ERAC ERAC Energy Data Analytics & Reporting 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which key performance indicator (KPI) measures the ratio of useful energy output to total energy input in a facility?
- Energy Utilization Index (EUI) (Correct answer)
- Energy Performance Index (EPI)
- Energy Conversion Efficiency (ECE)
- Energy Intensity Ratio (EIR)
Correct answer: Energy Utilization Index (EUI)
The Energy Utilization Index (EUI) measures energy consumption per square foot per year and is a primary KPI for benchmarking building energy performance.
Question 2: In energy data analytics, what does an M&V (Measurement & Verification) protocol primarily confirm?
- Compliance with EPA regulations
- Actual energy savings achieved from efficiency measures (Correct answer)
- Utility billing accuracy
- Carbon offset credit validity
Correct answer: Actual energy savings achieved from efficiency measures
M&V protocols, such as those outlined in IPMVP, confirm that energy savings from efficiency measures are real and quantifiable.
Question 3: Which regression analysis technique is most commonly used to establish an energy baseline from historical consumption data?
- Logistic regression
- Ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression (Correct answer)
- Ridge regression
- Polynomial regression of degree 5
Correct answer: Ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression
Ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression is the standard technique for developing energy baselines that correlate consumption with independent variables like degree days.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of an energy dashboard in a continuous monitoring system?
- To replace utility meters
- To provide real-time visualization of energy consumption and anomalies (Correct answer)
- To automatically submit regulatory reports
- To calculate depreciation of energy assets
Correct answer: To provide real-time visualization of energy consumption and anomalies
An energy dashboard provides real-time or near-real-time visualization of consumption data, enabling operators to detect anomalies and identify savings opportunities.
Question 5: When normalizing energy data for weather, which variable is most commonly used for heating energy analysis?
- Solar irradiance hours
- Heating Degree Days (HDD) (Correct answer)
- Relative humidity percentage
- Wind chill index
Correct answer: Heating Degree Days (HDD)
Heating Degree Days (HDD) normalize energy consumption data for heating systems by quantifying how cold the weather was relative to a base temperature (typically 65°F).
Question 6: In energy reporting, what does the term 'sub-metering' refer to?
- Installing a secondary utility meter for billing disputes
- Measuring energy consumption at the equipment or system level below the main utility meter (Correct answer)
- Reporting energy use below the regulatory threshold
- Splitting utility costs among multiple tenants
Correct answer: Measuring energy consumption at the equipment or system level below the main utility meter
Sub-metering installs additional meters downstream of the main utility meter to measure energy consumption by specific equipment, systems, or zones within a facility.
ERAC ERAC Energy Data Analytics & Reporting 1
Which key performance indicator (KPI) measures the ratio of useful energy output to total energy input in a facility?