An Independent Variable is a factor affecting utility use that is essentially outside of the control of building operations and energy management staff.
There are two types of independent variables in mec:
| • | Billing period - the length of time between meter readings varies from one bill to the next |
| • | Weather-related independent variables (Heating Degree Days and Cooling Degree Days). |
| • | User Variables, which are related to specific building use. |
mec accounts for the first two independent variables automatically. Where they are set up, User Variables require the mec user to enter the variable data regularly.