Auditing textile plant in Raleigh on Duke Schedule LGS. Weekday usage averages 2,400 kWh but weekends drop to only 180 kWh. Client says they shut down completely but 180 seems high for just security lighting and HVAC. Normal?
Duke Energy manufacturing client - weekend usage questions
I'd expect 5-8% of weekday load for true shutdown. 180/2400 is 7.5% so you're in the right ballpark. But worth checking what's actually running - compressors, process water heating, emergency lighting.
Had Norfolk client with similar profile. Turned out they were leaving production air compressors on "standby" all weekend. Big waste - saved $400/month by proper shutdown procedures.
Check the interval data if Duke provides it. Should see nice flat baseline on weekends. Any spikes indicate equipment cycling that shouldn't be.
Good catches everyone. Client is getting 15-minute interval data from Duke. I can see several 4-6 hour spikes each weekend around 8am and 6pm. Looks like someone's coming in and running equipment.
Mystery solved! Probably weekend maintenance or small production runs. At least you know it's intentional usage vs equipment malfunction.
Interval data analysis is crucial for understanding usage patterns. Weekend and holiday usage often reveals unauthorized equipment operation, inefficient controls, or phantom loads that impact both energy costs and demand charges.