Take the sub-way

Here to read your meter...

Renewable energy installations are becoming increasingly vital for UK businesses aiming to achieve sustainable growth, reduce costs and improve their environmental impact. However, one of the less discussed aspects that is supporting this shift is submetering, which plays an integral role in green energy decisions. Lee Ackerman, Net Zero Manager at Connectus Utilities, discusses how businesses can utilise submetering to maximise renewable integration and support their long-term goals.

It is positive to see the increasing move towards renewable energy across the commercial sector. Government incentives, reduced energy expenses and enhanced property values are all working
to support the acceleration of green energy adoption – however, it is important for businesses not to overlook the benefits of submetering in their plans.

A crucial first step

Before a business can effectively harness the benefits of renewable energy, it’s important to first understand a building’s energy consumption at a granular level. Having this insight is essential
to making informed decisions, such as determining if a battery storage system is needed for solar panels to capture excess energy, or if an infrastructural upgrade is needed to prepare for new technologies like EV charging stations or air source heat pumps. Without this data, it is essentially guesswork, which can lead to costly mistakes.

Installing a renewable energy system that is either too big or too small for business needs is another one of the major pitfalls associated with a lack of planning. Submetering data helps to right-size the system, preventing under – or overinvestment.

If a system is too large, it will generate more energy than a business can consume. While this excess energy can be exported back to the grid, the rates are often poor, meaning it will extend the time to pay off the initial investment. However, an undersized system won’t meet the required energy needs, forcing the business to rely on expensive grid power more than necessary.

Submetering helps to avoid these mistakes by providing a
clear picture of what’s happening on-site. For many businesses, especially those in older buildings, there’s often hidden waste and inefficiency. A main meter only shows total daily consumption;
it doesn’t pinpoint exactly where energy is being used. Submetering provides more visibility, allowing the business to make targeted changes and ensure any new renewable system is the perfect fit.

Evolving technology

While submetering technology has existed for decades, its application in the business sector has only recently gained momentum due to changing government policies, investor demand and growing social interest in sustainability.

Through evolution, modern submetering now incorporates smart meters, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and advanced data analytics platforms. These technologies work together to provide real-time, minute-by- minute data on energy consumption. The true innovation lies in the user-friendly software that breaks down this complex data into actionable reports, giving businesses a clear understanding of their energy usage. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence (AI) could play an even larger role in predicting consumption and automating energy management. When looking for a submetering service provider, businesses should consider one that offers detailed data output. This includes the ability to measure consumption down to individual devices or circuit level, alongside reports and analytics that can translate raw data into clear, actionable changes, continuous monitoring and accountability – so that a business is able to stay clear on its energy goals.

Submetering technology's application in the businss sector has gained momentum due to changing government policies, investor demand and growing social interest in sustainability.
Submetering technology's application in the businss sector has gained momentum due to changing government policies, investor demand and growing social interest in sustainability.

By understanding exactly where and when energy is being used, businesses can implement smarter controls. For example, a hospitality group might use submetering to identify its highest energy-consuming areas, like spas or heating systems. A hotel might use submetering to see if its building management system (BMS) is turning off lights and heating at the right times, or a restaurant might discover an oven is wastefully being left on overnight. By monitoring these areas over time, businesses can make informed decisions about equipment upgrades, adjust usage times and ensure any new renewable system is working at peak efficiency.

Making a real impact

Once a renewable system is installed, submetering becomes the key to long-term success. Whether the goal is to reduce costs, meet ESG targets or simply improve sustainability, the data from submetering can guide the strategy. For many businesses, submetering delivers around a 3-5% reduction in energy usage, which can lead to a one to two-year return on investment (ROI). But the benefits extend beyond just saving on utility bills.

Being a sustainable business is great for brand reputation, attracting more environmentally conscious customers and partners. Company culture can be enhanced when employees are engaged and feel a sense of pride and shared purpose when they work for a company committed to sustainability. Business decisions also become smarter when driven by data, helping firms make more informed upgrades rather than randomly selecting where to invest in new or more efficient equipment.

At Connectus Utilities, we worked with a large industrial group, who approached our team with a common challenge. Their main meter showed high energy consumption, but they had no idea where the waste was occurring. They wanted to explore renewable energy but didn’t know how to size a system that would actually work for their large, sprawling, multi-operation site that was using outdated equipment.

Our solution was to install submetering devices across one of their sites, focusing on the highest energy-consuming areas. The data revealed inefficiencies in their heating and ventilation systems, as well as a few pieces
of equipment that were running unnecessarily during off-hours. Based on our initial findings,
the client made immediate operational changes that reduced consumption. With a clear picture of their energy needs, we then helped them fully design a suitably sized solar and battery storage system. This not only significantly reduced their reliance on the grid but also captured excess solar energy to use during peak demand times, maximising their savings and minimising their carbon footprint.

The future of
energy management
The takeaway from our experience working with businesses is that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. As the energy market remains unstable and social pressures for sustainability grow, we expect to see more organisations investing in energy optimisation.

For any business considering renewable energy, the best
advice is to start with the data. Submetering is the first step on your Net Zero journey. By taking the time to understand your current consumption, you’ll ensure that any investment you make in renewable technology is strategic, effective and delivers a powerful return – for your bottom line and for the planet.

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