1. 1
ENERGY DATA
ANALYTICS
By Sumit Jadwal, Indian Institute of Management,
Lucknow
This white paper/forward looking note focuses on the role that energy data analytics can
play in driving energy efficiency practices and investments, especially in the Indian
context. It’s based on extensive desk research and supported by an online survey
conducted on industry personnel and other experts.

2. 2
Executive summary
In the present era energy consumption has a very significant role to play in input costs and thus reduction of
energy consumption has taken precedence in the industry over other cost optimization measures. Despite
this fact, any large scale adoption and implementation of energy efficient practices has not been observed
in India and this can largely be attributed to scanty knowledge with regards to energy efficiency best
practices and interpretation of process and energy data. Moreover the inability to draw meaningful and
actionable inferences from the data excavated from in-plant metering and the regular energy audits being
conducted at plants has largely rendered such exercises useless.
In April 2014, E-cube surveyed over 90 executives, academicians, OEMs and consultants from Energy and
allied sectors to ascertain the perspective on the present energy scenario in industries, the scope of data
analytics in driving energy efficiency practices and to identify the key enablers that are likely to influence
industrial energy efficiency strategy in the coming years.
Following are the key highlights from the survey:-
90%
of the
respondents
believe that
"energy
optimisation"
is the best
cost
reduction
strategy.
98%
of the
respondents
agree that
"energy
efficiency"is
going to be a
key energy
optimising
strategy
89%
of the
respondents
believe "Data
Analytics" is
the next
frontier to
drive energy
efficiency
strategies.
80%
of the
respondents
will use Data
Analytics, as
it is an
excellent way
to track long
term health
of the
unit/system
89%
of the
respondents
stressed that
capacity
building is
required to
maximise the
returns from
Data
Analytics

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"Over and above the key takeaways from the survey as noted above, some
very interesting findings also transpired. For example, even though the
survey revealed the unanimous agreement among respondents regarding the
benefits of data analytics, surprisingly only 46% considered data analytics as
something that (would) add significant value to their core energy efficiency
(work) strategy."
The need of having an “ Indian Perspective “ lies in the fact that in India,
concepts like energy data analytics have not been on the radar for most
industries and though adoption of good metering practices and energy audits
has gained traction, lack of utilization with respect to procured data, has
prevented Data analytics from taking on a larger role. Recently, large global
firms have started opening up to such concepts, thus contributing to the
genesis of a similar trend in India as well. Mindset has a strong role to play in
acceptance of such practices and concepts and this survey brings out the
perception, though in a rationalized scale.
This white paper/forward looking focused on the role energy data analytics
can play in driving energy efficiency practices and investments, especially in
the Indian context. It’s based on extensive desk research and supported by an
online survey conducted on industry personnel and other experts
Respondents’ Profile:
A total of 90 respondents from
academia, industry, consulting,
policy makers etc participated in
the survey.The survey also had
good representation from some
of the largest stakeholders in the
Indian Energy Efficiency
Markets.The fairly broad-based
respondent’s base makes us
believe that the findings
represent the perceptions of the
Indian industry fairly well.
Some of the organization
represented by the respondents:
 The Ruby Mills
Limited
 NTPC
 BHEL
 Prayas Energy
 Alliance for Energy
Efficiency Economy
 BSL Limited
 TCS
 Tata Motors
 Cheema Boilers
 L&T
 cKinetics
 FICCI
 Gujarat Energy
Development
Agency
 BEE
 Century Plywoods
 Mahindra &
Mahindra
 Shakti Foundation
 IIT-Bombay
 IIM- A,IIM-L

4. 4
Introduction& Overview
An expanding role for data analytics
Today we live in a digital world. The quantum of structured as well as
unstructured data being generated and channeled from diverse sources like
transactions, videos, audios, etc. has increased exponentially over the years in
line with global digitization.
“Global players spent more than $15 billion on software firms only specializing
in data management and analytics in 2010. Today, this industry on its own is
worth more than $140 billion and growing at almost 15 percent a year: about
twice as fast as the software business as a whole”2
1
2
It is increasingly becoming imperative for organizations to mine this data in order to stay competitive.
Analyzing data can provide significant competitive advantage for an enterprise. Proper and careful
analysis of this data can lead to the inheritance of a wealth of information which can further be
used for redefining business strategies accordingly.
1http://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2012/08/16/roundup-of-big-data-forecasts-and-market-estimates-2012/
2Fig :Data Investments by Industry. Source: Gartner (July 2012)
2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big data

