Meter readings

Automated Meter Reading (AMR)

AMRs are meters which automatically take a meter reading every half an hour, seven days per week. This generates 48 meter readings per day, which are then sent to a central server and available to download online. The benefits of AMRs are numerous, not only do they tell us how much energy we are using, but when we are using it, therefore enabling better building management. As well as identifying when energy is being wasted, AMR data can be used to charge out of school activities appropriately whilst monitor progress achieved by switch off campaigns and energy efficiency projects. AMR data is very accurate and therefore is used to produce your Display Energy Certificates and contribute towards the Council's carbon reporting requirements. AMR data will also feed directly into the billing process, meaning you should only be billed on what you use.

AMRs are being installed in all schools. You will be given a password and login to SavenergyOnline, run by Stark. This data will be useful to share with everybody from your eco team to your school premises committee and finance officer.

To help make sense of AMR data, a number of different graphs and tables are instantly accessible via the saverenergyonline website. Raw data can also be downloaded. To help make sense of this, we have developed a template tool for you to simply copy and paste raw data into. This will help monitor your consumption over a longer period. See the school extranet pages for more information and a step by step instruction guide on how to access AMR data.

Manual Meter Readings

For meters which have not yet had AMRs installed, schools should continue to provide weekly meter readings via SystemsLink, the online bureau service, where you will be able to access a database showing your school's energy consumption. This is required in order for us to continue to produce your Display Energy Certificates (DEC's) and monitor carbon emissions in the Borough. For larger electricity and all gas supplies on contracts procured by Richmond Council invoice data is added to the database automatically. See the links below for more information about meter readings.

If you have not been issued with a username and password, or have forgotten them, please contact the Sustainability Unit by emailing sustainability@richmond.gov.uk.

Benefits of monitoring energy and water use

  • Prevents overcharging - Most utility bills are based on estimated readings so may be inaccurate or contain errors which could lead to overcharging.
  • Spot anomalies - Any unusual readings showing excessive consumption could indicate equipment being left on overnight. Opportunities to reduce consumption can be identified for example: adjusting thermostat settings.
  • Access to data online - Each school will be given password protected access to the Systems Link ‘bureau’ service and saverenergyonline and training on how to use both.
  • Analysis of data - We’ll produce energy reports and analyse utility bills so you can see exactly how much energy you’re using over time and how much it costs. This will also include CO2 emissions so you can keep tabs on your school’s carbon footprint.
  • Get pupils involved - Reading meters and recording and analysing data provides an ideal opportunity to actively involve pupils in energy monitoring. If meters are inaccessible, ask your caretaker to provide meter readings for the pupils to use. It’s a great way of showing the direct environmental and financial cost of energy use and highlighting the importance of energy efficiency.