Residential Load Estimates per Sq-ft

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spsnyder

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I am working on a report for a proposed 115 houses. As a requirement, I am required to estimate the power consumption of the subdivision. There are two sizes of homes being installed, 2,400 sq-ft and 1,800 sq-ft. Does anyone know of an estimate for power consumption based on the square footage of a residence?

I found an average power consumed per household in the county the project is located from the State webpage. It includes all residences from single wides to mansions. It is 5973 kWh/year. Compared to my load calculations from the NEC for service entrances (220) it seems too small. 33kVA vs. 0.68 kVA! Just wondering what the utilities use to approximate the load required per dwelling. Thanks for your input.
 
Re: Residential Load Estimates per Sq-ft

I would check with you local utility. They have information that might give you an answer. If they don't check with one of the larger utility companys. They can answer your question.
 
Re: Residential Load Estimates per Sq-ft

I do not know if you considered this, but you can probably get a good load estimate assuming it is a 115 unit apartment complex. Use 2100 sf as the average unit size and make assumptions, electric range, washer, dryer, kitchen circuits, general lighting, etc. Maybe add in street lighting. Take the deductions allowed per the tables. These calcs are layed out pretty well at at back of the NEC, and there are good examples. I would imagine that it would be a good place to start, at least you have a basis to compare other numbers with that you may get from the utility company.

Can anyone see flaws in this?

There are also unique loads such as swimming pools and spas that are not in apartments.

[ March 10, 2005, 09:41 AM: Message edited by: eesac ]
 
Re: Residential Load Estimates per Sq-ft

Thank you for your assistance.

I have three "answers/estimates" from various sources.

1. Utility in area says they use 2-3 kW per home w/ no A/C. Adding A/C they estimate 5-8 kW.

2. New York State energy actual usage data for this county averages 0.68 kW per house. I think this is too low.

3. Using the NEC load calculations is very high per house, but if you add the number of houses per phase of the project the average comes down as the derating comes into play. The average is 9.4 kW per house when all houses are brought into play assuming all houses have A/C. I am leaning toward using the information given to me by the utility (8 kW per house). What do you think? Thanks again.
 
Re: Residential Load Estimates per Sq-ft

SP
You are apparently located in NY. I am on the Gulf coast and in July and August the A/C units are all running at the same time. In you area I would not think that would be the case. I would think 5 to 8 kw would be in the ball park.
 
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