5. 5
Applications of Data
Finance and Banking
34
Proper utilization of Data differentiates financial service
providers and forms the bedrock for a flourishing business. In the
most recent study on big data in 95 countries from IBM Institute
for Business Value in collaboration with the University of Oxford,
it was founded that 71% of the banking and financial markets
firms report that the use of information and analytics is creating a
competitive advantage for their organizations, compared with
63% of cross-industry respondents. The number of firms reporting
an advantage in this area has nearly doubled in just two years
when compared to a similar study in 2010.
5
E-Commerce
E-Commerce companies are one of the fastest adopters of Big
Data. The dynamics of the industry are constantly changing and
many companies are operating with wafer thin margins. These
companies are looking for opportunities to increase their sales and
profit margins by using Data Analytics to stay on top of the game
1. Personalization
2. Dynamic pricing
3. Data-Driven Decisions
3
http://blogenterprisesearch.de/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/bigdata_studie.jpg
4
http://thefinancialbrand.com/38801/big-data-profitability-strategy-analytics-banking/
5
http://www.cuecommerce.com/3-ecommerce-big-data-predictions/
Globally 60% of financial
institutions believe that big
data analytics offers a
significant competitive
advantage and 90% think that
successful big data initiatives
will define the winners in the
future
Source :

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Healthcare
Digitization of patient medical records has paved the way for the creation of a huge database. Technology
may replace 80% of what doctors do. This will ultimately reduce costs, reduce physician workloads and
improve patient care.
6
7
6http://coolhealthinfographics.com/post/52105286141/big-data-and-the-future-of-healthcare
7 http://www.saviance.com/news_letters/MayJuly2013/
Among all,
Utilities/
Energy
Intensive
Industries have
significantly
higher “data
value potential
index”

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Globalenergyleadersbelieve–„Energydataisanasset„.TheIndustrialProcessDataisconsideredasapotentialproductivity
„goldmine‟.Theanalysisofbigenergydataisimportantinimprovingenergymanagement.Over80%ofenergygiantssaid
thattheirdataholdsstrategicvalueandmoreclientsaremovingfromtacticaltostrategicenergymanagementbyleveraging
energydataasabiglever.Expertsnowpointto4300%increaseinannualdatagenerationby2020thannow.
Role of data analytics in energy domain
Worldwide Energy consumption of the
industrial sector is expected to grow from
200 quadrillion Btu in 2010 to 307
quadrillion Btu in 2040, increasing by an
average of 1.4 percent per year. Based on
India’s GDP growth rate of 6.1 percent per
year from 2010 to 2040, an average
increase of 1.5 percent per year in energy
consumption pertaining to the industrial
sector can be expected.
Although operating companies can still save
energy in specific areas, the full potential of
energy saving can only be ascertained through a
holistic and integrated analysis of the complete
value chain of the plant or system.
It is estimated that in our country, about 48% of the total energy consumed in the
industrial sector can be attributed to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and by
adopting energy conservation measures, at least 25% of it could be potentially
saved, without any substantial investments. But, in quantitative terms, there is not
much authentic information and data available with respect to their energy
consumption and energy saving opportunities, which perhaps acts as one of the
biggest hindrances to implementation of sustainable energy efficiency practices.
Energy Analytics combines energy data management with the knowledge of energy
experts to uncover hidden saving potential, thereby contributing effectively in
making faster and quality business decisions.
Also, with usage data, companies can save money and energy by retrofitting or
optimizing the operation of their equipment. And data analytics can provide
information about how systems function on a day-to-day, even minute-by-minute
basis.
“Less visible and less
publicized than wind and
solar farms, energy
efficiency is the aspect that
is the most misunderstood
of the energy transition, and
yet the one that works best,"
said Stephan Kohler,
president of German
energy agency Dena.

8. 8
Need for an Indian perspective?
In a bit to remain competitive, industries have been forced into evaluating possible ways of reducing overall
operational costs. With energy costs being a sizeable chunk of the total input costs and the increased stress
on cost optimization, Energy Efficiency has been a buzz word in the “energy” circles of India in the recent
past.
We have seen a massive transformation in the energy efficiency markets with the advent of market driven
mechanisms like Perform Achieve and Trade “PAT” scheme and with this new set of challenges and
opportunities have emerged more for industries and especially SMEs.
Try to Google “Energy Data Analytics”, “Energy Benchmarking”,
you will hardly find any case study, reference document or even a
forward looking note from Indian companies.
At E-Cube Energy, we believe that there has to be an Indian way of
looking at Energy Data Analytics and the role it can play in driving
down energy efficiency measures that are sustainable and have a
long term impact.
That is what prompted us to do a terse survey to ascertain the
perspectives of Indian companies on Energy Data Analytics and to
have a forward looking note/white paper that every
CEO/COO/Energy Manager/Production Manage can refer to,
something that will give them an urge to think new, think
different and think DATA!
Energy Efficiency in India has more of
psychological barriers than financial
or technology.
Data is perhaps the only way which
could change conventional way of
looking at Energy Efficiency, shifting
away from “ROI”, “Product Driven”
decision making process to
implementing more holistic and
sustainable energy efficiency
practices.

