What Does An Energy Systems Analyst Do?

An energy systems analyst is a professional who analyzes and troubleshoots energy systems to help facilities operate efficiently. They evaluate energy usage patterns and infrastructure, identify opportunities for optimization, and provide both data-driven and operations-focused solutions to reduce energy consumption, costs, and environmental impact.

In general, an energy systems analyst conducts technical reviews of facilities to understand how energy is consumed. This may involve analyzing equipment and infrastructure like HVAC systems, generators, boilers, compressors, lighting, pumps, and motors. The analyst then identifies energy savings opportunities through equipment upgrades, improved operational and maintenance practices, control system changes, and other initiatives. They model and estimate cost savings and return on investment for proposed projects. Their expertise and analysis provides the basis for facilities to pursue energy efficiency and supports related decision-making.

Typical Job Duties

As an energy systems analyst, some of your typical day-to-day job duties include:

Conducting energy audits and evaluating energy usage – You will perform comprehensive assessments of facilities to analyze how they currently use energy. This involves closely reviewing utility bills, inspecting equipment and systems, monitoring energy consumption, and identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements.

Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency – Using data collected from energy audits and consumption analysis, you will pinpoint areas where energy efficiency can be enhanced, such as by upgrading equipment, adding insulation, implementing automation systems, or modifying energy management procedures.

Performing cost/benefit analysis on energy projects – You will conduct financial analysis to predict the costs, energy savings, payback periods, and return on investment of proposed energy projects. This helps determine feasibility and prioritize energy investments.

Creating models to predict energy consumption – By compiling data on facilities’ energy use, equipment, schedules, and other variables, you will build energy consumption models that forecast future usage and costs. These models inform facility planning and help optimize operations.

Tracking compliance with regulations – You will ensure facilities comply with laws and regulations related to energy use and reporting. This includes monitoring emission levels, benchmarking against standards, documenting efforts, and filing required reports.

Industries Served

Energy systems analysts work across a wide range of industries, applying their expertise to help organizations optimize their energy usage and become more efficient and sustainable. Some of the key industries served include:

Manufacturing – From large factories to small workshops, manufacturing facilities use tremendous amounts of energy. Energy analysts help identify opportunities to implement new equipment, adjust processes, and incorporate renewables to reduce costs and environmental impact.

Utilities – Electric, gas, water, and waste utility companies employ analysts to model demand, improve infrastructure, integrate renewable energy, and develop rate structures and incentives that benefit both the utility and its customers.

Commercial buildings – Offices, hospitals, schools, warehouses and more engage analysts to audit their systems, identify energy waste, optimize HVAC and lighting, pinpoint equipment upgrades, and manage energy procurement contracts.

Data centers – With massive, 24/7 power demands, data centers rely on analysts to optimize energy use across IT loads, cooling systems, and backup power while maintaining reliability and cutting costs.

Skills and Qualifications

Energy systems analysts need strong analytical skills to evaluate complex data and energy models. They rely heavily on math, statistics, and modeling to assess energy usage, costs, and environmental impacts. An extensive knowledge of energy systems and building operations is critical to understand how changes or upgrades will impact overall performance.

Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, sustainability, or a related field. Coursework in thermodynamics, building science, energy management, and systems thinking provides a solid educational foundation. Hands-on training in energy auditing, building commissioning, energy modeling software, and data analysis is also important.

Successful energy systems analysts combine their technical expertise with critical thinking, project management, and communication skills. They need to explain technical concepts and analysis results to both expert and non-expert audiences. Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities are essential as they interface with a range of stakeholders including building owners, facility managers, contractors, and utility companies.

Certifications

Several certifications are available for energy systems analysts that can enhance their expertise and career advancement opportunities. Some of the key certifications include:

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) – This certification is offered by the Association of Energy Engineers and requires passing an exam that covers areas like energy accounting and economics, electric and thermal systems, building envelope, and lighting. Earning the CEM demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in the energy management field.

Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) – This certification is administered by the Disaster Recovery Institute International and focuses on risk assessment and business continuity planning. It’s relevant for energy analysts involved in contingency planning for critical infrastructure and facilities.

Other certifications like the Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), Business Energy Professional (BEP), and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) can also be beneficial for certain career paths and specializations within energy systems analysis.

Career Advancement

An energy systems analyst role offers several potential advancement opportunities for professionals who demonstrate strong analytical and leadership abilities.

With several years of experience, an analyst may be promoted to a lead analyst position, which involves training and managing more junior analysts, in addition to their own analysis responsibilities. Lead analysts serve as the primary point of contact on major client accounts or projects.

From the lead analyst role, advancement to an energy analytics manager position is possible. These managers oversee a team of analysts and are responsible for developing analytics strategy, managing budgets and resources, and interfacing with executives and stakeholders. Strong leadership skills are required for this role.

Some of the most experienced energy systems analysts may rise to director positions, in which they set the vision and direction for the analytics function within an organization. Directors manage multiple teams, oversee complex deliverables, and report directly to company leadership.

Overall, hard-working and talented analysts have significant opportunities to take on leadership positions and advance their careers over time within the energy analytics field.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for energy systems analysts is strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of energy systems analysts is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Several factors are driving the demand for these professionals, including the increased use of renewable energy sources and the need to improve efficiency at power plants and other facilities.

Energy systems analysts earn attractive salaries. The median annual wage for energy systems analysts was $79,840 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $51,550, and the highest 10% earned more than $138,980. Salaries vary based on factors like location, experience, and types of facilities served.

With the growing adoption of renewable energy and focus on sustainability, the future looks promising for qualified energy systems analysts. These specialized professionals play an important role in helping facilities improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Work Environment

Energy systems analysts spend most of their time working in an office environment. They typically work standard business hours, Monday through Friday. However, deadlines and travel may occasionally require working longer hours.

While the job is primarily office-based, energy systems analysts may occasionally need to visit facilities in person to conduct energy audits, inspect equipment installations, or monitor efficiency improvements. Site visits allow analysts to see systems firsthand and directly interact with operational personnel. Travel could be local or require overnight stays, depending on the location of a client’s facilities.

Field work may also involve collaborating with installation crews during energy retrofit projects or overseeing contractors performing facility upgrades. The time on-site provides hands-on experience and on-the-ground perspective for analysts.

Those employed by large consulting firms are more likely to travel frequently to client sites, whereas analysts working for a single organization may primarily just visit their employer’s facilities. With remote work arrangements becoming more common, site visits may not be a routine part of the job.

Work-Life Balance

Energy systems analysts generally work a typical 40 hour week. They may need to travel occasionally to visit project sites or attend conferences and workshops. The ability to manage one’s own schedule is a benefit of the job. While deadlines can sometimes require extra hours to complete projects, there is usually flexibility to balance work and personal life. With largely office-based work, there is minimal physical strain or hazardous conditions associated with this career. The work does require attention to detail and critical thinking abilities, which can be mentally tiring. However, the work provides variety, challenges, and a sense of purpose in developing solutions that benefit society. Overall, energy systems analysts enjoy a good work-life balance with the flexibility, security and satisfaction of professional knowledge work.

Conclusion

In summary, energy systems analysts play a critical role in helping organizations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet sustainability goals. Their technical skills, analytical abilities, and attention to detail allow them to evaluate complex systems and recommend solutions. While the work can be challenging, energy analysts find reward in seeing their projects come to fruition and knowing their efforts make a real impact.

To succeed as an energy systems analyst, you’ll need a strong educational background in math, engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Hands-on experience through internships also provides great preparation. With the right expertise and drive, you can build an engaging career improving energy infrastructure and advancing the future of energy.