Power Factor Correction

Electric meters are now available which will read both Real Power (watts) and Reactive Power (vars). These meters will retrofit into your C-T meter socket and could be installed at any time by your utility company. The rate tariffs used by your utility company contain existing provisions which allow the utility to penalize you for high reactive power consumption--power which you previously may not have been billed for.

The combination of Watts and Vars on your electrical system define the system's "Power Factor." As the amount of Vars increases, the Power Factor decreases. The penalty charged to you by the utility is referred to as a "Power Factor Penalty" and shows up as an increase in your electricity demand charge. The lower the Power Factor, the higher the penalty.

You can avoid Power Factor penalties by installing Power Factor Correction Capacitors on your electrical system. Menninga Electric, Inc., is experienced in the design and installation of Power Factor Correction Systems and can design a system to fit your needs. These systems are very cost-effective and typically pay for themselves in less than five years, depending on your utility rate structure.

If you have any question regarding Power Factor Correction, or would like more information on what Menninga Electric, Inc., can do for you, please feel free to contact us.