Cost optimization of a central energy facility with block-and-index rate structure

摘要

A method includes operating equipment to consume energy resources including energy or power purchased from a utility, and obtaining a block-and-index rate profile for a future time period. The block-and-index rate profile includes a block rate and a block size for each of a plurality of sub-periods in the future time period. The block size for a sub-period identifies an amount of energy or power priced at the block rate for the sub-period. The method also includes applying the block-and-index rate profile in an optimization process for the equipment over the time period, running the optimization process, and allocating energy resources to the equipment over the time period in accordance with a result of the optimization process.