Power Factor Adjustment Estimator
Power factor is a measure of how efficiently electricity is being used. A lower power factor indicates inefficient use of electrical power. Maintaining a higher power factor benefits both the customer and the utility.
For ERCOT TDSP's, power factor adjustments are made when the power factor drops below 95%, and is usually applicable to meters that have a monthly demand (kW or kVA) over 1000. However, in Oncor territories, kW that has peaked at 300kW in a month can be adjusted. Austin Energy currently makes adjustments to bills with a power factor under 85%, but will take up the 95% threshold in October of 2010.
To use the chart below, locate your monthly TDSP charges and the reported power factor. The TDSP charges are usually a subtotal on the first page of the an invoice. Power factor can be found in the usage summary part of the invoice.
Input:
Monthly TDSP Charges:
(enter dollar amount)
Monthly Power Factor:
(enter as decimal e.g. 75% power factor as 0.75)
If you need assistance please call Eric Rothschild at 800 441-8525 or email him at
powerfactor@gdsassociates.com
. For more infomation, please see
"Power Factor and It’s Effects on Your Business"
.
Average Cost of Power Adjustments per Monthly Demand
Monthly
kW or kVa*
TDSP Charges
Power Factor
PF Cost
Estimated
Annual Cost
100
$610.00
0.90
$32.11
$386.26
100
$610.00
0.85
$64.21
$770.53
100
$610.00
0.75
$128.42
$1,541.05
300
$1,800.00
0.90
$94.74
$1,136.84
300
$1,800.00
0.85
$189.47
$2,273.68
300
$1,800.00
0.75
$378.95
$4,547.37
1000
$5,845.00
0.90
$307.63
$3,691.58
1000
$5,845.00
0.85
$615.26
$7,383.16
1000
$5,845.00
0.75
$1,230.53
$14,766.32
3000
$19,000.00
0.90
$1,000.00
$12,000.00
3000
$19,000.00
0.85
$2,000.00
$24,000.00
3000
$19,000.00
0.75
$4,000.00
$48,000.00
9000
$48,500.00
0.90
$2,552.63
$30,631.58
9000
$48,500.00
0.85
$5,105.26
$61,263.16
9000
$48,500.00
0.75
$10,210.53
$122,526.32
*this is demand (kW/kVa) not usage (kWh)
All figures in above calculator and chart are for estimated costs only. For further analysis GDS Associates will need to get annual usage info from the TDSP or past bills. Please fill out
LOA
or fax bills Attention: Eric Rothschild, 512-494-0205. LOA and/or bills can be sent to
powerfactor@gdsassociates.com
, as well.
