CEM Certified Energy Manager Audit & Billing 2

Question 1

Which billing demand charge is typically based on the highest 15-minute average power demand recorded during the billing period?

Accepted Answer

Peak demand charge

Answer

Peak demand charges are assessed based on the highest 15-minute average kW demand recorded within the billing period.

Question 2

A ratchet clause in a utility tariff typically bills the customer based on what percentage of their peak demand recorded over a specified prior period?

Accepted Answer

75%

Answer

Most ratchet clauses bill the higher of actual demand or 75% of the peak demand recorded within the past 11–12 months.

Question 3

During an energy audit, the auditor identifies that a facility's power factor averages 0.78. What is the MOST likely financial consequence?

Accepted Answer

Power factor penalty on the utility bill

Answer

Utilities impose power factor penalties when power factor falls below a threshold (commonly 0.85 or 0.90), increasing the effective billing demand.

Question 4

When reviewing a natural gas bill, a CEM notices a 'therm' unit. One therm is equivalent to approximately how many BTUs?

Accepted Answer

100,000 BTU

Answer

One therm equals 100,000 BTU, a common natural gas billing unit in the United States.

Question 5

An energy auditor discovers interval data showing high demand spikes only between 7:00–9:00 AM on weekdays. The BEST initial recommendation is to:

Accepted Answer

Implement load shifting to off-peak hours

Answer

Load shifting moves energy-intensive processes from peak to off-peak periods, directly reducing demand charges.

CEM - Certified Energy Manager Practice Test

CEM - Certified Energy Manager Practice Test

CEM Certified Energy Manager Audit & Billing 2