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Weather Normalization

Weather normalization is a technique used in energy audits to adjust for the effects of weather on energy consumption. The process involves comparing energy usage data from a specific period (such as a month or a year) to historical weather data for the same period. By normalizing energy usage data for weather, energy auditors can identify patterns in energy consumption that are not related to weather and thus identify opportunities for energy savings.

The first step in weather normalization is to gather energy usage data and historical weather data. Energy usage data can be obtained from utility bills, energy management systems, or submeters. Historical weather data can be obtained from a variety of sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or a local weather station.

Next, the energy usage data and historical weather data are compared to determine the relationship between weather and energy consumption. This can be done using statistical techniques such as regression analysis or machine learning algorithms. By analyzing the data, energy auditors can identify patterns in energy consumption that are related to weather and develop models to adjust for these effects.

Once the relationship between weather and energy consumption has been established, the energy usage data can be adjusted for weather effects. This is done by applying the weather normalization model to the energy usage data and adjusting it for temperature, humidity, and precipitation. By normalizing the energy usage data for weather, energy auditors can more accurately compare energy usage across different periods or between different buildings.

Finally, the energy auditor can analyze the normalized energy usage data to identify opportunities for energy savings. This may include identifying equipment or systems that are consuming more energy than necessary, identifying areas where energy usage is higher than expected, or identifying patterns in energy usage that indicate the need for energy-efficient upgrades.

In conclusion, weather normalization is a powerful technique that energy auditors can use to adjust for the effects of weather on energy consumption. By normalizing energy usage data for weather, energy auditors can identify patterns in energy consumption that are not related to weather and identify opportunities for energy savings. This process helps organizations to have a more accurate picture of their energy consumption and make informed decisions about energy efficiency.