Who Needs an EMIS? How to Know If It’s Right for Your Facility
In today’s world where energy prices are rising and sustainability targets are getting tighter, facility managers are being asked to do more with less. One of the most powerful tools at their disposal is an Energy Management Information System (EMIS).
But how do you know if EMIS is for you? Is it only for big companies or can medium-sized and public sector buildings benefit too?
Let’s look at what EMIS does, who benefits most, and when to invest in one.
What Is an EMIS?
An EMIS is software, sensors and analytics that give you a live view of your energy performance. It collects data from your facility’s meters and systems and turns it into insights.
Think of it like a “Fitbit for your building”, tracking energy usage in real time, identifying inefficiencies and helping your team make better operational decisions.
It’s not just about charts and dashboards. EMIS gives you the tools to reduce costs, plan upgrades, comply with reporting standards, and even access government funding for projects.
5 Signs Your Facility Needs an EMIS
You don’t need a massive factory to benefit from EMIS. Many facilities, especially those with aging infrastructure or complex operations, will benefit the most.
Here are five key signs EMIS will dramatically improve your energy management:
1. You Spend Over $250,000/Year on Energy
If your energy bills are six figures a year, even small improvements in efficiency will save a ton. Without visibility into your facility and where and when your energy is being used, you will never truly know how much you can actually save.
With an EMIS you can see which system in your facilities drives up your cost while also seeing which areas where you can save.
2. You Don’t Know What’s Causing Energy Spikes
Ever received a demand charge or unexpected spike on your electricity bill and had no idea why?
With EMIS, you can quickly get to the bottom of incidents that would otherwise be impossible to trace. It gives you historical and live data, broken down by equipment, process, or even time of day. This means you can pinpoint the root cause, fix things fast, and stop them from happening again.
3. You’re Planning Retrofits or Capital Projects
When planning to upgrade a chiller, lighting system, or automation equipment, you need to justify the cost. EMIS gives you performance baselines and usage trends that help support ROI projections.
This can also strengthen your application for funding from programs like Save on Energy, which now covers many EMIS-related retrofits.
4. You Want to Join Demand Response or Energy Incentive Programs
Programs like IESO’s Demand Response or Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program reward you for reducing or optimizing your energy use—but only if you can prove it.
An EMIS tracks your performance before, during, and after curtailments or efficiency upgrades. This gives you confidence when participating and reporting results.
5. You’re Facing Pressure to Meet ESG or Net-Zero Goals
With ESG expectations rising across all sectors, companies are under more pressure than ever to track and report on Scope 1 and 2 emissions. EMIS simplifies this process by automating data collection, emissions tracking, and reporting.
Instead of chasing spreadsheets or manually combining reports, EMIS gives you everything you need—in one place.
What Happens Without It?
Facilities that operate without EMIS tend to rely on monthly bills, annual audits, or outdated building automation systems. That means they’re often:
- Unable to isolate which systems waste the most energy
- Missing opportunities for funding and performance incentives
- Flying blind when it comes to achieving sustainability goals
- Reacting to problems instead of preventing them
If your energy strategy still depends on gut feel or limited snapshots, it’s time for an upgrade.
Incentives: Save Up to 50% on EMIS Projects
EMIS might sound expensive, but thanks to funding programs like Ontario’s Save on Energy Retrofit Program, the cost is often significantly reduced.
In fact, eligible businesses can receive up to 50% in funding toward an EMIS implementation. That includes hardware, software, and engineering services.
At Edgecom Energy, we handle the application process for you—making it easy to access funding and get your project moving.
Getting Started: Start Small and Scale Up
You don’t need to overhaul your entire facility to get value from EMIS. In fact, many clients start with one system (like compressed air or lighting) or one building, and scale up based on early wins.
Start with your highest energy-consuming area, track performance, and build a roadmap based on the results.
Our team helps you identify quick wins, configure dashboards, and interpret your data—so you don’t need to be a data expert to benefit from EMIS.
Final Thoughts: Energy Clarity Starts Here
Energy is often your second or third largest operating cost—but it’s one of the few you can actually control with the right tools.
If your facility is experiencing rising costs, unreliable performance, or pressure to reduce emissions, an EMIS could be your best next step.
And with government funding available, there’s never been a better time to start.
Ready to Find Out If EMIS Is Right for You?
Edgecom Energy has helped hundreds of facilities optimize energy, reduce costs, and unlock funding opportunities through EMIS and other smart energy solutions.
Book a free consultation today, and we’ll assess your facility’s eligibility, walk you through the incentive process, and show you how to get started—one system at a time.
