Connecticut Installs Energy Monitoring System

April 11th, 2012 by Scott Raybin

A new monitoring system will allow facilities managers at up to 100 state buildings to achieve cost savings by identifying and addressing inefficiencies in energy use associated with building operations. Installation of the EfficiencySmart Insight service from EnerNOC, will give state facilities managers and EnerNOC technical advisors access to real-time energy data, “allowing for specific and timely actions to reduce energy consumption.”

The new system will detect, for example, if lights are left on overnight, if building temperatures are too high or low, or if HVAC units are kept running over the weekend in unoccupied facilities. In this way, the system will inform decisions on equipment upgrades or changes in occupant behavior that will reduce energy use and reduce operating costs for the state. The monitoring system is being installed as part of a new state program, called Lead by Example, a partnership between the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Lead by Example demonstrates the economic benefits of energy efficiency by achieving energy savings in state buildings.

“The state of Connecticut spends more than $100 million a year to provide heating, cooling, and electricity for its buildings,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty. “Lead by Example will help us bring that bill down providing real savings for taxpayers, reducing the environmental footprint of state government, and proving to municipalities, businesses and property owners that energy efficiency is a sound investment.”

“Knowing more about the state’s energy consumption provides a very real opportunity to better manage our facilities, achieve efficiencies, and save money,” said DAS Commissioner Donald DeFronzo. “In this time of tight budgets, we need to do more with less and this new system will help us do just that.”

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