FAQ

1. How does Comverge retrieve energy consumption data?
2. How do Comverge Clean Energy Network California participants access their energy information?
3. What software and hardware is needed to operate Comverge products?
4. How long does it take for new Comverge Clean Energy Network California participants to get full access to their software accounts?
5. What frequency of data collection does Comverge provide?
6. Will Comverge load historical utility data?
7. How long does Comverge keep the data available for access?
8. How long have Comverge products been in the marketplace?
9. Will Comverge products allow multiple users to access energy data at the same time?
10. How can Comverge Clean Energy Network California save my company money? How much?
11. Can Comverge Clean Energy Network California quickly identify areas of immediate concern?

1. How does Comverge retrieve energy consumption data?
Metering data is typically obtained from the utility or energy service provider (ESP) service meter for the facility. Comverge retrieves interval data through a variety of sources, including FTP file transfer from host utilities, ESP, meter data service provider (MDSP), customers, integration to the utility-grade meter using MV-90 protocol, or via the addition of a shadow metering or recorder device. The specific source used will depend on the type of meter currently installed at the location, the accessibility to the service mete,r and communication interfaces. Where necessary, Comverge is capable of providing the engineering expertise to design, commission, and install a metering system to enable energy information retrieval.

2. How do Comverge Clean Energy Network California participants access their energy information?
Clean Energy Network California participants access Comverge products through a secure, password protected, website over the Internet. Comverge products contain additional levels of security to ensure that users only see the energy data for which their corporation has granted them privileges.

3. What software and hardware is needed to operate Comverge products?
It is not necessary to purchase software to operate standard Comverge products. Only an Internet connection and a standard web browser are needed. Comverge is an application service provider and we maintain all the hardware and software at our facilities. As a result, Comverge takes on the burden of providing server and database operation, maintenance, and backup infrastructure. Comverge maintains two geographically dispersed data centers to ensure system availability.

4. How long does it take for new Comverge Clean Energy Network California participants to get full access to their software account?
Typically, new Comverge Clean Energy Network California participants can access their account just 10 days after their enrollment in Clean Energy Network California is finalized. During this time, Comverge completes and tests hardware installation, populates the data base, creates user ID and password, customizes labels, establishes access hierarchies, and provides web-based training. If data is obtained from the ESP/MDSP or equipment needs to be installed by them, timelines for these companies may take longer.

5. What frequency of data collection does Comverge provide?
Comverge provides a wide range of data updates to Clean Energy Network California participants. The frequency is dependant on the individual account's needs. Available data update frequencies range from near-real time to monthly updates. The most common Clean Energy Network California participant choice for data collection frequency is 15-minute or daily updates.

6. Will Comverge load historical utility data?
Yes, Comverge provides an option for up to two years of historical data to be loaded into the system such that Clean Energy Network California participants can utilize them on day one, provided that data are usable. Comverge provides a standard format for data importation. Additional data amounts or formats are available.

7. How long does Comverge keep the data available for access?
As a standard, Comverge keeps meter data available for two years. Additional data retention intervals can be arranged.

8. How long have Comverge products been in the marketplace?
Comverge provided the Clean Energy Network California program components since 1997. Please see Comverge History for additional information.

9. Will Comverge products allow multiple users to access energy data at the same time?
Yes, Comverge is built on a robust framework that allows multiple users to access data at the same time. Each user will receive an individual log in and a password.

10. How can Comverge Clean Energy Network California save my company money? How much?
The energy information captured, analyzed, and presented can be used to identify consumption spikes, anomalies, or disruptions that represent energy-management opportunities. Additionally, where energy procurement markets are open to competitive choice, alternative rate structures or curtailment opportunities, the ability to quickly determine specific load usage patterns allows customers to take advantage of various electricity pricing options and incentives.

11. Can Comverge Clean Energy Network California quickly identify areas of immediate concern?
Yes, the Exception Log feature provides the ability to identify consumption activity that occurs outside of a Clean Energy Network California participant's established threshold parameters, so you can easily determine the financial impact of such activity and take action to reduce costs!