Permanent submetering or a BMS is not necessary—project teams can instead choose a combination of utility analysis, spot-metering, and permanent metering. However, these other methods do not provide the detailed information that a BMS can, and may not help projects determine energy problems or understand actual energy use. An M&V plan without a BMS is rare in large, new-construction projects. Smaller, single-occupancy buildings may find that packaged energy monitors or monthly utility bills can provide helpful feedback without investment in a costly BMS.
Option D is the best choice for projects with highly efficient building envelopes, and efficient mechanical and electrical systems, where energy savings measures will overlap.
The cost implications for ECM isolation depend on how many meters are installed and the complexity of the systems being monitored. If systems are easily isolated and don’t require many meters, this credit can be relatively inexpensive to achieve, and Option B is more cost-effective than Option D. (See the appendix in ASHRAE Guideline 14-2004, for estimating the cost of meters.)
Isolating and metering different ECMs, such as HVAC systems or lighting, can provide useful information on energy consumption and provide insights about energy reduction measures.
The cost of M&V can vary significantly from one project to another. You’ll need to get project-specific bids based on your individual design needs. Accuracy and cost of M&V plans are influenced by the following:
Some utility companies provide incentives or rebates for submetering and BMS programs. For example, cities have provided $2,000 per meter for advanced master-meter installation in affordable housing and $1,500 per meter in market-rate housing. Check with your local utility to find out about available rebates.
Some utility districts prohibit tenant submetering and charging by a third-party provider, so be sure to double check this if you plan to separately submeter tenant spaces. If your local utility does not allow third-party submetering, see if it will install separate meters for the tenants.
