Got an interesting project auditing a state prison facility in Illinois on ComEd. The demand profile is wild - almost perfectly flat 24/7 because they never shut down anything. Security lighting, HVAC, kitchen, laundry, all running constantly. Anyone worked with correctional facilities before? Wondering if there are any special rates or demand management strategies that make sense for this type of load.
Prison facility 24/7 demand profile analysis
Prisons are fascinating from an energy perspective. That flat demand profile actually works against them on time-of-use rates because they can't shift load to off-peak hours. Sometimes a flat demand rate is better even if the per-kWh cost is higher. The security requirements make demand response programs basically impossible too.
Exactly! They're on a TOU rate now but getting zero benefit from the off-peak pricing because their load is constant. Going to model what a flat rate would cost them. The load factor is incredible though - over 95%.
Some states have special government rates for correctional facilities. Illinois might have something through their procurement process. Also check if they're eligible for any energy efficiency rebates - LED conversions in prison facilities can have great paybacks with 24/7 operation.