Restaurant client in Tampa has huge seasonal swings. Summer AC load triples their demand charges. How do you factor seasonality into audit findings? Tampa Electric has time-of-use rates that complicate things.
Seasonal adjustment methodology
I analyze each season separately. Summer, winter, and shoulder months have different patterns. Dominion Energy Virginia has seasonal rate differentials that affect the math. Don't average across seasons blindly.
Weather normalization is key. Degree day adjustments help identify true efficiency opportunities vs weather impacts. Duke Energy in North Carolina provides weather data that correlates well with usage patterns.
Look at 3-year patterns minimum. One hot summer or cold winter can skew analysis. Idaho Power customers see 200% demand swings between seasons. Need longer baseline for meaningful findings.
Consider recommending seasonal contracts or interruptible rates for high seasonal loads. Georgia Power has several options that can cut peak demand costs significantly for seasonal businesses.
Document seasonal patterns clearly in your report. Show monthly trends and explain how findings apply across seasons. PSO in Oklahoma clients need to understand that summer savings might not apply in winter.