Question about visual presentation of data. Working on a Central Maine Power audit with multiple rate schedule comparisons. What types of charts work best for showing potential savings across different scenarios? Bar charts, line graphs, tables?
Using charts and graphs effectively in presentations
I love side-by-side bar charts for rate comparisons. Current annual cost vs projected cost under each rate option. Makes the savings jump out visually. Tables are for appendices.
For demand analysis I use line graphs showing monthly peaks with overlay of different demand thresholds. Really helps clients understand why rate schedule X works better for their load profile.
Pie charts work great for showing breakdown of bill components - energy vs demand vs fees vs taxes. Clients often don't realize how much they pay in demand charges until they see it visually.
Whatever you do, keep colors consistent. If current costs are blue in one chart, keep them blue throughout the presentation. Sounds basic but I've seen reports where colors change between slides and it's confusing.
Great tips everyone. I use a simple red/green color scheme - red for current costs, green for projected savings. Universal color language that works in any presentation setting.