What Is an Energy Analyst: Roles and Responsibilities

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry, but unsure where to start? Look no further than a career as an energy analyst. This role is important to the success of energy companies, as it involves analysing data, identifying trends, and making recommendations to help businesses become more efficient and sustainable.

In this article, you will learn how to become an energy analyst, what the role entails, and the difference between an energy auditor and an energy analyst.

What Is an Energy Analyst?

An energy analyst analyses energy usage in various settings, such as homes, businesses, and industries.

The traditional role of an energy analyst typically focuses on analyzing energy markets, forecasting energy demand, and identifying potential risks and opportunities for energy companies.

On the other hand, the role of an energy efficiency analyst is more focused on identifying and implementing energy efficiency measures within an organization to reduce energy usage and costs.

While the traditional role of an energy analyst remains important in the energy industry, the demand for energy efficiency analysts has grown significantly due to the increasing focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. As a result, energy companies are seeking professionals with expertise in energy management and renewable energy, as well as the ability to analyze energy usage data and develop energy efficiency plans.

The emergence of the energy efficiency analyst role can be attributed to a number of factors, including changes in energy policies and regulations, advancements in renewable energy technology, and increasing public demand for sustainability. As a result, there are now many opportunities for energy analysts in the industry and beyond.

Their role is significant to the success of energy companies, as it helps them become more sustainable and efficient.

The Responsibilities of an Energy Analyst

An energy analyst’s job responsibilities may vary depending on their specific area of focus. However, some of the general responsibilities of an energy analyst include the following:

• Collect and analyze energy usage data: Energy analysts are responsible for collecting and analyzing energy usage data from a variety of sources, such as utility bills and energy usage logs. They use this data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in energy efficiency.
• Develop energy management plans: Based on their data analysis, energy analysts develop energy management plans that provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
• Track and report on energy usage: Energy analysts can track and report on energy usage, including developing energy usage benchmarks and identifying areas where energy conservation goals are not being met.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance: Energy analysts provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure that energy conservation goals are met. This includes implementing energy efficiency measures and monitoring progress.
• Identify opportunities for using renewable energy sources: Energy analysts identify opportunities for using renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or geothermal, and provide recommendations for implementation.
• Analyze energy usage data to optimize energy systems: Energy analysts analyze energy usage data to optimize energy systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and lighting systems.
• Use advanced data analysis techniques: Energy analysts use advanced data analysis techniques, such as machine learning algorithms, to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.

Here are some tools and techniques commonly used by energy analysts:

• Energy Management Software: Energy management software is used to collect, analyze, and visualize energy usage data from a variety of sources. This software provides energy analysts with a comprehensive view of energy usage patterns and helps them identify areas of improvement.

• Building Energy Modeling: Building energy modeling uses computer simulations to predict energy usage in buildings. Energy analysts use these simulations to evaluate the impact of different energy efficiency measures and identify the most cost-effective solutions.

• Machine Learning: Machine learning algorithms are used to analyze large data sets and identify patterns and trends. Energy analysts use machine learning to identify energy efficiency opportunities that may be difficult to spot using traditional data analysis techniques.

• Fault Detection and Diagnosis: Fault detection and diagnosis tools are used to identify equipment malfunctions and other issues that can lead to energy waste. Energy analysts use these tools to identify and address issues before they lead to significant energy waste.

• Energy Auditing Tools: Energy auditing tools, such as thermal imaging cameras and air flow meters, are used to identify energy waste and other issues in buildings and equipment. Energy analysts use these tools to identify opportunities for improvement and develop energy management plans.

Steps to Becoming an Energy Analyst

To become an energy analyst, you will typically need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Obtain a Degree in a Relevant Field

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, energy management, environmental science, physics, or a related field is usually required to become an energy analyst. Some employers may accept candidates with degrees in other disciplines, such as business or economics if they have relevant experience or certifications.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Work Experience

To become an energy analyst, you will need to have experience in energy analysis, energy management, or a related field. You may gain this experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in the energy industry. This can provide valuable on-the-job training and help you build a network of contacts in the industry.

Step 3: Obtain Certifications

While some employers may not require certifications, obtaining one can help you stand out in the field of energy analysis. As this is a relatively new area, there may not yet be any widely recognized certifications specifically for energy analysts. However, completing relevant courses or programs in energy efficiency and sustainability can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. Consider researching and enrolling in courses that align with your interests and career goals to enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Step 4: Develop Required Skills

Energy analysts must have strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. They should also have knowledge of energy-efficient systems and technologies, energy regulations, and energy management software. Develop skills in data analysis, energy management, and renewable energy. This can be achieved through coursework, certifications, or self-study.

Step 5: Research What Energy Analysts Do

It’s important to learn and understand what duties and responsibilities this position entails to become an energy analyst. We have listed above the common roles and responsibilities.

Step 6: Stay Up-to-Date

Stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments, such as advances in renewable energy technology and changes in energy policies and regulations.

Required Skills to Become an Energy Analyst

To become an energy analyst, you will need a combination of technical and analytical skills.

