Hartford manufacturing client on Eversource Schedule 39. Interval data shows power factor running 0.75-0.82 during production hours. They're getting hit with $800-1200/month power factor penalties under Rate M. Worth installing capacitor bank?
Eversource CT interval data shows power factor penalties
Definitely worth it. Similar client in Columbia with Santee Cooper. $45,000 capacitor bank installation saved $1,100/month in power factor penalties. Payback was about 3.5 years.
Check if power factor varies by time of day. Some equipment creates worse PF during startup or light load conditions. Automatic capacitor switching might be needed instead of fixed capacitors.
Sioux Falls client had similar issue with Xcel Energy. Installing capacitors brought PF from 0.78 to 0.95. Eliminated $900/month penalties plus got 1% discount for exceeding 0.90 PF requirement.
Great feedback everyone. Client approved the capacitor installation. Should have it online next month. Will report back on actual savings.
Power factor analysis using interval data often uncovers significant penalty costs that clients don't even know they're paying. Always review reactive power readings alongside kW demand when analyzing interval data.