EN-POWER GROUP was featured in Habitat Magazine for its insight into how smart electric meters are changing the way multifamily buildings manage electricity use, peak demand, and utility costs.

Context: What Smart Electric Meters Mean for Buildings

Electric utilities are transitioning from traditional meters to smart electric meters that track energy usage in real time. For multifamily buildings, this shift introduces new opportunities to better understand when electricity is being used and how demand charges impact overall costs.

Smart meters also enable access to time-of-day rates, which price electricity differently depending on when it is consumed.

EN-POWER GROUP’s Perspective

According to Thomas Morrisson, Director of Energy Management at EN-POWER GROUP, multifamily buildings often experience peak electricity demand during evening hours, unlike commercial buildings, which typically peak midday.

Because of this difference, many co-op and multifamily properties may benefit from switching to time-of-day utility rates based on smart meter data, potentially reducing overall electricity expenses.

Beyond the Meter: Understanding Building Demand

While smart meters provide valuable usage data, they are only a starting point. Determining which systems drive peak demand requires deeper analysis.

Working with an energy consultant can help building owners evaluate:

  • Which systems consume the most electricity

  • Whether submetering specific systems is cost-effective

  • If installing variable frequency drives can reduce electrical load

In addition, utilities like Con Edison offer energy efficiency and demand response programs designed to incentivize reduced demand. Participation in many of these programs requires smart or interval meters.

Why This Matters for Building Owners

Smart electric meters give building owners visibility into how and when electricity is used. When paired with expert analysis, this data can inform smarter operational decisions, unlock utility incentives, and support long-term cost control strategies.

As smart meter installations continue to roll out borough by borough and county by county, understanding how to use this data effectively is becoming increasingly important for multifamily buildings.

Media Attribution

This topic was originally featured in Habitat Magazine on February 26, 2019.
[Read the full article on Habitat Magazine →]

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