• DATA
  • MODEL
  • AUDIT
  • HUMAN

How to analyze commercial energy costs with your AI

Connect OpenEI to your AI client to pull utility data. Once connected, your agent handles the heavy lifting of gathering rate structures and seasonal shifts.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I use AI to analyze my commercial energy rates?

Your AI pulls specific time-of-use data and seasonal rate changes directly from utility providers. This lets you model exactly when to shift your load to save money. You get a clear breakdown of rate structures and peak pricing windows.

The results of your analysis

Where your data lands

Your AI turns raw utility data into actionable energy models.

DATA

Rate structure mapping

The AI pulls specific time-of-use schedules. You get a precise map of when electricity is cheapest or most expensive.

MODEL

Load shifting plans

Use seasonal variations to predict cost spikes. Your agent identifies the best windows to move heavy operations to off-peak hours.

AUDIT

Cost variance reports

Compare different rate tiers to see which one fits your current usage. The AI highlights where your current setup misses savings.

HUMAN

Operational decisions

The AI provides the data and the models. You decide which operational changes to implement based on the findings.

The workflow

What your AI does when the request arrives.

The AI acts as a bridge between your questions and the utility data.

  1. Fetch rate tables

    The AI identifies the correct commercial rate schedules for your service area.

    get_commercial_rates

  2. Extract specific details

    It digs into the fine print of the rates to find seasonal adjustments and peak hours.

    get_rate_detail

  3. Compare seasonal shifts

    The agent looks at how rates change between summer and winter cycles.

    get_rate_detail

  4. Synthesize load models

    The AI combines the rate data with your usage patterns to suggest shifting strategies.

    get_commercial_ratesget_rate_detail

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to kick off your analysis.

Starting points

Replace the bracketed text with your specific utility provider or account details.

OpenEI Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_ahsqEDVif8a3sRKccnemtAEljvD6ot9vRSViUUpg/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — OpenEI capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "openei-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_ahsqEDVif8a3sRKccnemtAEljvD6ot9vRSViUUpg/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Get the current commercial rates for my utility provider in Chicago.

  • Show me the seasonal rate variations for the industrial account in Phoenix.

  • Analyze the time-of-use details for my facility to find peak pricing windows.

  • Compare the summer and winter rate structures for this commercial service area.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect OpenEI once, then ask.

One connection gives your AI access to the utility data it needs. Everything is hosted and ready to go.

Connect OpenEI to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI change my actual utility account settings?

    No. The AI only reads rate data and details. It cannot modify your utility account or change your service plan.

  • 02

    Does the AI provide real-time meter readings?

    No. This connector is designed to retrieve rate structures and seasonal pricing, not live consumption data from your meter.

  • 03

    Can I use this to automate my energy billing?

    No. The AI provides the data for analysis, but you must handle the actual billing and payments yourself.

  • 04

    Will the AI suggest specific equipment to buy?

    The AI suggests when to shift load based on rates, but it does not recommend specific hardware or brands.

  • 05

    How does the AI handle different utility companies?

    The AI uses the tools to pull data from the specific providers you request in your prompt.

  • More questions about OpenEI? The Connector page answers them. See everything the OpenEI Connector can do

Connect OpenEI to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more