Looking at a daycare center in Phoenix with APS. Monthly demand charges are running $400-600 on a $2,200 total bill. Seems high for a business that's just lighting, some computers, and HVAC. Anyone familiar with typical demand patterns for daycare facilities?
Daycare demand charges seem excessive
Demand charges that high suggest either oversized equipment cycling on/off or multiple large loads hitting simultaneously. Daycare HVAC systems can be surprisingly large due to ventilation requirements. What's the actual kW demand reading?
Peak demand is showing 45-52 kW most months. Building is about 6,000 sq ft with 3 HVAC units. The demand charges are calculated on APS Schedule E-32 which has pretty steep rates.
That demand level seems reasonable for that size facility in Phoenix heat. The issue might be the rate schedule - check if there's a small commercial option with lower demand charges or time-of-use rates that could work better.