ENERGY INTELLIGENCE LIBRARY
How should energy savings be measured?
The measurement instrument matters. The study design matters more.
Start by defining the claim.
If the question is “Did real electricity use change at this electrical boundary?”, then integrated kWh over comparable operating periods is the primary endpoint. THD, power factor, current, and kVA can help explain what happened, but they answer different questions.
Five controls that make before-and-after data more credible
- Same measurement boundary. Measure the same feeder, panel, switchgear, or service point before and after.
- Same measurement system. Keep analyzer, probes, ranges, ratios, configuration, and timing consistent whenever practical.
- Comparable operating conditions. Match or normalize weather, occupancy, production, schedules, and major loads.
- Document changes. Record maintenance, shutdowns, setpoint changes, equipment changes, solar/generator status, and anomalies.
- Preserve raw data. Keep the source files, setup, photos, and analysis trail so the result can be reproduced and challenged.
Why a single snapshot is not enough
A post-installation reading that is 8% lower may simply reflect a different production rate, HVAC load, voltage, schedule, or occupancy. A defensible study compares integrated energy over representative or controlled windows and explains material differences in operating context.
A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP
Ready to improve your electrical system?
Talk with Orion about your facility, energy costs, electrical system and what you want to improve. We’ll help identify the most practical path.