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Why Fixed Demand Windows Fail Industrial Users and What to Do About It

Introduction
For decades, industries have relied on traditional energy meters using fixed 15-minute demand windows. But these static measurement systems often fail to reflect true peak usage — especially in large-scale operations with variable loads and multi-line power supply.

At Benetoos, we’ve seen the limitations firsthand. And we’ve developed a smarter, more adaptive solution.


The Problem with Fixed Windows
Fixed windows measure peak demand in rigid 15-minute intervals. But in heavy industries like steel or cement, where equipment starts and stops frequently, real demand spikes can fall outside those windows — resulting in:

  • Misrepresented consumption patterns
  • Unexpected billing discrepancies
  • Higher-than-necessary demand charges
  • Difficulty in load forecasting and planning

A Real-World Example
One of our clients, a regional electricity provider, was receiving peak demand data from three separate meters — one for each transmission line feeding a large mining facility.

Each meter calculated demand independently using the standard rolling window method. But the actual peak often occurred across two or more lines simultaneously, leading to incorrect totals and inflated charges.


Our Solution: Flowing 10-Second Demand Tracking
Instead of static blocks, we developed a method that uses 10-second rolling intervals within each 15-minute demand window. Even better — it synchronizes data across all power lines and meters in real-time.

The result?

  • A unified demand profile across multiple inputs
  • Maximum accuracy in peak detection
  • Fairer billing for the industrial client
  • No need for costly meter replacement

Technology Behind It
We leverage the IEC 62056-21 standard and integrate our software directly with existing meters using summators and RS485-to-TCP/IP converters. The data is logged, validated, and transmitted to the control center every 30 seconds.

This approach is especially effective for:

  • Distributed Generation (DG) power plants
  • Heavy industries with high-voltage multi-line setups
  • Clients looking to avoid infrastructure overhauls

Conclusion
The future of industrial energy metering is dynamic, not fixed. At Benetoos, we’re leading the shift toward smarter demand management that saves money, improves accuracy, and supports energy transparency.

📞 Want to explore how this can work for your facility? [Contact Us]