As more companies move towards reducing their carbon emissions and accomplishing net zero targets, embracing emerging power sources becomes key.

By Frikkie Malan, head of sustainability at Remote Metering Solutions

For instance, solar and wind solutions have been receiving lots of media attention in recent months as companies look for alternative ways to power their buildings. One of the ways to optimise the adoption of more advanced technology to accomplish this is through more effective data analysis.

Data allows decision-makers to better understand the energy sources and usage of properties. By collecting and analysing data on energy consumption, we can identify patterns and trends that can help optimise energy use and reduce waste. This is important because it allows for more informed decisions about how we use energy and to help us transition to more sustainable sources.

Efficiencies at work

Furthermore, data can help organisations improve the efficiency of their energy systems. By analysing data on the performance of energy generation and distribution systems, building managers and property owners can identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to increase efficiency. This not only reduces the amount of energy being used, but it also helps to lower costs and reduce a company’s carbon footprint.

Perhaps more critically, data can help companies forecast and prepare for future energy needs. By collecting data on energy demand, an organisation can predict how much energy it will need in the future and make necessary plans to meet that demand. This is important because it allows property managers and building owners to plan for the long-term and ensure that they have a secure and sustainable energy supply.

Becoming more dependable

By embracing data analysis, decision-makers are enabled to identify the problem areas of their energy systems and improve their reliability. By collecting data on energy generation and distribution systems, a business can flag potential issues before they occur and take preventative action to avoid outages and disruptions. This is important because it helps to ensure that there is a consistent and reliable energy supply, especially due to the uncertainty caused by continued rolling blackouts and jumping between levels of load shedding.

Data can also provide property owners and building managers with the means to better understand the impacts of the building’s energy use on the environment. By collecting and analysing data on the environmental impacts of different energy sources, leaders can make more informed decisions about how their properties generate and use energy. This can help them transition to more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy sources.

Overall, data is key to unlocking secure and sustainable energy because it allows organisations to make more informed decisions about their energy use, optimise their energy systems, prepare for future energy needs, improve reliability, and understand the environmental impacts of their energy use. By leveraging data, they can transition to a more sustainable and secure energy future.

It is in this area where Remote Metering Solutions can provide organisations with significant value as it is expert in smart utility management solutions and the associated data analysis required to harness the potential of more energy efficient solutions.

END

About Remote Metering Solutions

Established in 2005, Remote Metering Solutions (RMS) is the largest privately-owned South African utilities network manager. We serve more than 2 300 retail, office, and industrial properties as well as numerous local councils and municipalities. RMS removes the complexity of measuring and validating the consumption of electricity, water, or gas regardless of the metering point or device, geographic location, or time interval.

Through the RMS Sustainability Services division, the company can assist its customers to comply with the recently gazetted legislation pertaining to energy performance certification. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the energy performance of a building and gives a rating valid for five years.

RMS manages properties across South Africa and other SADC countries. RMS assists its clients with recovering more than R5-billion in utilities per annum.