How Energy Consumption Data Drives Efficiency: A Guide to Smarter, Sustainable Homes and Businesses

As the urgency to tackle climate change grows, understanding how we use energy has never been more critical—or rewarding. The European Union’s Fit for 55 plan targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, making efficient energy practices essential. At the same time, rising energy prices—driven by supply chain disruptions, global demand, and geopolitical factors—underscore the need for efficient consumption strategies.

Data from smart meters and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) is transforming energy management by providing detailed insights into usage patterns. Both businesses and homeowners can leverage this data to optimize consumption, cut costs, and contribute toward a more sustainable future. 

How Businesses Use Energy Data to Save and Go Green

Energy efficiency is now a top priority for businesses, aligning with environmental regulations and reducing costs. Here’s how smart meter data is making an impact:

Spotting and Fixing Inefficiencies: Granular data reveals exactly when and where energy is being used, allowing businesses to target wasteful practices or inefficient equipment. For example, a company might find that HVAC systems run during low-occupancy hours, offering opportunities to save.

Maximizing Renewable Energy: The rise of on-site solar is significant; by 2023, more than 4 million commercial properties worldwide had installed solar panels. Smart meter data helps businesses size these installations optimally, aligning with their actual energy needs and allowing for more efficient use of stored energy from battery systems.

EV Fleet Charging: For companies adopting electric vehicle (EV) fleets, smart meter data aids in scheduling charging times, helping to avoid grid congestion. With EVs expected to make up 20% of new fleet purchases by 2030, efficient charging solutions are crucial, and smart meter data helps achieve that by aligning charging with lower-demand periods.

Helping Homeowners Take Control with Smart Meter Data

For homeowners, smart meter data offers practical ways to reduce energy waste, save on bills, and minimize their environmental footprint:

Seeing Energy Use Clearly: Smart meter data offers visibility into household energy use, enabling residents to identify and minimize wasteful practices. For instance, they might notice that certain appliances consume significant power even in standby mode, encouraging changes that lower costs.

Solar Panels and Storage: Rooftop solar installations are growing at a record pace, with 1 in 7 U.S. homes projected to have rooftop solar by 2030. With smart meter data, homeowners with solar and battery setups can determine whether to store excess power for later or export it to the grid during high-demand periods, optimizing for both efficiency and cost savings.

Automated Home Control: From smart thermostats to energy-efficient appliances, homeowners can use smart meter data to optimize when and how energy is used, integrating convenience with sustainability. This data can help manage HVAC, lighting, and appliances automatically based on factors like time of day, reducing both costs and environmental impact. 

Participating in Demand Response Programs: Homeowners can often be compensated for participating in demand response programs run by utilities and TSOs, leveraging smart meter data as the single source of truth to prove their reduced energy demand.

Conclusion

In today’s energy-conscious world, smart meter data is a game-changer, enabling both businesses and homeowners to optimize energy use in smart, sustainable ways. By helping companies cut costs and adhere to sustainability goals and empowering residents to manage their energy, smart meter data is a powerful tool for a greener future. Embracing these insights unlocks economic and environmental benefits for all. Ready to harness the potential of energy data? Contact the Openvolt team to see how smart meter data can enhance your application.