9. 9
Survey Results
Tools for reduction in operational costs
In this tumultuous economy, reducing operating expenses has emerged as the number one objective for
business owners everywhere. While every business's circumstances are different, certain opportunities for
cost reduction are common for most businesses. Introducing a cost-control system can bring immediate
savings and ensure that you remain competitive in the longer term.
Top 3 Cost Optimization Avenues
Only 23% agreed that pruning HR Costs would be a formidable strategy
for overall cost reduction.
20%
7%
42%
51%
19%
16%
35%
38%
32%
32%
16%
11%
18%
34%
7%
11%
11%
Raw materials
PruningHR expenses
Change in operational procedures
OptimizingEnergy consumption
Q: Which of the following is having largest scope to reduce the
operational costs in an industry?
Strongly Agree Agree Somewhat Neither Agree Nor Disagree Disagree Somewhat Strongly Disagree
EnergyCost
Optimisation
Change in
Operational
Procedure
Raw Material
Cost
Optimisation
●●●
Based on India’s GDP growth rate
averaging 6.1 percent per year
from 2010 to 2040, an average
increase of 1.5 percent per year in
energy consumption pertaining to
the industrial sector is expected.
These facts are in accordance with
the industries’ view to underscore
the role reduction of energy
consumption plays in controlling
operational costs.
●●●
Energy Cost Reduction – Most formidable cost cutting strategy!

10. 10
How to slash Energy costs?
From the opinion of respondents, it is clearly apparent that energy is one of the most important cost factors
in the industry. Although operating companies can still save energy in specific areas, 98% of the people
(74% strongly agree & 24% agree somewhat) believe that the full potential of energy cost saving can only be
leveraged through managing energy usage more efficiently, thus involving a holistic and integrated analysis of
the complete value chain of the plant or system.
Among the respondents, 50% agree for continuously monitoring
energy supply market drivers to identify savings opportunities by
altering the procurement and source of energy. Similarly only 53%
consider varying the energy-mix8
as a viable method.
Integration of an efficient energy management system in the
organizational structure is very important. Responsibilities and the
interaction of the decision makers should be regularized.
Furthermore, a comprehensive coordination can ensure timely
fulfillment of tasks.
Looking beyond the absolute level of energy prices, executives point
out that volatility of energy prices is another reason to curb power
consumption—not only improving earnings, but improving earnings
predictability too.
8The term energy mix refers to the distribution, within a given industry, of the consumption of various energy sources
crude oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear energy and the many sources of renewable energy
11%
22%
23%
74%
39%
31%
45%
24%
28%
35%
18%
1%
12%
7%
9%
9%
5%
5%
Alter the procurement and sourcing of energy
Varying the composition of Energy-mix
Assistance by Off-grid renewable energy generation
Managing energy usage more efficiently
Q: Among the following, which is the most effective & feasible
way to cut-down the energy costs of an industry?
Strongly Agree Agree Somewhat Neither Agree Nor Disagree Disagree Somewhat Strongly Disagree
Among the academicians
who polled, 75% consider
assistance by Off-Grid
renewable projects to be a
smart way to reduce long
term energy costs; however
industries response on this
has not been as
encouraging.

