Oct. 18, 2011 By: Avalon Mechanical Consultants Ltd. #300 – 1245 Esquimalt Road Victoria, BC V9A 3P2 Phone: (250) 384-4128 Fax: (250) 384-4134 bob@avalonmechanical.com
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SUMMARY This is the annual energy use review for The RBCM. Relevant factors to consider include the following: 1. Completely new rate structures came into place Jan 1 2011 for the “firm electricity” (see accounts for identifications), as opposed to your Electric Plus “interruptible” account. 2. An 8% increase in Hydro costs came into effect on April 1, 2011. 3. The firm account was split into two accounts as of July 2010, and the IMAX use has been removed from the RBCM meters. IMAX consumption is unknown, but its removal partially offsets the increased HVAC consumption. 4. The new rooftop chillers and 3 North air handlers were installed and commissioned in the winter of 2010. A certain amount of E+ load was transferred onto the new 600 volt “firm” account during the 3 North HVAC upgrade (early 2011). 5. BC Hydro estimated certain months data, which led, for a period of time, to incorrect application of Power Factor penalties, incorrect consumption, and conflicting charges on bills. Three sources of data were difficult to reconcile: a. Account history directly acquired from BC Hydro b. RBCM web accessible data c. Actual mailed invoices. After sorting through the issues, we believe that the best way to quickly determine the actual energy use and performance is to review the actual consumption for the latest 12 month period data we have, ending June 14, 2011. The columns below represent the total RBCM consumption from July to June for each year shown:
RBCM Total Hydro kWh (July to June) 7000000
6000000 5000000 4000000 3000000 2000000
1000000 0 06/07
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07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
RATES As of April 1, 2010, the Hydro rates effectively increased by 9%. As of April 1, 2011, the Hydro rates effectively increased by another 8%. The RBCM should also consider the effects of the HST, which may be negligible – depending on what portion of the Hydro-related tax is reimbursed. When the PST is reinstated, it will be a full cost. Avalon Mechanical Consultants Ltd.
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ACCOUNTS Our understanding is that the new BC Hydro accounts are arranged as follows:
Account
Covering
Old Rate
New Rate
5904680 7578714
Existing E+ meter for 600kW boiler. New meter on new transformer 480v secondary. Existing meter (ID 1535016 D314) meters the Museum’s 600v system only and no longer meters the IMAX 600v feed. IMAX meter (not considered).
1206 1210
1206 1610
1210
1610
N/A
N/A
5904688 N/A
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CONSUMPTION The facility consumption for the latest 12 months shown is 4.7% greater than the previous 12 months. Rooftop HVAC energy use has risen due to chilled water on RBCM meter, and reheat required for ASHRAE AA environmental conditions. The IMAX offsets this to a degree.
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POWER FACTOR PENALTY Our understanding is that any Power Factor penalties in the last 12 months have been reversed.
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GRAPHS OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION The following graph is based on data from the newly installed Pulse meters. KWh consumption is on the left axis, and heating degree-days (weather factor) is at the right. The red line is HDD, showing colder weather in winter, and more boiler use. Note rooftop HVAC has risen due to chilled water on RBCM meter, and reheat required for ASHRAE AA environmental conditions.
Avalon Mechanical Consultants Ltd.