy reporting and performance monitoring
This involves obtaining data to define the energy scope to be monitored, establish a reference situation, and then track performance over time. This approach supports long-term energy optimisation through structured monitoring.
Generating energy savings
This unfolds in several steps:
– Define an energy savings action plan
– Monitor the implementation of this plan to ensure its real effectiveness
– Detect deviations related to equipment or occupant behaviour
– Identify changes in the building’s use requiring control adjustments
Obtaining environmental certifications
– Measurement systems contribute to earning points for certifications such as BREEAM or LEED.
– ISO 50001 certification requires monitoring of significant energy uses, so accurate consumption measurement is essential.
Engaging and raising awareness among employees
This involves collecting data from uses like IT, lighting, or office temperature. Such data helps raise awareness among occupants and fosters a long-term culture of energy efficiency.
Optimising energy contracts
The goal is to select the most suitable contract for the building’s actual consumption profile, adjusting for pricing periods or subscribed power. All of these actions contribute directly to energy optimisation.
Note: this article does not address the case of energy sub-billing, which requires MID-certified meters.
How to measure your electricity consumption?
Now that the objectives and expected outcomes are clearly defined, we can look at the different measurement technologies available on the market and assess how they respond to various types of needs—especially when used in service of effective energy optimisation.
In summary
Electrical metering is not just about tracking consumption — it’s about making energy visible, actionable, and strategic. At Smart Impulse, we help you focus on what really matters: using your data to improve efficiency and reduce impact.
Would you like to integrate an smart energy metering solution into your energy optimisation strategy?
To go further :
Electricity Metering Solutions: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Needs
ISO 50001 : Smart Impulse, an Asset for Efficient Management of Energy