Power and energy

Interval demand calculator

Convert the energy registered in one fixed demand interval into average demand in kW, with a meter multiplier where one applies.

Calculate

One complete demand interval
kWh
Energy accumulated during this interval before applying any meter multiplier.
minutes
Use 1 when the interval data already contains primary, billing-ready kWh.

Worked example

Average demand over the interval

28 kW

Interval energy after the multiplier
7 kWh
Demand interval
0.25 hours

Actual average demand for the entered interval. It is the period peak only if this is the highest valid interval, and it is not automatically the tariff billing demand.

Method and assumptions

Formula

Integrated demand (kW) = registered interval energy (kWh) × meter multiplier ÷ interval hours

Demand is the average rate of energy use across the stated interval. The highest valid interval can establish actual peak demand, but the tariff may calculate billing demand differently.

Limits of this result

  • The input must be energy accumulated during one complete fixed demand interval, not a cumulative meter register reading.
  • Actual interval demand can differ from billing demand because tariffs may apply ratchets, time windows, coincident-demand rules, power-factor adjustments or minimums.
  • Confirm the interval boundary, missing-data treatment and current meter multiplier before comparing results.

Technical sources

  1. Understanding Your Utility Bill: A Guide for Businesses in OhioUS Department of Energy · published 2024-04; demand example pp. 10–11
  2. Evaluating Your Utility Rate OptionsUS Department of Energy · updated 2020-04-24

Put the value to work

Read the related engineering guidance, or carry this task into System Builder to identify the signal path and EpiSensor products.

Continue in System Builder Read: Intelligent Energy Management Systems

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