Using smart plugs, Site iQ transforms electrical outlets into powerful sensors that collect energy (plug load) consumption data from every device plugged into them. 

Powered by machine learning, the plugs send energy consumption data to a powerful analytics platform, where you can track energy consumption, monitor equipment, desk, and space utilisation, and understand the performance of different floors. The platform also equips you with tools to improve energy efficiency, enabling you to schedule equipment to turn on and off automatically. 

Plug load is the energy consumed by equipment and appliances plugged into a normal household or office socket (e.g., computer monitors, laptop docks, TVs, and kitchen appliances). These loads are typically movable and can be unplugged when not in use. It doesn’t include HVAC, heat pumps and lighting, which are integral building systems for climate and comfort control and can’t easily be moved. 

Plugged-in devices draw varying amounts of power depending on whether they’re actively being used, in standby mode, or in sleep mode. Even when they’re not actively being used, these devices still consume energy. Adding up the energy used by all these devices typically makes up about 25-30% of a building’s total energy consumption. 

The need for electricity is growing as industries and transport transition to electric power. Our grid operator, Transpower, has forecast a 68% increase in electricity demand by 2050 compared to the consumption levels in 2020^1. 

Using energy more efficiently can be a more affordable solution to meet this demand. EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) estimates that energy efficiency measures provide electricity at a cost of between $15 and $50 per megawatt-hour (MWh), compared to constructing new renewable generation, which costs between $60 and $75 per MWh)^2. 

EECA modelling shows that nationwide energy-efficient technology uptake could reduce demand by as much as 3,000 to 4,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually. This amount of electricity saved would be sufficient to power approximately 1/3 of New Zealand’s light (passenger) vehicle fleet if it were electric^3. 

1 Transpower News 
2 Energy Efficiency First – The Electricity Story, Overview Report, EECA, 2019 
3 Ministry for the Environment. 2021. New Zealand’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2019. Wellington: Ministry for the Environment. 

As well as providing insights, Site iQ lets you set controls to operate equipment more efficiently, helping you reduce carbon emissions and electricity bills. 

Based on insights from customer installations, you can reduce plug load energy consumption costs by up to 40% by taking actions such as: 

• setting automated controls to operate equipment more efficiently, e.g., turning equipment off at night or when it’s idle for long periods, 
• deciding to operate workspaces more efficiently, e.g., closing floors on low occupancy days or removing or reconfiguring under-utilised workstations, 
• replacing or removing inefficient or underutilised equipment. 

You can save on other operating costs by using Site iQ’s space utilisation data to inform decisions like: 

• how many computers you need based on occupancy levels, 

• how to arrange workstations effectively for hotdesking, 
• what floor space you’ll need if you’re combining floors or relocating; and, 
• how to manage supplies and support services like groceries, stationery, security and IT services more efficiently. 

Site iQ uses energy data from all plugged-in devices at desks and in meeting rooms to provide you with occupancy insights across the building. 

Site iQ is available through an annual subscription. The cost is determined by the size of your site and the amount of equipment you want to monitor and control.