Savings Reporting
Savings reporting translates measurements and adjustments into a documented savings claim. The standard structure is: adjusted baseline energy minus reporting-period energy, with separate line items for routine and non-routine adjustments, and an explicit statement of uncertainty. Reports should present energy and cost savings, the period covered, data sources, and any assumptions.
Key concepts: adjusted baseline calculation, energy vs. demand vs. cost savings, tariff and rate treatment (avoiding double-counting demand and energy charges), uncertainty statements (e.g., ±10% at 90% confidence), and transparency of data and methods. Reports should distinguish verified savings from projected savings, and should document any data gaps or estimated values.
Traps: reporting gross savings without accounting for measure cost or baseline changes; mixing energy and cost savings incorrectly when rates change; omitting uncertainty; reporting savings for a period shorter than the agreed reporting period without labeling it interim; and failing to apply non-routine adjustments that occurred during the period. Another trap is presenting savings as a single number when the plan requires a range or confidence statement.
Worked example: Adjusted baseline = 500,000 kWh; actual = 430,000 kWh; routine adjustment already embedded in the adjusted baseline; non-routine adjustment for a new load = +15,000 kWh (added to actual use or subtracted from savings). Savings = 500,000 − (430,000 + 15,000) = 55,000 kWh. At $0.10/kWh, cost savings = $5,500, reported with ±8% uncertainty at 90% confidence. The report states the data sources, the model used, and the non-routine adjustment rationale.