I've got a 47-location retail chain client and their usage analysis is all over the map. Some stores are hitting 15 kWh/sq ft while others are at 8 kWh/sq ft, but there's no obvious pattern by location, size, or sales volume. APS rates vary by schedule but not enough to explain this spread. Store managers all swear their operations are identical. This is my first major benchmarking project and I'm honestly lost. Where do I even start to find the anomalies?
Retail chain benchmarking disaster - need help!
Rita - retail chains are tricky because there are so many variables that aren't obvious. Start with the basics: store age, HVAC type, lighting systems, and hours of operation. I had a similar situation with a North Carolina chain where some locations had old T12 fluorescents while others had LED retrofits. Also check if any stores have different equipment like additional freezer cases or expanded pharmacy sections.
Rita, Wayne's right about the equipment variations. Also look at your APS rate schedules carefully - some locations might be on Schedule E-32 while others are on Schedule E-20, and the demand charge structures are very different. I'd suggest creating a spreadsheet with store size, rate schedule, monthly kWh, peak demand, and load factor for each location. The outliers will jump out once you normalize for square footage and rate structure. Happy to take a look at your data if you want to PM me.