Interval Data import

Import multiple meter readings for one or more meters using:

• Interval Data Profile (located in the Interval Data module).
• With Create (plus sign).

Interval data is tracked at the meter level through channels. Each meter can have multiple channels, each tracking a specific data type (like use or demand) at a set interval (15 minutes, hourly, monthly, etc.).

How to get your interval data

Coordinate with IT or your meter vendor.

Work with your IT department or meter vendor to identify where your interval data comes from and how to access it. Confirm:

• The file format the system provides
• Whether the format can be customized
• How often the system exports data
• Where it stores the files

Ask questions like:

• What formats can you export?
• Can you customize the format?
• How often do you update the files?
• Where do you place the files?

Identify the meter or channel ID

Each meter uses a meter import ID or channel ID. You must enter this ID into EnergyCAP. Use the application or a spreadsheet to enter the information.

Confirm required file contents

Your interval data file must include:

• A meter or channel import ID
• A timestamp
• An interval data value

Your file can include other columns, they are ignored unless you map them.

Create an import format

Set up an import format that matches the structure of your file. The format must follow specific rules, covered in the next section.

How to import interval data

• Import files manually.
• Use APIs and automation scripts to schedule the import.
• Use a service to obtain and upload interval data.

Create an interval data format

Before you can upload your interval data file you need to create an Interval Data Format. This format maps the columns in your file to specific data fields in EnergyCAP.

File Requirements

Your interval data file must follow these rules:

• Use a flat file format
• Use on of the following delimiters: comma, tab, or space
• Do no include commas in number values

  • ✅ 432100.98

  • ❌ 432,100.98

Steps to create a Interval Data Format

1. Enter a descriptive name
   Name the format so you can identify it easily when importing files.
2. Select the time interval for your data
   Pick the time interval used in the file (15-minute, hourly, daily, etc)
3. Choose the time zone for the file
   Use the time zone of the data in the file. Most files use UTC. EnergyCAP adjusts the timestamps based on the meter's time zone.
4. Confirm the timestamp format
   Enter the format of your date and time. 
   This step can be tricky—see examples below for help.
5. Enter the number of header rows to ignore
   Type the number of rows at the top of the file that should not be imported.
6. Select the file delimiter
   Choose whether the file uses comma, tab, or space to separate data.
   Important: Do not use commas in numbers. Use 432100.98, not 432,100.98.
7. Enter the estimated reading indicator
   If a reading is estimated, enter the exact value used in the file (such as E or EST).
8. Confirm is notes are included
   If a reading contains notes, include that when mapping the file.
9. Select the meter or channel import ID column
   Choose the column that identifies the meter or channel ID for each row.
10. Select the timestamp column
    Choose the column that contains the date and time for each reading.
11. Select the interval data column
    Choose the column that contains the use or demand values.

Estimated readings and notes

Estimated readings can be imported when the actual readings are unavailable. After selecting Readings may be estimated, an additional column header is available to map.

If bills are created from estimated readings they are tagged as estimated bills.

Notes from meter readings are displayed on the Interval Data tab and on any bills created from that reading.

Upload your file

Additional details

• Imported readings with 24:00 timestamp are imported as 00:00 for the next day. Example: 1/1/2021 24:00 is imported as 1/2/2021 00:00.
• If your file contains a variety of commodities, choose Value as your Units.
• When defining the format, choose the time zone of the timestamp in the data file. Times are converted and stored in the time zone of the meter.
  Example: The metering system provides an interval file using UTC as the time zone and the meters are configured with the time zone of their location. In this case, the timestamp is converted to the time zone of the meter.
• The interval timestamp indicates the end of the interval.
• The file import cannot be reversed. Options to correct an import include:
• Overwrite with a new file. When the date timestamps are the same, old interval data is overwritten with new interval data.
• Delete the readings from each meter manually.
• The Update Readings spreadsheet is useful to update or delete multiple incorrect readings.
• Files can be loaded in any order.

Timestamp format and examples

Year: yyyy, yyy, yy
Month: MMMM for name ("March"), MMM for partial name, MM for 2 digit ("02"), M for 1 or 2 digit ("1" or "12")
Day: dddd for full name, ddd for partial name ("Sun"), dd for 2 digit ("01"), d for 1 or 2 digit ("1" or "12")
Hour: h for 1 digit, 12 hour time, hh for 2 digit, 12 hour time, H for 1 or 2 digit ("1" or "12"), 24 hour time, HH for 2 digit 24 hour time
Minute: m for 1 or 2 digit time ("1" or "12"), mm for 2 digit time ("02")
Second: s for 1 or 2 digit seconds ("1" or "12"), ss for 2 digit seconds ("02")
AM/PM: t for 1 character ("A" , "P"), tt for 2 character AM/PM

Example formats

Here are some popular date formats examples.

Example for each option 

September 5, 2024 2:03:08 PM

Edit or delete a format

If your file format changes you can edit your interval data import format. When you no longer need the interval data import you can delete it.

Import counter data

A counter, similar to a meter, tracks items for a place. The ability to manage counters is available in the installed client.

Examples

• Number of boxes shipped per day for a warehouse 
• Number of visitors per day to a museum.

Interval data import

Interval Data Import lets you

• Add a comment to the import
• Download an error spreadsheet
• Filter the list by date, user, or status
• Perform imports

The ability to import interval data can be controlled with permissions.