Just landed a contract to audit a state prison facility in Indiana (Duke Energy territory). Never worked corrections before - any specific areas I should focus on? I'm assuming 24/7 operations mean different demand patterns than typical commercial accounts.
Prison Facility Energy Costs - Where to Look?
Robert, prisons are energy hogs with unique challenges. Heavy lighting loads (security requirements), constant HVAC (no setbacks allowed), industrial kitchen/laundry, and sometimes on-site manufacturing. Also check for power quality issues from metal detection equipment and electric fencing systems. We found $6,200/month in errors at a facility in Illinois.
Cindy's spot on about the 24/7 loads. Also look at their backup power systems - prisons often have extensive generator capacity for security reasons, and utilities sometimes overcharge for standby service. The other thing is demand ratchets - many facilities get hit with winter peaks that carry through summer due to heating loads.