Some of the essential skills include:

• Strong analytical and attention to detail
• Knowledge of energy-efficient systems and technologies with emphasis on machine learning algorithms and models
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure, GCP (Google Cloud Platform)
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Familiarity with energy regulations and energy management software

Career Opportunities for Energy Analysts

Some of the common employers for energy analysts include:

• Energy companies: Energy analysts can work for companies involved in the production, distribution, and sale of energy. These companies may include oil and gas companies, electric utilities, and renewable energy companies. They can help them develop and implement strategies for reducing energy usage and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
• Energy service companies (ESCOs): ESCOs provide energy efficiency services to businesses and organizations, including energy audits, energy management plans, and the implementation of energy efficiency measures. Energy analysts can work for ESCOs and help clients reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
• Energy consulting firms: Many energy consulting firms provide services related to energy management, renewable energy, and sustainability. Energy analysts can work for these firms and provide expertise to clients in a variety of industries.
• Government agencies: Government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels are also focused on energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Energy analysts can work for these agencies and provide expertise in energy management and renewable energy.
• Research institutions: Academic institutions and research organizations may employ energy analysts to conduct research on energy usage, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
• Non-profit organizations: Non-profit organizations focused on environmental issues, energy conservation, and renewable energy may employ energy analysts to support their work.

In addition to these opportunities, energy analysts may also find employment in related fields, such as sustainability, environmental management, and facilities management. They may also work for companies in industries that are heavy energy users, such as manufacturing, transportation, and construction.

As the demand for energy-efficient solutions grows, so does the demand for energy analysts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for energy analysts is projected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029. But this could be a low estimate, as it possibly just focuses on the traditional role of the energy analyst, and doesn’t consider the emerging role of energy efficiency analyst.

Energy analysts may hold various job titles depending on their specific area of expertise and employer. Some common job titles for energy analysts include:

• Energy Analyst
• Energy Data Specialist
• Energy Manager
• Sustainability Manager
• Energy Consultant
• Energy Efficiency Consultant

These are just a few of the many job titles that energy analysts may hold.

Other similar jobs for energy analysts include renewable energy analyst, carbon emissions analyst, and sustainability analyst. These roles may focus more specifically on renewable energy, carbon emissions reduction, or sustainability initiatives, but they all require expertise in energy management and data analysis.

The field of energy analysis continues to grow and evolve, leading to new and innovative job titles.

Salary Expectations for Energy Analysts

The salary of an energy analyst can vary depending on their level of experience, education, and location. According to Zippia, the national average salary for an energy analyst in the United States is $74,085 annually. However, salaries can range from $50,000 to $110,000 per year.

With experience, energy analysts can advance to roles such as Senior Energy Analyst and Director of Sustainability.

Difference Between an Analyst and an Energy Auditor

Both energy analysts and energy auditors work to improve energy efficiency, but their roles and responsibilities are slightly different and are not interchangeable.

Here’s a table outlining the difference between energy analysts and energy auditors:

Energy auditors typically focus on identifying areas where energy efficiency can be improved, such as by conducting energy audits on buildings or facilities. They may also make recommendations for energy-saving measures, but their primary focus is on identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Energy analysts, on the other hand, use data analysis to identify inefficiencies and make recommendations for improvements. They may also work with other departments, such as engineering or operations, to implement energy-saving measures.

However, some energy analysts may have experience in conducting energy audits, and some energy auditors may have experience in analyzing energy data. In some cases, it may be possible for an energy auditor to transition into an energy analyst role or vice versa, but it would require additional education, training, and experience in the other field.

While there are some overlaps between the roles, energy auditors typically have a more hands-on approach, while energy analysts focus on data analysis and strategy development. It may be possible for individuals to transition between the two fields, but it would require additional education, training, and experience in the other role.

Can a Data Analyst Work in the Energy Industry?

Data analysts can certainly work in the energy industry and may even be able to transition into a role as an energy analyst. However, it’s important to note that energy analysts require specialized knowledge of energy efficiency technologies and regulations and industry experience.

Data analysts use data analytics tools and techniques to analyze energy usage data and identify areas for improvement. They can work alongside energy analysts and engineers to develop energy-efficient solutions for clients.

If you come from a data background and are interested in learning more about energy efficiency and sustainability, you may find our courses useful. Our courses cover a wide range of topics and are designed to help professionals upskill and advance their careers in the field of sustainability.

There are many resources available to help you learn more and connect with industry experts. One resource is our YouTube video series Inside the Minds of Energy Efficiency Experts: Tips, Trends, and Advice. Another helpful resource is Cracking the Code: Expert Insights on Landing Your Dream Sustainability Job. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, these videos can provide valuable insights and help you succeed in this exciting and growing field.

FAQs

What is the role of an energy analyst?

Energy analysts are responsible for analyzing energy usage in various settings, developing and implementing energy-saving strategies, and providing recommendations to clients.

What kind of company hire energy analysts?

Energy analysts can work in a variety of industries, including with energy efficiency companies, with electricity and gas utilities, and in renewable energy.

What kinds of skills do energy analysts need?

Technical and analytical skills, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills, are required of energy analysts.

What is the difference between an energy analyst and an energy auditor?

Energy auditors typically have a more hands-on approach, while energy analysts focus on data analysis and strategy development.

Are energy auditors and energy analysts interchangeable?

No, they are not interchangeable, but it may be possible for individuals to transition between the two fields. Still, it would require additional education, training, and experience in the other role.

Can a data analyst work in the energy industry?

Yes, a data analyst can work in the energy industry and use data analytics tools and techniques to analyze energy usage data and identify areas for improvement.