Patent ID: 7788189
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: G01D,G06F,G06Q,H02J,Y02B,Y02E,Y04S

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method wherein all steps are performed by a computer, the method comprising: generating and displaying a map of a region configured to present a plurality of facilities for selection; receiving a selection of a facility from the displayed map; based on the selected facility, generating a dashboard screen including information regarding overall energy consumption for the facility, the dashboard screen further including a dashboard of selectable utility and selectable facility operations related icons configured to calculate demand, usage, and usage patterns based on utility and selectable facility operations related data for the selected facility, the facility operations related data including characteristics of a fire system, sprinkler system, and power quality and at least two characteristics selected from a group of electrical, HVAC, occupancy, air quality, and lighting systems; receiving a selection of at least one of a demand, usage, or usage pattern for a selected utility based on a selected utility icon; receiving a selection of the facility operations related data icon for the selected facility, the facility operations related data including characteristics of a fire system, sprinkler system, and power quality and at least two characteristics selected from a group of electrical, HVAC, occupancy, air quality, and lighting systems; in response to receiving a selection of the selected icons in the dashboard screen, accessing alternative costs for procuring energy from one or more alternative providers; calculating at least one of a demand, usage, and usage pattern for the selected facility based on the selected facility operations related data, including characteristics of a fire system, sprinkler system, and power quality and at least two characteristics selected from a group of electrical, HVAC, occupancy, air quality, and lighting systems; calculating a lowest cost for procuring energy for the facility by comparing the calculated at least one demand, usage, or usage pattern with the alternative costs; and procuring energy for the facility from the alternative provider based on the calculated lowest cost.