Electricity consumption

Description

The different factors which are involved in the calculation and estimation of electricity consumption in a residence or facility, and methods in which electricity consumption can be lowered or made more efficient.

Alternative labels

conservation of electricity
efficient electricity use
electricity conservation
efficient use of electricity
consuming electricity
consumption of electricity
consuming of electricity

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

cross-sector

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Electricity consumption is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Energy systems engineer: Energy systems engineers supervise the energy conversion and distribution processes. They analyse the energy supply and consumption efficiency developing new ways to improve the existing processes, taking into account both the technical and the financial aspects. They also study the environmental impact of energy usage and combine the production of renewable energy in the current power systems.
Energy manager: Energy managers coordinate the energy use in an organisation, and aim to implement policies for increased sustainability, and minimisation of cost and environmental impact. They monitor the energy demands
and use, and develop improvement strategies, as well as researching the most beneficial source of energy for the organisation’s needs.
Power distribution engineer: Power distribution engineers design and operate facilities which distribute power from the distribution facility to the consumers. They research methods for the optimisation of power distribution, and ensure the consumers’ needs are met. They also ensure compliance to safety regulations by monitoring the automated processes in plants and directing workflow.
Energy assessor: Energy assessors determine the energy performance of buildings. They create an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which indicates what the estimated energy consumption of a property is. Furthermore they give advice on how to improve energy conservation.
Substation engineer: Substation engineers design medium and high voltage substations used for the transmission, distribution, and generation of electrical energy. They develop methods for the efficient operation of the energy process, and ensure compliance to safety and environmental standards.

Optional knowledge

Electricity consumption is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Cable jointer: Cable jointers construct and maintain power supply and control cables in underground pipes and grooves. They also make and repair electrical cables connecting customers to the electricity network.
Hydroelectric plant operator: Hydroelectric plant operators operate and maintain the equipment used in the production of energy from the movement of water. They monitor the measuring equipment, assess the production needs, and adapt the water flow to meet these needs. They also perform repairs and maintenance duties.
Fossil-fuel power plant operator: Fossil-fuel power plant operators operate and maintain industrial equipment, such as generators, turbines and boilers, that provides electricity produced from fossil fuels like natural gas or coal. They ensure the safety of operations and that the equipment complies with legislation. They may also work in combined cycle power plants which use heat recovery systems to recover exhaust heat from one operation and activate steam turbines.
Meter reader: Meter readers visit residential and business or industrial buildings and facilities in order to note down the readings of the meters which measure gas, water, electricity and other utility uses. They forward the results to the client and to the supplier.
Electricity and energy vocational teacher: Electricity and energy vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, electricity and energy, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a electricity and energy-related profession. Electricity and energy vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of electricity and energy through assignments, tests and examinations.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Electric power generation engineer: Electric power generation engineers design and develop systems which generate electrical power, and develop strategies for the improvement of existing electricity generation systems. They strive to conciliate sustainable solutions with efficient and affordable solutions. They engage in projects where supply of electrical energy is required.
Industrial electrician: Industrial electricians install and maintain electricity cables and other electrical infrastructure in large industrial and commercial buildings. They perform inspections and repair defective parts of electrical systems to ensure efficiency.
Manufacturing manager: Manufacturing managers plan, oversee and direct the manufacturing process in an organisation. They ensure products and services are efficiently produced within the timeframe and budget given.
Solar power plant operator: Solar power plant operators operate and maintain equipment which produce electrical energy from solar power. They monitor measuring equipment to ensure the safety of operations, and that the production needs are met. They also react to system problems, and repair faults.
Overhead line worker: Overhead line workers construct and maintain power supply and control cables in overhead power lines. They also make and repair electrical cables connecting customers to the electricity network.
Power production plant operator: Power production plant operators maintain and operate the equipment in power stations and other energy production plants. They repair faults, operate machinery directly or from a control room, and handle materials related to electricity production in compliance with safety and environmental procedures. They facilitate interaction between electrical energy facilities, ensuring that distribution occurs safely.
Electrical power distributor: Electrical power distributors operate and maintain equipment which deliver the energy from the transmission system to the consumer. They supervise power line maintenance and repairs, and ensure the distribution needs are met. They also react to faults in the distribution system which cause problems such as outages.
Electrical transmission system operator: Electrical transmission system operators transport energy in the form of electrical power. They transmit electrical power from generation plants over an interconnected network, an electrical grid, to electricity distribution stations.
Energy engineer: Energy engineers design new, efficient and clean ways to produce, transform, and distribute energy to improve environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. They extract energy through natural resources, such as oil or gas, or renewable and sustainable sources, such as wind or solar power. 
Geothermal power plant operator: Geothermal power plant operators operate and maintain equipment, often steam-driven turbines, which produce electrical energy. They monitor measuring equipment to ensure the safety of operations, and that the production needs are met. They also react to system problems, and repair faults. They may regulate the generators to control the flow of electricity to the power lines.
Operations manager: Operations managers plan, oversee and coordinate the daily operations of production of goods and provision of services. They also formulate and implement company policies and plan the use of human resources and materials.
Electricity distribution worker: Electricity distribution workers construct and maintain electric power transmission and distribution systems. They maintain and repair powerlines, compliant with safety regulations.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.
Nuclear engineer: Nuclear engineers plan and design engineering equipment and processes in nuclear plants and sites. They engage in engineering activities pertaining to nuclear power plants, and develop risk solutions.
Street lighting electrician: Street lighting electricians construct and maintain electric power transmission and distribution in street lights. They maintain, test and repair street lights in compliance with safety regulations.
Power plant control room operator: Power plant control room operators are responsible for the safe and proper operation of power plants, switchyards and associated control structures. They repair and maintain the involved machinery and equipment to ensure the plant’s efficient operation and to tackle emergency situations such as blackouts.

 


 

References

  1. Electricity consumption – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022