Estimation of Energy Demand in a Territorial Government Unit – Methodological Problems

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the study is to identify methodological problems, which may be encountered during the preparation of the energy balance of a territorial unit, along with indications of ways to solve them. Materials and methods: Problems were identified during the preparation of the energy balance for two selected rural communes and then they were investigated with reference to the literature on this subject. Results: Estimating the energy demand of a local government unit requires proper identification of the groups of energy consumers, divided into facilities owned or co-owned by communes and ones independent from commune authorities. The latter group is divided further, into households, businesses, farms. For each of the users different methods of obtaining data may be needed: a survey and analysis of statistical data, analysis of financial documents, evaluation of the buildings’ age. Generally, however, preparing an energy balance statement requires many simultaneous approaches, and the combination of multi-criterion analysis provides the most reliable picture of the problem. Conclusions: The scope of the data needed to compile an energy balance statement for local government units, depends on the purpose of the developed analysis. Methodological handbooks and training materials on this subject are helpful, but the developed methodologies may need to be modified and adapted to specific conditions.