Set Utility Tariff data - Detailed Option - Set advanced rate IECC

 

 

Tariff analysis feature gives flexibility to review any previously simulated results file and to apply either a Simple (flat rate) or Advance (variable rate) rate tariff to the aggregated Fuel (Utility) usage or the generation of renewable electricity. 

 

Two generic results datasets can be compared against each other to establish the % improvement in cost (for the same tariff). 

 

For ASHRAE 90.1, NECB, IECC & UK NCM comparison will be made through the auto selection of the baseline or notional results

Different currencies can be chosen dependant upon the country. 

 

Tariffs created in one project can be exported (as XML) for use in other projects.

 

 

There are three options in the Energy dataset drop-down to choose from; Generic, ASHRAE 90.1 and UK Part L the latter two option auto-select comparative results data sets for ASHRAE 90.1 or UK NCM comparisons.

 

Browse to select two Vista results files to compare – (1), (2)

 

Browse to select the proposed building Vista results file p_<NAME>.aps (1); choose ASHRAE 90.1 (3) then all the baseline/Reference model results b_<NAME>.aps will be selected automatically and the average cost calculated.

 

Browse to select the actual building Vista results file a_<NAME>.aps (1); choose UK Part L2 (3) then the notional line model results n_<NAME>.aps will be selected automatically and the cost calculated.

 

 

 

 

Simple / Flat rate tariffs assume that the utility fuel unit price is fixed and does not vary with demand. The units for the Tariffs vary by country – the diagram above shows the units for the US.

 

A. Choose Simple tariff (1): Flat Rate column (3) becomes active.

B. Choose currency for assessment (2). – if USD is chosen the US flat rates button appears (see next page)

C. Fill in flat rates in the Flat Rate column (3). – the cost will automatically update as data is entered.

D. Select Generate Report (4) to produce a Word report detailing the cost calculation.

 

 

For US Utility rates only a further dialog can be accessed by clicking the US flat rates button (1).  In the sample rates dialog browse to find the correct Census Division and State that applies to the building project and select the row in the table.

 

Clicking Apply and then OK (2) will populate the data in the Flat Rate column of the cost analysis dialog.

 

The new cost will automatically be calculated.

 

 

Variable tariff rates allow tariffs to be set based on demand, time of day, peak values, accumulated use and more.  The Tariff analysis dialog changes to show Supplier and Tariff Description in the Cost Analysis section (1).

 

 

There are different Variable Tariffs available which depend upon the Utility Type selected.

 

Each Variable Tariff is created and linked to the Utility Supplier, the hierarchy of the structure of the data is shown below.

 

 

Before creating a variable Tariff there are two steps:

(1) Create Utility Supplier – used to sort the Tariffs by Supplier.

(2) Describe site supply – used for reportage & to set over-riding parameters for the Electricity Tariffs (impt: Peak Demand).

 

 

 

 

Once created any number of Tariffs can be created – the data structure is shown to the right of the image above.

Tariffs are set from the Tariff Data menu.

 

 

 

 

Each Utility (Fuel) type has its own variable rate options. These options are based on real world Utility Tariff approaches, the available options are shown below.

 

The Misc Utility (Fuel) type can use any of the other Utility (Fuel) type Tariff options.

Discounts or Taxes can be applied to all (or individual) Tariffs.

 

 

 

Electricity Tariff Standing Charge:

Standing charge is a rental payment for electricity that is independent upon the amount of electricity used. Standing charges can be charged daily / monthly – minimum monthly charge can be used to set an overriding minimum cost

 

 

Workflow:

A. Choose basis for charge: Daily or Monthly B. Enter Charge cost: ensure this relates to the ‘Basis’ C. Enter minimum charge if required

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Choose the months for the tariff to apply

(2) Choose the type of day & time of day – if times overlap tariffs applied in on-peak, off-peak, Any- Day, Standard order

(3) Choose the price based on the number of units (Number of blocks)

 

 

Any number of tariffs can be created to describe the year; standard tariff will be used if no other description exists.

 

Capacity Charge tariffs usually allot an agreed maximum capacity, should this agreed capacity be exceeded over the negotiated period an additional penalty per kW will be charged over the agreed capacity. Typically these charges are assigned over and above the standard charges (Time of Use Rates) as a excess penalty. Be vigilant to not double-up the charges – carefully study the Utility providers terms and conditions to ensure that the excess charge is matched correctly. 

 

 

 

Workflow:

A. Set the Agreed Capacity

B. Set the period over which the capacity charge is assessed – capacity assessment is reset at the end of the period

C. Set the additional charge rate

 

 

Demand charges apply only to companies with high electricity consumption and are based on the maximum demand at any one time within a given period. They reflect the cost to the supplier of maintaining the infrastructure necessary to satisfy your peak demand requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

Workflow:

A. Set the number of demand periods required per day – example above: 2 Day and Night

B. Set the days (weekday etc.) and the hours to define the demand period – example above EveryDay

C. Set the additional charge regime for each period

 

Standing charge is a rental payment for gas that is independent upon the amount of gas used. Standing charges can be charged daily / monthly – minimum monthly charge can be used to set an overriding minimum cost.

 

 

 

Workflow:

A. Choose basis for charge: Daily or Monthly

B. Enter Charge cost: ensure this relates to the ‘Basis’

C. Enter minimum charge if required

 

 

Seasonal pricing factors allow the user to adjust the price paid for oil based on the month of the year. Typically at high demand times oil suppliers would charge an additional percentage.

 

 

 

Workflow:

A. Set the pricing factor for each month of the year

B. A value of 1.1 will add 10% to the calculated cost

C. A value of 0.8 will reduce the cost by 20%

 

 

Seasonal pricing factors allow the user to adjust the price paid for oil based on the month of the year. Typically at high demand times oil suppliers would charge an additional percentage.

 

 

Workflow:

A. Set the pricing factor for each month of the year

B. A value of 1.1 will add 10% to the calculated cost

C. A value of 0.8 will reduce the cost by 20%

 

 

To create flexibility in the Tariff Analysis module Taxes and Discounts are treated separately to the Tariffs themselves and them applied afterwards through the Taxes and Discounts dialog.

 

 

Workflow:

(1) Create a list of all applicable taxes and discounts

(2) Choose whether to Tax or Discount & set the rate

(3) Use the Utilities check boxes to find the Suppliers and Tariffs to apply the Tax or Discount

(4) Choose Tariff and how to apply the Tax or Discount

(5) Click Apply and then OK

 

Note: Applied Tax or Discount can be investigated in the Tariff dialog boxes by Clicking the Tax or Discount