Category: Articles

When it comes to managing energy consumption across large sites or estates, relying solely on the main utility meter is like trying to run a business using a single figure on a spreadsheet. It gives you the total — but not the insight.
Sub-metering is the essential first step in any effective energy management strategy. By breaking down energy use by area, tenant, or even individual pieces of equipment, sub-metering provides the detail needed to make informed decisions, drive cost savings, and meet sustainability goals.

Why Sub-Metering Matters

Large organisations — from universities and hospitals to manufacturing plants and corporate campuses — face increasingly complex energy demands. Whether the goal is reducing carbon output or simply cutting waste, it’s impossible to manage what you can’t measure.

Sub-metering delivers that measurement. It allows facilities teams and energy managers to:

• Identify energy-intensive processes or departments
• Detect abnormal consumption and flag faults early
• Allocate usage accurately for tenant billing or internal reporting
• Benchmark performance across buildings or time periods
• Support compliance with carbon reporting regulations

In short, it gives organisations control.

Tailored Solutions from Elcomponent
With over 40 years of experience in energy management, Elcomponent is a recognised leader in the design and implementation of bespoke sub-metering systems. Our approach is built around three key principles: flexibility, visibility, and scalability.

• Design: Every building is different. We assess your site to develop a sub-metering plan that fits your layout, operational goals, and infrastructure.
• Installation: Our engineers fit meters and comms equipment with minimal disruption to your operations — and always to the highest standards.
• Commissioning & Support: We don’t just walk away after installation. We ensure your system is properly commissioned and fully operational, with ongoing support if required.

We work with open protocols and existing infrastructure wherever possible, giving you future-proof systems that won’t lock you into proprietary software or hardware.

Choose Your Data Strategy
Whether you want a full turnkey sub-metering solution, complete with integrated energy monitoring software, or you prefer to collect and manage your data in-house — Elcomponent has you covered.

Our systems are fully compatible with cloud-based platforms, internal dashboards, and third-party reporting tools. The result? Maximum visibility, tailored to how you work.

Make Sub-Metering Your First Step

Energy savings don’t start with switching off lights — they start with understanding where your energy is going in the first place. That’s why sub-metering isn’t just an add-on — it’s the foundation of energy efficiency.

If your organisation is ready to take control of its energy use, speak to Elcomponent today. We’ll help you build a smarter, more transparent energy strategy — from the meter up.

elcomponent.co.uk – Making Sense of Your Energy

When it comes to improving energy monitoring across your estate, the smartest solution isn’t always a full replacement. In fact, ripping out functioning systems can be wasteful, costly and completely unnecessary. At Elcomponent, we believe in making the most of what’s already working — because better energy efficiency shouldn’t come at the expense of time, budget or common sense.

That’s the principle behind our retrofit-first approach. Whether you’re upgrading an older building, expanding an existing system, or planning for long-term growth, we’ll help you make the transition with minimal disruption — and maximum return.

Retrofit Done Right

We’ve been installing and upgrading commercial energy monitoring systems for over 40 years. And one thing’s clear: too many projects start from scratch when they don’t need to. Our team assesses your infrastructure carefully to determine what can be reused — from CTs (current transformers) to cabling and metering hardware.

If it’s working, we’ll work with it.

By reusing viable components and integrating them into modern monitoring solutions, we can:

• Reduce installation costs
• Avoid unnecessary waste
• Speed up project delivery
• Minimise operational downtime
• Extend the life of existing assets

For facility managers and sustainability leads under pressure to deliver fast, cost-effective results, retrofitting is often the most practical route forward.

No Lock-In. Just Smart Engineering.

At Elcomponent, we’ve always believed in open, non-proprietary systems. That means:

• No vendor lock-in
• Full integration flexibility
• Easier system upgrades in future
• Compatibility with third-party software and dashboards

We don’t believe in tying you into closed platforms or single-brand ecosystems. Instead, we use open protocols and engineering-first thinking — because value comes from insight and performance, not branding and restrictions.

Whether you're scaling up your energy monitoring estate or upgrading legacy kit, our retrofit solutions are designed to keep you in control — today and tomorrow.

Designed With Your Bottom Line in Mind
Every building is different. Some need a full rebuild. Others just need thoughtful integration. Our team takes the time to assess your site and design an energy monitoring system that reflects the reality of your infrastructure — not just the theory.

