Here's what you need to know about collecting data for tribal energy projects.
Many tribes have established energy efficiency and renewable energy goals.
But how do you know what goal to set and when you’ve reached or exceeded that goal?
Several departments were ordering energy efficient light bulbs from the same source
Combining their orders boosted their purchasing power
The tribe is now saving MORE green while going green!
Two electric meters on a casino
Measured separately, neither meter had a large enough load to qualify for the less expensive industrial rate
When the meters were aggregated, their combined load met the requirements for the industrial rate
The tribe now qualifies for a lower electricity rate!
Energy loads made the tribe the largest customer for the local utility co-op
The tribe can use data as leverage
The tribe now qualifies for a lower electricity rate!
Streamline internal billing and payment approval processes to avoid paying late fees!
Key Points:
How much energy is currently being used?
How much does it cost?
“If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else.” —Yogi Berra
Tribal facility electricity use—combine and analyze data from a years’ worth of utility bills to get insight into how electricity use varies by season (and which buildings use the most electricity)
Average residential electricity and heat use—this is typically the toughest data to get; start with the housing department
Commercial building electricity and heat use
Fleet fuel use—diesel, gas, and natural gas used in shuttles, lawn care equipment, etc.
Annual fuel purchased
Types of heating used in tribal buildings and residential homes
Amount of fuel being used (gas, cordwood, etc.)
Review any energy audit data and outputs
Be sure to include all energy users, including tribal government buildings, commercial buildings, housing, health services, schools, etc.
Get help with:
Energy Planning
Project Development
Policy, Regulations, and Codes
Climate Resilience
Village Power
Learn more and apply online at energy.gov/indianenergy/request-technical-assistance