Got a manufacturing client here in Cleveland looking at taking service at 13.8kV instead of 480V to get FirstEnergy's primary voltage discount. They're estimating about $2,400/month savings on Schedule GPS-P versus GPS-S. Anyone dealt with the interconnection requirements and whether it's actually worth the capital investment? Client would need their own substation and protective relaying.
FirstEnergy primary voltage discount - worth the headache?
Frank, I've seen similar situations in Youngstown with AEP Ohio. The primary discount is usually 10-15% but the upfront costs can be brutal. Your client needs to factor in not just the substation but ongoing maintenance, testing, and having qualified electrical staff. What's their monthly demand running?
They're pulling about 800kW average, peak around 1,100kW. The substation quote came in at $185K plus about $40K for protective equipment. FirstEnergy wants them to carry additional insurance too. At $2,400/month savings, we're looking at maybe 8 years payback before maintenance costs.
Down here with Duke Energy in Charlotte, I've got clients who made that switch and regretted it. The real killer is when equipment fails - you're looking at emergency service calls that can run $5K+ just to get back online. Plus Duke's interconnection standards change every few years and you might need upgrades.
Indianapolis Power & Light has been pushing primary service hard lately. But here's what they don't tell you - if your load factor drops, that discount becomes less meaningful. I had one client see their savings cut in half when they reduced production shifts during the recession.
Connecticut Light & Power actually has decent primary rates, but the interconnection process is a nightmare. Took one of my clients 18 months just to get approval. Frank, what's FirstEnergy's timeline looking like for interconnection studies?
Vince, they're quoting 6-9 months for the study alone, then another 3-4 months for construction. Client's getting antsy about the whole timeline. Might just stick with secondary service and focus on demand management instead.
Georgia Power's primary discounts are tempting but I always tell clients to run the numbers on at least 10 years. Between arc flash studies, annual testing, and potential equipment obsolescence, that payback can stretch pretty quick. Sometimes secondary service with good power factor correction is the smarter play.