To forecast the energy cost for a hotel or motel, estimates must be made for total energy consumption, sources of energy, and utility rates.The amount of energy consumed in the process of heating, air conditioning, and operating a lodging facility is measured in terms of British thermal units (BTUs). By estimating the number of BTUs a hotel or motel will use over a twelve-month period and multiplying this amount by a cost factor based on local utility charges, an energy cost forecast can be developed.