Learn more about your power factor calculation.
RECAP
As mentioned in your 2021 Load Management Newsletter, the District will be implementing a two-season process to improve power factors for irrigation customers. If you missed it, here is a recap as published in your 2021 Load Management Newsletter:
WHAT IS POWER FACTOR…AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Power factor is a measurement of the efficient use of power being used by an end user. Improving the power factor for individual irrigation services will provide a number of benefits for our customers and the District. Customers would see the life of their electric motors extended and a slight reduction in energy usage. The District would see a reduction in voltage drops at the service site, a reduction in line losses throughout the distribution system and it would reduce the need for expensive transformers and conductor. Ultimately, improving everyone’s power factor will have a positive effect on both rates and service as we improve the efficiency of our distribution system.
HOW WILL POWER FACTOR IMPROVEMENT BE IMPLEMENTED?
Improving the power factors for irrigation customers will be a two-season process. In 2021 we will educate our customers on the power factors of their individual services. In 2022, all irrigation services greater than 20 horsepower will be affected by our new policy which requires the assessment of a power factor adjustment on those services with a power factor that is less than 93%. For those customers that decide to improve their power factors to the minimum level and avoid the power factor adjustment in 2022 and beyond, this two-season process should allow time for customers to order and install capacitors for their individual services prior to the beginning of the 2022 irrigation season. The following page illustrates where customers can find their power factor for each service and reviews the power factor adjustment calculation in more detail.
POWER FACTOR ADJUSTMENT CALCULATION
The formula for the calculation was published in the Newsletter. But, since you are already online, you can input your information into the Power Factor Adjustment calculator we have prepared for you! Input your information>>>
