ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ДОСТОВІРНОСТІ ЕНЕРГОМОНІТОРИНГУ МСП ЧЕРЕЗ БЕНЧМАРКІНГ

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) often engage in energy efficiency programs to boost competitiveness through production expansion, rather than optimizing existing equipment. This approach limits their contribution to decarbonization and hinders the achievement of energy reduction targets. To bridge this gap, this article explores the feasibility and optimal frequency of energy monitoring, along with strategies to enhance its credibility. We conducted energy audits in three supermarkets, meticulously documenting electrical equipment and measuring power consumption to calculate estimated electricity usage. This data, combined with archival records, enabled a comparative analysis of specific electricity consumption (per m2) and comprehensive energy efficiency benchmarking, for which associated challenges are also discussed. Our findings provide generalized specific electricity consumption data for these supermarkets, categorized by consumer groups. We advocate for the implementation of an automatic energy monitoring system. Such a system would harness digitalization, mitigate human error, and automate benchmarking, baseline control, and compliance with energy limits. This research confirms the practicality of energy monitoring and the vital role of energy efficiency benchmarking in effective energy management. Additionally, it offers actionable recommendations to bolster the credibility of SME energy monitoring, fostering significant reductions in energy consumption and improvements in overall energy efficiency. Ref. 10, Fig. 2, Tabl. 4.