We are always looking for new and unique ways to help our members manage their energy. For example, we provide tools and calculators on our website at union-power.com to help members decide what changes and upgrades they should make in their homes based on potential savings. We also offer energy efficiency tips and articles through all communication channels to promote energy savings. But what else can we do?
Recently, Union Power’s Business Intelligence Analyst Marc Rizzo saw an opportunity to use our meter data to recognize when a member is consuming higher than average amounts of energy. Working with our Marketing and Energy Services Department, he developed the Energy Usage Report. This report shows mid-billing cycle consumption that is abnormal compared to usage from previous billing cycles.
Our Energy Specialist Team receives the daily report, analyzes the members’ data, and proactively contacts the member to see if any significant changes have occurred since their last bill. If a problem is suspected, the energy specialist suggests ways to improve usage or repairs that could help reduce use before receiving their next power bill.
Union Power member Dave Alder is an excellent example of how the Energy Usage Report helped him determine why his home suddenly started consuming higher than normal usage.
Energy Specialist Billy Brantley explains, “Our job is to notify members of the increased consumption and question if they are aware of what could be contributing to the increase. If the cause isn’t coming from a lifestyle choice such as thermostat settings, it could be that repairs are needed in the home due to an unknown mechanical issue. Usually, the cause we find is related to the HVAC system, a water heater, an issue with a well pump, or a pool heat pump.”
Union Power member Dave Alder is an excellent example of how the Energy Usage Report helped him determine why his home suddenly started consuming higher than normal usage. The report notified our energy specialists of an issue with this member. As a result, they could investigate hourly usage and identify when the problem occurred. By interpreting the data, they could suspect the significant increase was due to an HVAC issue.
Manager of Marketing and Energy Services Jake Thomas proactively informed Alder about the issue and how he could improve his home’s energy efficiency. Alder states, “If it wasn’t for Jake, I never would have understood why my home was using so much energy since it occurred between billing cycles, and we don’t see the energy consumption until we receive the power bill. Especially with my home being a newer build, I expected reduced power bills due to the newer, efficient equipment.”
Jake also suggested when and what may be causing the HVAC issue, which helped isolate the problem. After some investigation, a mechanical issue with the HVAC thermostat was found to be the driving factor behind the increased consumption. Once the thermostat was repaired, Alder’s daily consumption decreased by more than 50%.
“The opportunities provided from the Energy Usage Report, along with the technology we have already invested in, will allow us to take our customer service to the next level!” said Jake Thomas.