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En-route to energy efficiency
Almost all industry executives are apparently aware of the critical role of improved energy efficiency, both
in their own companies and in the wider economy. In this survey, fully 98 percent of executives,
consultants, researchers and scholars surveyed for this research “agree strongly” or “agree somewhat” that
energy efficiency is a critical success factor for manufacturers today.
Results of the survey show that merely 45% consider investing heavily in technology up gradation as a
potent energy efficiency strategy. Retro-fitting of outdated equipment and alteration in operational
procedures are much more viable options as observed by the responses.
It is worth noting that all the energy consultants/policy makers who took part in this survey ‘strongly
agreed’ on the role data analytics can play in boosting the efficacy energy efficiency projects. It got an
astonishing 100% from this domain. Similar is the support for the method of retro-fitting from the
consulting/auditing fraternity, which clearly depicts that in the current the Indian energy scenario we need
to plug leaks in energy consumption by outdated and inefficient equipment. The results also highlight the
role that data and data analytics can play both in the decision making process and in validating the results
of any up-gradation or retrofitting activity.
47%
19%
38%
54%
35%
26%
39%
31%
11%
50%
19%
14%
4%
4%
4%
Retro-fitting of outdated & inefficient equipments
Invest heavily in technology upgradation
Alteration in operational procedures
Data analysis to develop an industry-wide benchmarking
Q: What do you think should be the approach by organizations
to foster the efficiency in energy consumption?
Strongly Agree Agree Somewhat Neither Agree Nor Disagree Disagree Somewhat Strongly Disagree
One of the major outcomes of the survey is that the industry believes that the key to
improving energy efficiency will increasingly lie in software rather than in hardware.
About 89% respondents from industry consider analysis of energy and production data are
important to effectively manage the energy usage by developing an industry-wide
benchmarking.

12. 12
If “Data Analytics “is the way forward, then why so much reluctance in
its application?
The survey transpired unanimous agreement among people regarding the benefits of data analytics
pertaining to our products and services, for all phases of product development and production process. But
surprisingly, only 46% consider data analytics as something that can add significant value to their core
energy efficiency/optimization strategy. This exposes the prevalent disconnect in industry’s perception,
serving as a handicap for coalescing energy data analytics with primary business operations despite its well-
accredited immense hidden potential.
Over 70% consider the inability to utilize this data as the main hindrance. Among the energy
consultants, 89% stated that the lack of internal expertise to comprehend the data available is
the principal reason behind the hesitation of industries to implement and use data analytics.
16%
30%
23%
23%
11%
12%
28%
41%
41%
36%
30%
15%
27%
18%
22%
23%
30%
27%
18%
7%
14%
11%
19%
23%
11%
5%
1%
7%
11%
23%
Absence of technology for getting accurate & reliable data
Lack of expertise to utilize this data substantively
Acquisition of data is cumbersome & costly
After access to this volume of data, how to make it insightful?
Analysis & evaluation of data is complicated and pricey
It doesn’t add significant value to my core work strategy
Q: What are the reasons behind companies’ reluctance to use data
acquisition system/tools for energy management?
Strongly Agree Agree Somewhat Neither Agree Nor Disagree Disagree Somewhat Strongly Disagree

13. 13
The driving force for energy data analytics
As observed in the survey, 80% respondents agree that the main reason for adopting data analytics is thatit
isan excellent vehicle to maintain the long-term health of system.
96%agreed that the availability of proficient external agencies providing offsite analytics support acts as
a catalyst to drive data evaluation. Industry believes that backed by expertise, these external agencies
crusade pretty superbly towards evaluating opportunities for optimization through a precise analysis.
91% of the energy consultants believe that anytime, anywhere access to tamper-proof data has utmost
importance, wherein 64% of total respondents are in accordance with them.
Key Enablers- Energy Data Analytics!
16%
15%
23%
30%
30%
22%
42%
45%
41%
39%
50%
43%
26%
31%
26%
27%
16%
31%
11%
8%
11%
4%
4%
4%
5%To comply with govt. stipulations regarding data recording
Its a latest advancement that my competitorshave adopted
Anywhere access to tamper-proof data, using cloud system
This system will aid in critical processes to stay within limits
It is needed to maintain the health and efficiency of system
Availability of external agencies providingoffsite support
Q: If you consider ratifying the analytics of energy data, what
would be the driving force for this decision?
Strongly Agree Agree Somewhat Neither Agree Nor Disagree Disagree Somewhat Strongly Disagree
Access to long term performance assessment/health
indicators
Availibility of profecient agencies providing offsite
analytics support
Access to cloud based anytime anywhere tamper proof
data.
Complying with Givt regulations/ sphisticated data
submissionson energy and production
Competitor deploying similar strategy!
In the words of Mr. Manoj Garg,
General Manager (Engineering) at
BSL Limited “though there may be
lot of reasons for companies to use
Energy Data Analytics, initial
thrust has always been provided by
the need to abide by government
regulations”

