Energy efficiency is a priority for local governments seeking to reduce operational costs,
meet sustainability goals, and improve the performance of public facilities. Submetering
offers a powerful solution by providing granular insights into energy, water, and gas
usage beyond what traditional utility bills can offer. By deploying submeters in strategic
locations, municipalities can optimize energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and
validate savings from energy efficiency projects.

What are Submeters?

Submeters are specialized sensors that track the flow of energy, fluid, or gas at a more
detailed level than standard utility meters. Unlike conventional utility meters that provide
whole-building consumption data, submeters can capture usage at 15-minute intervals
(or shorter), offering real-time monitoring.

Types of Submetering Based on Location & Use Case

Building-Level Submetering
Measures energy consumption of an entire municipal building
Ideal for benchmarking usage across multiple facilities
Helps detect wasteful energy patterns and optimize operational schedules

Subpanel or Circuit-Level Submetering
Monitors energy consumption in specific building sections (e.g.,
administrative offices, police stations, or community centers)
Identifies high-usage zones and isolates problem areas

Assists in demand response strategies to reduce peak-time costs

Equipment-Level Submetering
Embedded directly within devices such as HVAC units, lighting systems, or
water pumps
Helps identify inefficient equipment requiring maintenance or upgrades
Verifies energy savings from retrofits or new installations

Strategic Locations for Submetering in Local Government

Government Buildings & Offices
Track energy usage in administrative offices, libraries, and courthouses
Reduce unnecessary energy use after business hours
Compare performance across multiple facilities to prioritize energy efficiency
investments

Public Safety Facilities (Fire Stations, Police Stations, Emergency Centers)
Monitor HVAC and lighting energy usage, especially in 24/7 operations
Ensure backup power systems (e.g., generators) function efficiently
Improve cost allocation for emergency preparedness and response

Schools & Community Centers
Identify peak usage times and optimize schedules for classrooms and
gymnasiums
Reduce unnecessary energy waste during nights, weekends, and holidays
Improve sustainability initiatives in educational programs

Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants

Submeter high-energy equipment like pumps, compressors, and aeration
systems
Reduce operational costs by optimizing energy-intensive processes
Identify system inefficiencies, leaks, or excessive water treatment energy use

Street Lighting & Traffic Signals

Track power consumption of LED vs. traditional lighting
Implement dimming or scheduling strategies to save energy at off-peak hours
Ensure maintenance teams receive alerts when unexpected spikes in energy
usage occur

Public Transit & Fleet Operations
Submeter charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) to analyze load and
optimize charging schedules
Monitor fuel and energy consumption in maintenance facilities
Identify efficiency improvements in bus depots, train stations, and parking
structures

Key Benefits of Submetering for Local Governments

Data-Driven Decision Making: Real-time energy insights help municipalities
make informed budget and sustainability decisions.
Cost Savings – Identifies areas of excess energy use and inefficiency, leading to
direct reductions in utility costs.
Sustainability & Carbon Reduction: Supports energy efficiency projects to help
meet local and state emissions goals.
Equipment Maintenance & Lifecycle Planning: Detects failing equipment early,
preventing costly repairs and downtime.
Better Budget Allocation: Provides precise cost tracking for each department,
facility, or function.

Implementation Steps for Local Governments

Conduct an Energy Audit: Identify high-priority buildings and systems for
submeter installation.
Deploy & Integrate Submeters: Install submeters in targeted locations and
connect them to energy management platforms.

Analyze Data & Identify Opportunities: Use submeter data to pinpoint
inefficiencies and set performance benchmarks.
Implement Energy-Saving Measures: Optimize building schedules, upgrade
equipment, and train staff on best practices.
Track Progress & Adjust Strategies: Continuously monitor results, adjust energy
policies, and reinvest savings into further efficiency projects.

Conclusion

Submetering is a game-changing tool for local governments, providing the data needed
to optimize energy use, reduce costs, and meet sustainability targets. By strategically
placing submeters in municipal buildings, public safety facilities, transit operations, and
other critical infrastructure, local governments can unlock meaningful energy savings
and improve service delivery for their communities.
Would you like to explore how submeters can improve efficiency in your municipality?
Contact us today to learn more!