This isn’t just good engineering. It’s good economics.
By making better use of existing hardware, we help organisations:
• Meet compliance targets without overspending
• Prepare for Net Zero with practical, phased upgrades
• Optimise operations without extensive shutdowns
• Build future-proofed systems that evolve with their needs

Upgrade Smarter with Elcomponent

If you're planning an energy upgrade, extension or system-wide retrofit, talk to the team at Elcomponent. We’ll show you how a thoughtful approach to design, reuse and integration can deliver better outcomes — for both your carbon goals and your capital budgets.

Because sometimes, the best innovation is knowing what not to change.
 elcomponent.co.uk – Making Sense of Your Energy

 

When energy issues arise, waiting weeks for insight isn’t an option. Whether you're chasing compliance, diagnosing a fault, or trying to validate energy-saving upgrades, sometimes you need clear data — right now. That’s where portable energy monitoring comes into its own.

Through our specialist division, SPC Loggers, Elcomponent offers the UK’s most trusted range of portable energy monitors — designed for rapid deployment, no permanent installation, and maximum accuracy. Need results fast? SPC Loggers has you covered.

The Smart Choice for Temporary Energy Monitoring
Not every situation calls for a fixed metering system. Short-term projects, spot-checks, and one-off audits require tools that are easy to install, simple to use, and deliver dependable data. That’s why energy consultants, facilities teams and compliance officers across the UK choose SPC portable energy loggers for:

• Energy audits and consumption profiling
• ESOS and SECR compliance
• Temporary tenant billing
• Fault-finding and load balancing
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments

No disruption. No wiring. Just instant, accurate energy data — ready when you are.

Built for Fieldwork. Backed by Experts.
Elcomponent’s SPC Loggers range has been the go-to portable monitoring solution in the UK for over three decades. Our devices are:

• Quick to set up — no specialist installer needed
• Robust and field-ready for demanding environments
• Suitable for single-phase and three-phase loads
• Equipped with high-resolution data logging and large memory
• Supported by optional software for advanced analysis

Whether you’re logging usage in a factory, office block or university campus, SPC Loggers deliver data you can trust — wherever you’re working.

And you won’t be on your own: our in-house technical support team is available to assist with setup, troubleshooting and interpreting results.

Hire or Buy – Your Choice

Need monitoring for a single project? Or building out a long-term toolkit for your consultancy team? SPC Loggers are available to rent or buy, giving you flexibility based on your requirements and budget.

• Hire: Fast delivery, short-term use, minimal commitment
• Buy: Long-term savings and full ownership with ongoing support

Whatever your preference, we’ll help you select the right package — and get you measuring in no time.

The UK’s Trusted Portable Energy Loggers
As part of Elcomponent, SPC Loggers benefit from decades of experience in the energy management sector. When you choose us, you’re not just getting a device — you’re getting reliable results, proven support, and insight from one of the UK’s most experienced energy monitoring companies.

Visit spcloggers.com
Or contact Elcomponent today for expert advice
elcomponent.co.uk – Making Sense of Your Energy

Facing an ESOS deadline or preparing for a detailed energy audit? When time is short and the need for insight is urgent, Elcomponent’s portable monitoring solutions offer the speed, accuracy and flexibility that energy professionals rely on.

With no permanent installation, no long-term commitment, and no compromise on data quality, our portable kits help you capture the energy data you need — when and where you need it.

Made for ESOS Compliance
The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) requires large UK organisations to carry out detailed audits of their energy use every four years. If you're one of them, you’ll know that accurate data is critical — and collecting it quickly, from across multiple sites or departments, is often the biggest challenge.

That’s where our portable monitoring tools come in.
• Deployable in minutes
• Non-invasive and easy to install
• Ideal for short-term usage studies
• Trusted by consultants and engineers across the UK

Whether you’re assessing lighting loads, HVAC systems or site-wide consumption, our kits give you high-resolution, actionable data — helping you meet regulatory requirements and uncover efficiency opportunities.

Built for Audits, Trusted Across the UK

Our portable monitoring kits, delivered through SPC Loggers, have been used at thousands of UK sites — from offices and schools to manufacturing plants and retail estates.