14. 14
Conclusion
In a unified effort to improve cost competitiveness and to meet
sustainability commitments, Indian industries plunk for better energy
efficiency. Especially, in the SME sector, which plays a dominant role
in Indian industrial scenario, the benefits of improved energy efficiency
are clear, both in terms of financial impact and in terms of
environmental impact.
As on date most of the SMEs have limited mandate/vision when it
comes to framing energy efficiency strategies. Investments have
largely been around change of equipment, installations of VFDs etc.,
which particularly is reflection of having a “product/vendor” driven
strategy and not “data” driven strategy.
For the SMEs and industry to take advantage of energy saving
opportunity that lies in process optimization and retrofitting (two of
the energy efficiency strategies widely supported by the survey
respondents), it is important for SMEs and industries at large to shift to
taking data driven decisions, for which an evolved Energy Data
Analytics strategy has to be devised and implemented.
Getting started is always the key; there is a change required in the overall thought process, there has to be
a new way of looking at exploring energy efficiency measures and investing in them. Like in most cases
change comes from the top, perhaps CXOs need to take a lead and challenge the overall thought process
by asking the following key strategic questions:
How does the
company’senergy
consumptionand
management
compare with
peers,best-in-
classand global
players?
How can data
accquiredbe
utilised to make
overall strategic
road map?
What are the
gaps? Is there a
need to review the
company’slong-
term energy
consumption
goals?
Is there an
effective
monitoring system
and processesin
place to achieve
stated objectives?
What kind of KPIs
and dashboards
are desired?
In the energy domain, use of
Data Analytics has widely
been adopted in Utilities;
commercial buildings sector
seems to be catching up on
the trend.
However it’s the energy
intensive industries, SMEs
at large that have huge “data
value” to be tapped.
Need to be “Data” driven
Very often a change of view-point is needed more
than a change of panorama

15. 15
Once the questions mentioned above become more prominent in the board rooms, it will lay the
foundation for developing and adopting an EDA strategy. An evolved EDA strategy will assist industries in
driving down sustainable energy efficiency practices and manage their obligations towards global and
domestic market driven mechanisms.
Implementing an inclusive EDA strategy- How to get started?
Select process/
problem areas and
its scope
Define Key
Performance
Indicators "KPIs"
Identify data
sources
Initate data
accquistion with
time stamp
Analyse energy and
production/process
KPI based
benchmarking/
trend analysis
Automatic
Alerts/Offsite
reports, energy
saving projects
Implementation of
projects/ Highlight
Best Case Practices
Implementing EDA strategy-
How to get started?
Use of Data Analytics in Energy Efficiency markets has the power to transform the way energy efficiency
services are sought and delivered. It’s going to be disruptive.

16. 16
Impediments/Perceptions Solvents
Inadequacy of actionable data for the
diverse SME sub-sectors
But, with data analytics system in place, we have access
to authentic production and energy consumption data
which is verifiable and easily retrievable. It also
facilitates customized M&V which can assist during
verification by designated Govt. authorities
Every process is inflicted with so many
factors/variables, we can’t have industry-
wise standard procedures and models
Data analytics tackles this problem by including the key
process parameters as Normalization Factors to be
considered while making any comparisons, thereby
neutralizing the variations to bring standardization
A longer timeframe is needed to
comprehend and develop workable
solutions for energy efficiency
Contrary to this, data analytics enables you to make
expeditious decisions on the basis of statistical
evaluation of the past data and other factors
influencing the behavior of the targeted process or
equipment
Massive facilitation efforts needed for
assisting implementation
Implementation of data analytics system doesn’t
require massive deployment of resources. It can be
very easily aligned with the already running processes
of the plant. Joint follow-up with external energy
agencies further catalyzes the scheme by giving expert
advices
Meager budget for the SME component
is a handicap
To support the data analytics system, relatively very
low budget and resources are needed. It can be
initiated with very modest outlay and scaled up later,
as necessitated. Moreover, its cost is paltry when
compared with other energy saving measures namely
retrofitting, modernization of machines etc, however
EDA can play a significant role in effective selection
and implementation of these savings’ measures.
Implementing EDA Strategy-
Let‟s get some myths busted!

17. 17
Energy Data Analytics- Benefit Matrix!
In the future, it is very likely that the energy efficiency value in industrial process technology will lie more in software, apps, and
other intellectual property, and less in the physical industrial hardware itself. Those companies that are already complying with the
spirit of energy management standards—for example, by acting in accordance with the ISO 50001 standards—say that data is the next
big thing and availability of proficient external agencies giving off-site data analytics support will have a large role to play in energy
arena across the globe.

18. 18
E-Cube Energy is one of the emerging companies working in the Energy Efficiency domain.
We work with energy intensive industries to help them develop and implement sustainable
energy efficiency practices.
We believe that Energy Data Analytics is the next frontier in energy efficiency markets, with
potential to change the way energy services are sought and delivered.
We have developed a cloud based energy information management and analytics portal
EnView, which is currently being used by over a dozen industries!
To know more about us or our work please visit our website www.eetpl.in.