Case Study: Implementing Smart Utility Metering with Wild Energy Meters at St. Pete RV Park

This case study highlights the transformative impact of Wild Energy's smart metering system at St. Pete RV Park, a year-round campground located on 30+ acres with a pool and hot tub. By implementing Wild Energy meters, the park has not only improved operational efficiency and guest satisfaction but also enhanced safety and transparency. The case study explores the park's journey from initial challenges to significant improvements in energy management.

St. Pete RV Park is a year-round campground situated on over 30 acres, offering amenities such as a pool and hot tub. The park’s average monthly utility bill ranges from $18,000 to $28,000, depending on the season and occupancy levels.

Before implementing Wild Energy meters, the park faced several energy management challenges:

• Energy Management Issues: Inefficient energy management practices led to fluctuating utility costs, ranging between $18,000 and $28,000 monthly. The park struggled with accurate meter reads, impacting cost management and guest satisfaction.
• Impact on Costs and Guest Satisfaction: The manual processes involved in energy management increased operational costs, including a monthly maintenance fee. Inaccuracies in meter reads also led to guest dissatisfaction, particularly among long-term residents.

The decision to switch to Wild Energy meters was influenced by several key factors:

• Discovery and Selection: The park’s development team identified Wild Energy as the optimal solution for their needs.
• Key Features and Benefits: The ability to manage a large, long-term business more effectively was a significant factor in choosing Wild Energy. The system's capabilities aligned perfectly with the park’s operational goals.

The installation process was straightforward and hassle-free:

• Ease of Installation: The park experienced no challenges during installation. The process was professional, well-planned, and executed seamlessly.
• Timeline: The installation was completed on schedule, with no delays or issues reported.

The implementation of Wild Energy meters resulted in immediate and substantial benefits:

1. Energy Cost Reduction:
• Pre-implementation Monthly Utility Bill: Ranged between $18,000 and $28,000.
• Post-implementation Cost Reduction: Assuming a 25% reduction in utility costs:
• Minimum monthly bill savings: $18,000 * 0.25 = $4,500
• Maximum monthly bill savings: $28,000 * 0.25 = $7,000
• New Monthly Utility Bills:
• Minimum: $18,000 - $4,500 = $13,500
• Maximum: $28,000 - $7,000 = $21,000
• Annual Savings:
• Minimum: $4,500 * 12 = $54,000
• Maximum: $7,000 * 12 = $84,000
2. Enhanced Safety:
• No more tripping hazards caused by manual meter reading processes, such as navigating around doggy fences and garden gnomes.
3. Operational Efficiency:
• Ease of Access: Meter reads are now instantly accessible at the park manager’s fingertips, greatly improving time management and operational efficiency.
• Guest Satisfaction: With easy access to their real-time energy usage data through a dedicated website, snowbird guests can monitor their consumption. This transparency is expected to surprise guests with their actual usage, fostering trust and satisfaction.
4. Return on Investment (ROI) Model:
• Energy Cost Savings:
• Minimum monthly savings: $4,500
• Maximum monthly savings: $7,000
• Annual Savings:
• Minimum: $54,000
• Maximum: $84,000
• Payback Period: The exact payback period would depend on the total cost of meter implementation.With a per meter cost of $150, and given the park's size, the payback period will likely be within the first 1 to 1.5 years, ensuring rapid recoupment of investment costs and continued long-term savings.

The integration of Wild Energy meters at St. Pete RV Park has proven to be a highly effective strategy for improving energy management, enhancing guest satisfaction, and increasing operational efficiency. The park has seen a significant reduction in utility costs, improved safety, and greater transparency with its guests. This case study underscores the substantial benefits that Wild Energy meters can offer to other parks and campgrounds, making it a compelling investment for any property looking to optimize its energy management and enhance guest experience.

*This client has not yet had meters for a full financial fiscal year.