With no hardwiring required, they’re ideal for:
• Short-term audits
• Energy savings verification
• Fault-finding missions
• Temporary sub-metering
• Trialling energy-saving measures

And with a new version of our web-based platform — SPCPro2 — available now, getting insights from your loggers has never been easier. Ask us for a login and see just how fast you can turn data into action.

Actionable Data, No Strings

Our portable loggers don’t just deliver numbers — they deliver clarity. Whether you’re a consultant compiling reports or a facilities manager chasing savings, you’ll get:

• Accurate load data in real-time
• Easy visualisation and export
• Reliable performance in tough environments
• Full in-house support from Elcomponent experts

You can rent or buy — whichever works best for your project. We make it simple, affordable, and quick to deploy.

Meet Your Deadline with Confidence
If you’ve got an ESOS deadline approaching or need data for your next audit, don’t wait. Elcomponent’s portable energy monitoring kits give you the tools to understand your energy profile — without installation headaches or locked-in contracts.

Get started today by contact us at elcomponent.co.uk
Or visit our specialist site for portable monitoring at spcloggers.com
Making Sense of Your Energy — fast.

On a busy commercial or industrial site, the main utility meter only tells part of the story. It shows total energy use — but not how, where, or why that energy is being consumed. In reality, each tenant, zone, or system may be drawing vastly different amounts of power, often without anyone knowing.

At Elcomponent, we help you uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes with intelligent sub metering systems. Because smarter decisions come from clearer insight.

When the Main Meter Isn’t Enough

Consider this common scenario: your monthly electricity bill looks high, but your site appears to be running as normal. Without deeper data, it’s hard to answer questions like:

• Which tenant is using the most energy?
• Are shared areas being overcharged or under-accounted for?
• Is HVAC or lighting running when it shouldn’t be?
• How do different buildings or departments compare?

That’s where sub-metering proves invaluable. It allows you to break down energy usage by load, location, or responsibility — so you can stop guessing and start managing.

See Every Circuit Clearly

Sub-metering gives you a detailed view of your site’s consumption, including:
• Tenant-specific loads in multi-let buildings
• HVAC, lighting, and plant systems
• EV chargers, kitchen equipment, IT suites
• Remote or infrequently accessed areas like car parks or outbuildings

Whether you’re recharging tenants, monitoring energy use for compliance, or planning efficiency upgrades, we design and install tailored metering systems that give you the data you actually need — in real time.

Designed for Mixed-Use, Multi-Tenant and Complex Sites

At Elcomponent, we’ve deployed sub-metering systems across offices, universities, hospitals, shopping centres, and manufacturing sites. Many of these are mixed-use environments, where shared infrastructure and different usage patterns make billing and benchmarking a challenge.

Our solutions help you:
• Recharge tenants fairly and accurately
• Track abnormal usage spikes
• Identify underperforming systems
• Plan targeted upgrades for high-consumption areas

And because we use open, non-proprietary systems, your data remains fully accessible — whether you use our MW2 platform or integrate with your own software.

One System, Smarter Site Management
Whether you need to track one zone or a hundred, Elcomponent’s sub-metering approach is built to scale. We combine:

• Site-specific design
• Professional installation
• Expert commissioning
• Full system support

So you’re not just collecting data — you’re gaining insight you can trust

Energy Doesn’t Have to Be a Mystery

If you’re working with multiple tenants, unpredictable site loads, or hidden inefficiencies, we can help. With Elcomponent, you’ll finally see where your energy is going — and how to take back control.
elcomponent.co.uk – Making Sense of Your Energy

In an age where data is critical to performance, sustainability and compliance, being locked out of your own energy usage data shouldn’t even be an option. Yet many organisations find themselves restricted by closed systems, proprietary software, and vendor-specific hardware — unable to access or fully utilise the data they’ve paid to collect.

At Elcomponent, we take a different view.

We believe energy data should be open, accessible and usable — without limitations. That’s why our energy monitoring systems are built on standard, non-proprietary protocols, giving you full ownership of your metering infrastructure and the freedom to adapt as your needs evolve.

Why Open Protocols Matter

Choosing an open standards-based energy monitoring system is about more than just avoiding frustration — it’s about future-proofing your investment. When systems are locked into one brand or platform, you lose flexibility. You’re tied to one supplier for upgrades, expansions, and even basic access to data.
With Elcomponent, you can expect:

• Full visibility of your data
• Seamless integration with third-party platforms
• Straightforward upgrades and system expansions
• Freedom to change providers or platforms without penalty
• Confidence in a future-proofed solution

From manufacturing plants to multi-site estates, our clients appreciate having energy monitoring systems that evolve with their business — not against it.

