BUSINESS HELPDESK HELP DESK
MANAGING THE COST OF ENERGY
Jeff Topp, head of introducer programme at Full Power Utilities, providers of the BMF’s ‘Energy’ Business service, offers timely advice on energy bills.
IN TODAY’S ENERGY-conscious world, businesses in the building materials sector are continually seeking ways to optimise their energy consumption and reduce costs.
Saving money on your energy bills isn’t solely dependent on the reducing unit rate costs. It is just as important to understand how your business consumes electricity. A kVA review, which provides a detailed analysis of each facility’s electrical demand and consumption patterns is a valuable tool for any business aiming to optimise energy usage, cut costs, and enhance power reliability. kVA is an electrical term used to describe the amount of electrical power that a meter can feed to a building or site. It stands for kilo Volt Amperes and one kVA equals 1,000 Watts of power. Many businesses, however, misjudge the kVA capacity they require by trying to link their maximum power requirement (kVA) to their total annual energy usage (kWh). In fact, there is no direct link between kVA requirement and annual energy usage. Two businesses may both consume 100,000 kWh per year, but one may run an item of equipment with a large power requirement for an hour a day and the other may use less powerful equipment for longer. Although they both use the same amount of energy, the first business requires more power because there will be more energy transferred to the building in a shorter space of time.
kVA Reviews
Unlike a simple energy audit that looks at overall consumption, a kVA review delves into the specific periods of peak demand
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and the power factor, providing a comprehensive picture of energy use.
The review examines the “apparent power” demands of a premises to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for cost savings. Apparent power combines both active power (used for actual work) and reactive power (used to maintain voltage levels). Understanding and managing these components is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency and reliability, and potentially managing costs effectively. A kVA review can therefore identify opportunities for: 1. Cost Reduction: Many utility companies charge based on peak demand. By identifying and mitigating high-demand periods, businesses can significantly lower their electricity bills. 2. Improved Power Quality: The review helps detect
issues like voltage sags and harmonic distortions which can lead to equipment damage and operational disruptions. Addressing these issues enhances overall power quality. 3. Operational Reliability: Understanding consumption patterns allows for better planning and management of electrical infrastructure, reducing the risk of outages and ensuring a stable power supply. 4. Sustainability: Efficient energy use supports environmental goals by reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainability initiatives. The process may sound complicated and expensive, but a kVA review is something that any credible commercial energy consultancy should undertake free of charge on your behalf. Furthermore, the review is highly likely to provide tangible financial
and operational benefits for your business.
A review of this kind should not be overlooked. Managing peak demand and improving efficiency leads to lower electricity bills. Enhanced power quality reduces wear and tear on equipment, extending its lifespan and lowering maintenance and replacement costs as well as operational costs. A kVA review will also assist with regulatory compliance, helping businesses to meet energy efficiency regulations and take advantage of incentives. The BMF’s Energy Business Service through Full Power Utilities helps to minimise the cost of energy. BMJ
• To find out more and/ or book your free kVA review, please visit www.
fullpowerutilities.com/bmf
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2024
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