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A Retail Case Study: How Real-Time Utility Monitoring Uncovered Hidden Consumption

Written by Lex van de Ven | Jul 3, 2025 12:28:10 PM

The Hidden Costs of Unmonitored Utilities

When utility consumption is not monitored in real-time, energy waste often goes unnoticed until it shows up in inflated monthly bills. Commercial properties, especially those with variable occupancy or decentralised control,  are prone to hidden energy usage patterns. Real-time monitoring reveals these patterns, making it possible to cut unnecessary costs and reduce carbon emissions.

In this case study, we will explore a few examples of those hidden consumers and how to act on them.

Case Insights: Detecting Anomalies Before They Escalate

Rhino's remote monitoring solution analysed multiple sites across a real estate portfolio. Without naming clients or locations, the following anonymised findings highlight the powerful insights real-time data can provide:

24/7 Consumption Without Justification

In one location, March data showed a 200% increase in gas usage compared to February. Despite the warmer weather, heating systems continued to run around the clock. The result: a projected overuse of 2,300 m³ of gas, equivalent to an additional cost of over € 3,000 in just one month.

 

Weekend Electricity Spikes

Another location exhibited unexplained electricity surges during two March weekends. While a standard weekend saw 200 kWh in consumption, these weekends doubled usage to 370 kWh. The excess alone added nearly €92 to the monthly electricity bill.

 

Heating Outside Business Hours

At a third site, a consumption heatmap revealed that half of the gas usage occurred outside business hours. This led to 1400 m3 of avoidable consumption in February alone, costing over €1800. Projected over a quarter, the losses exceed €4500.

 

Equipment Left Running After Hours

In another case, a facility showed a threefold increase in weekend electricity use. Further investigation revealed equipment had been left on after business hours. This oversight cost the property an additional €62 in a single weekend.

 

Real-Time Monitoring = Real Savings

These examples show how real-time utility monitoring not only identifies inefficiencies but also empowers teams to act quickly:

  • Prevent heating or cooling outside operating hours
  • Detect and correct faulty systems or user errors
  • Identify abnormal usage patterns across locations
  • Benchmark performance across sites

 

How Rhino Can Help

Rhino provides real-time, remote monitoring of electricity, gas, and water for commercial real estate. With automated alerts, clear dashboards, and historical analysis, Rhino helps property managers and owners:

Explore how Rhino’s energy monitoring solutions can make your properties smarter and more efficient.

Let’s Optimise Your Utility Use

Curious about what your meters might be hiding? Let Rhino show you how real-time utility monitoring can uncover hidden costs and unlock new efficiency. Contact our sales team today to get started.

 

Further reading

If you want to learn more about real-world results,  explore our case studies or visit our dedicated case study page.