Flexible Integration That Fits You

Whether you want to use our own platform (MW2), export to a central BMS, or plug directly into your preferred analytics dashboard, we make sure your data is:
• Clean
• Structured
• Compatible

Our systems are designed with integration in mind, giving energy managers, engineers, and sustainability leads the tools they need to make fast, informed decisions — without the barriers of proprietary formats or locked hardware.

Transparency and Reliability You Can Trust

We’ve been in the energy monitoring business for over 40 years — and we’ve seen the pitfalls of locked systems first-hand. That’s why we’ve built our entire approach around transparency and flexibility.

From sub-metering to LoRaWAN deployments and large-scale rollouts, every Elcomponent system is engineered to:

• Deliver reliable, accurate data
• Avoid unnecessary duplication or vendor limitations
• Support open communication protocols (Modbus, M-Bus, BACnet and more)
• Empower users to control their infrastructure — not just rent access to it

No Lock-In. Just Long-Term Value.

With Elcomponent, you’re not buying into a closed ecosystem — you’re investing in long-term value. We’re here to deliver future-ready, non-proprietary solutions that give you confidence, clarity and control over your energy use.

Whether you're starting fresh or replacing a legacy system that’s no longer serving you, we’ll help you build a smarter, more open energy strategy.
🔗 Visit elcomponent.co.uk – Making Sense of Your Energy

When it comes to energy monitoring, no two projects are alike. Some organisations want a full-service partner to design, install and commission a complete system. Others just want accurate, real-time data feeds they can drop into their existing analytics platform. At Elcomponent, we make both possible — because flexibility isn’t a bonus, it’s a must.

Whether you’re an energy manager looking for turnkey peace of mind, or a consultant who just needs reliable sensor-level data, we build around your needs — not ours.

Complete Turnkey Solutions: From Design to Delivery

If you're looking for a partner to handle your energy monitoring project from start to finish, our turnkey service is the perfect fit. We handle:

• Site survey and solution design
• Meter and sensor specification
• Professional installation
• System commissioning and testing
• Integration with your dashboard or platform

We’ll also provide ongoing support — ensuring your system continues to deliver accurate, actionable insights for years to come.

This hands-off approach is ideal for businesses looking to improve their commercial energy management without dedicating internal resources or managing multiple contractors.

Data-Only Options for Consultants and Integrators

If you’re an energy consultant, integrator, or software provider, you may not need the full service — just clean, accurate data. Elcomponent’s data-only offering gives you the reliable infrastructure you need to feed your own systems and processes.

We provide:
• Sensor kits and data gateways
• LoRaWAN-enabled devices
• Flexible protocols (Modbus, M-Bus, BACnet)
• Live and logged data feeds
• Full documentation and support

This option is especially popular among BMS integrators, controls engineers, and large consultancies who prefer to manage their own software environment — but want to trust the data source.

Plug-and-Play Flexibility

One of the reasons clients keep coming back to Elcomponent is our adaptability. Whether we’re managing the full lifecycle or simply supporting your team with high-quality metering hardware and integration-ready outputs, we make it easy to:

• Scale up as needs grow
• Mix and match service levels across sites
• Add metering where it's needed most
• Transition from manual data capture to automated reporting

With Elcomponent, you can choose the level of service that fits your project, your team, and your goals — with no lock-in and no compromise on quality.
One Partner. Two Ways to Work.

Whichever route you take — full turnkey solution or data-only supply — you’ll benefit from over 40 years of experience in energy metering and monitoring. We’ve supported businesses across manufacturing, retail, education and healthcare, offering consistent, reliable performance and industry-leading support.

You set the scope. We deliver the result.
elcomponent.co.uk – Making Sense of Your Energy

When it comes to metering large or complex sites, there’s no single solution that fits every challenge. Some areas are perfectly suited to hardwired CT meters. Others — like remote substations or rooftops — demand the flexibility of wireless. That’s why Elcomponent designs hybrid systems, using the best of both technologies to give you seamless, site-wide insight.

By combining LoRaWAN and hardwired solutions, we create energy monitoring systems that are accurate, scalable, and built to the specific needs of your site — not just the limitations of one technology.

