Managing your energy data effectively is the foundation for reducing consumption, cutting costs, and meeting sustainability targets. But for many businesses, energy data is scattered, inconsistent, or simply unused.
Here’s how to take control of your energy data, and turn it into actionable insight.
1. Collect data from the right sources
Start by identifying where your energy data currently comes from. This may include:
- Utility bills
- Building management systems (BMS)
- Sub-meters across your sites
- Smart meters and IoT devices
- On-site generation (e.g. solar)
The more granular your data, the more precise your decisions can be, especially in large or complex estates.
Also read: What are energy management systems?
2. Centralise your energy data
To make use of your data, you need to see it in one place. A centralised energy management platform brings all sources together and provides a clear view of:
- Usage patterns
- Peak demand
- Performance across buildings or teams
- Opportunities for cost and carbon savings
Without centralisation, data often remains siloed and underused.
3. Clean and validate your data
Energy data can be messy. Missing readings, faulty meters, or formatting issues can all distort the picture.
A good energy management system will:
- Highlight anomalies
- Fill data gaps using recognised methods
- Flag faulty or underperforming meters
- Ensure accuracy for audits and reporting
Clean data is essential for both operational decisions and regulatory compliance.
4. Automate reporting and alerts
Manual reporting is time-consuming and often delayed. By automating your energy data workflows, you can:
- Receive weekly/monthly usage summaries
- Set up alerts for abnormal consumption
- Track performance against targets
- Generate reports for ESOS, SECR or internal ESG metrics
This frees up time to focus on action, not admin.
Explore: A simple guide to ESOS
5. Use AI to get ahead
AI tools like EMMA AI add a layer of intelligence to your energy data. They don’t just show you the numbers – they analyse patterns, detect inefficiencies, and recommend solutions.
This turns your data into a powerful decision-making tool, identifying savings you might otherwise miss.
Related post: What is an AI energy management system?
6. Link energy data to business outcomes
Don’t just manage energy data for the sake of it. Use it to:
- Justify CapEx or efficiency upgrades
- Track ROI on sustainability projects
- Monitor progress towards net zero
- Strengthen internal reporting and visibility
Data-driven decisions are faster, more accurate, and easier to defend.
Take control of your data, take control of your energy
Managing energy data isn’t about dashboards, it’s about decisions. Optimal Monitoring helps businesses turn complex energy data into cost-saving action. Find out how we can support your team.
Useful links …
How the UK hospitality sector can seriously reduce its energy bills.
How AI Is Transforming Energy Management for Commercial Buildings
Why Energy Monitoring Matters in Commercial Buildings
Which is better Carbon Neutral or Net Zero?