Question about SDG&E Schedule AL-TOU power factor provisions. Client is a cold storage facility in San Diego. They're running 87% PF and getting charged penalties, but I can't find the penalty rate in the tariff. Anyone familiar with AL-TOU?
SDG&E Schedule AL-TOU power factor
AL-TOU doesn't have explicit power factor penalties. Instead, they charge for reactive demand separately. Look for "Reactive Demand Charge" - it's $2.50 per kVAR for demand over 40% of kW demand.
Found it! Thanks Bob. They're calling it a "reactive demand charge" but it's functionally a power factor penalty. Client is paying about $1,800/month.
Cold storage facilities are tough for power factor. All those compressor motors cycling on and off. Automatic capacitor switching might be worth considering instead of fixed capacitors.
Good point Carol. Getting quotes for both fixed and automatic switching. The automatic system is 40% more expensive but probably worth it for this application.
Reactive demand charges are becoming more common as utilities move away from traditional power factor penalty structures. The economic impact is the same - poor power factor costs money. Focus on the solution regardless of what they call the charge.