Conserving Energy in Commercial and Industrial Buildings – Part 2

As discussed in Part 1, owners and managers of commercial and industrial buildings are seeking innovative approaches for conserving energy. Part 2 will discuss three more techniques. Consult with a licensed commercial electrical services company for the best results.

Power Factor Adjustments

Utility consumers are often unaware of concealed power factor billing. Manufacturing companies, hospitals, and data centers operating around the clock are more likely to have poor power factors. This is because machines consume power while idling, wasting energy. The greater the number of machines running, the higher the potential is for waste.

Wasted energy, also termed reactive power, is costly to a utility because the consumption of energy is irregular. Thus, a utility requiring consumers to maintain power factors of 95% or greater will charge more if this requirement is not met. Finding solutions and identifying your power factor can lead to considerable savings.

Response Programs for Demand

Participation in response programs for demand gives a business the potential to generate considerable income by decreasing power usage during periods when demand is high and supply is low on the grid. When demand is high, utilities are more likely to raise prices. At a certain level, this demand makes it profitable to compensate larger consumers for decreasing energy consumption, allowing them to supply other consumers and preventing blackouts and brownouts.

Analyzing energy load will let a company estimate how much electricity can be returned to the grid. There are cases when participation can result in annual revenue up to $200,000 or more. Manufacturing companies, hospitals, and data centers are especially good prospects for a revenue generating program because they are capable of switching to back-up generators and limiting their loads.

Sustainable Energy

Enterprises are increasing their participation in sustainability initiatives as part of a growing trend. The installation of wind turbines and solar panels can assist commercial and industrial buildings in decreasing their reliance on utilities. These large consumers are also able to buy RECs (renewable energy certificates) or accrue revenue producing white tags by lowering demand and raising efficiency.

Electrical Peace of Mind

Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs. For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be very glad to help you.