One Site. Two Approaches. Total Visibility.

We don’t force wireless where cabling is simpler. We don’t hardwire when it’s disruptive or expensive. At Elcomponent, we start by understanding your buildings, infrastructure, and data needs — then we build a system that works with your site, not against it.

When Hardwired Works Best:
• Plant rooms and switchboards
• Main incomers and distribution panels
• Easily accessible internal metering points
• Permanent installations with long-term ROI

When LoRaWAN is the Better Option:
• Rooftop AHUs and external plant
• Remote substations or outbuildings
• Temporary buildings or modular units
• Areas where disruption must be minimised

The result is a hybrid metering system that delivers the right solution, in the right place, every time.

Why Hybrid Is the Smarter Choice

Hybrid metering isn’t just about convenience — it’s about:
• Lower installation costs by reducing unnecessary cabling
• Faster deployment for remote or tricky locations
• Minimal disruption to tenants, services or operations
• Maximum data coverage, no blind spots
• Open standards and clean data across all devices

Whether you're running a hospital estate, a university campus, a logistics park or a multi-building industrial site, our hybrid LoRaWAN + CT solutions provide the visibility you need — without compromise.

Built on Open Standards. Powered by Experience.

Elcomponent is committed to using non-proprietary hardware and open protocols. This means:
• Full integration flexibility
• Future-ready infrastructure
• Clean data delivered to MW2, your BMS, or your own dashboard
• No vendor lock-in

We’ve also developed a dedicated platform for LoRaWAN deployments: lora-sense.co.uk — where you can learn more about our wireless technologies, sensor range, and project capabilities.

Get the Best of Both Worlds

Stop choosing between hardwired and wireless. With Elcomponent, you don’t have to. We build hybrid energy monitoring systems that fit your site, your infrastructure, and your operational goals.

Find out more at elcomponent.co.uk
Explore our wireless tech at lora-sense.co.uk
The right data. From the right place. With the right system.

In today’s data-driven world, organisations are investing heavily in metering technology — but many are missing the mark where it counts most: accurate, reliable data. The truth is, having the right equipment is only half the story. Without expert design, careful commissioning, and ongoing support, your energy monitoring system could be feeding you the wrong story entirely.
At Elcomponent, we’ve spent over three decades refining not just what we install, but how we install it — because poor commissioning leads to poor decisions.

Why Accurate Energy Data Starts with Expertise

Energy meters are only as effective as the system around them. If they’re not installed correctly, calibrated accurately, or integrated with the right software and infrastructure, they can lead to:

• Misleading consumption data
• Missed anomalies and faults
• Under- or over-reporting of emissions
• Misallocated costs
• Wasted investment

At Elcomponent, we design every system to suit the environment it’s going into. That means considering power layouts, communication protocols, site constraints, and long-term goals — all before a single meter is installed.

What Sets Elcomponent Apart

There are plenty of companies who can install meters. But Elcomponent’s 40+ years in energy monitoring brings something most providers can’t: real-world experience, technical know-how, and a deep understanding of the data you need.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• System Design: We don’t copy and paste. We assess your site’s layout and objectives to develop a custom metering plan, designed to scale with your needs.
• Professional Commissioning: We test every device to ensure accuracy and reliability. Your data will work from day one — not after weeks of fault finding.
• End-to-End Integration: Whether you’re using our own software or a third-party platform, we ensure full compatibility and clean data delivery.
• Ongoing Support: We don’t disappear after installation. Our team remains on hand to troubleshoot, upgrade and guide as your energy strategy evolves.

Avoid the Pitfalls of Poorly Installed Systems

Too often, businesses spend budget on advanced metering technology only to discover later that their data is full of gaps, duplication, or inaccuracies. These aren’t small issues — they lead to misinformed reports, missed savings opportunities, and lost confidence in your energy management programme.
Getting it right from the start means involving specialists who understand not just the kit, but the bigger picture.

Smarter Decisions Need Smarter Systems

Whether you’re managing a single site or a nationwide estate, the quality of your energy data will define the quality of your outcomes. With Elcomponent, you don’t just get meters — you get metering systems that are engineered to work, supported by professionals who know the industry inside out.
We help large organisations take control of their consumption and deliver meaningful results — through better design, better commissioning, and better insights.

Visit elcomponent.co.uk – Making Sense of Your Energy