Industrial Energy Savings Tips
Keep your plants profitable with these energy efficient tips.
1) Improve your power factor
Low power factor may cause your machines to be inefficient, hence consume more electricity than necessary. If you increase your power factor, the machine will be more efficient, hence use less electricity. This will reduce your monthly electricity bills. Plus, you will not have to pay 1.5% - 3% Power Factor Surcharge, which TNB imposes for power factor that is below 0.85(or 0.9 for customers taking 132kV and above supply).
2) Choose the right tariff for your business
During peak hours (8am – 10pm), TNB generates higher amount of electricity to meet higher consumer demands. So, it’s wise to schedule running your heavy equipment during off-peak hours so you can reduce your consumption during the day. Check out our tariff options to suit your business needs.
3) Turn it off when not in use
Switch off all equipment that you’re not using – turn off computers, printers, monitors, air-conditioners,lights, etc. For equipment in the office, make sure they’re switched off after work hours.
Consider using laptops! Did you know that laptops use up to 80% less energy than desktops?
4) Light up wisely
Consider installing room lighting controls that will turn lights on and off automatically at set times. Motion sensor lights are also ideal for saving electricity. Clean light bulbs, lamps, and reflective surfaces regularly so they emit more light! Remove unnecessary lamps from spaces that don’t need as much light.If you have a flat roof, install skylights for natural lighting!
5) Use your air-conditioners efficiently
Maintain a temperature of 24 - 26°C. This is a comfortable range, and you’ll be surprised it can save you. Did you know that raising the temperature by 1° can lower your cost by up to 10%?
6) Get energy audit Done
An energy audit is an inspection, assessment and analysis of electrical energy usage at your premises. From the audit, you should be able to find the best way to utilise your equipment and lighting so you save more. You can train an energy manager or hire an audit company to do the energy audit.
7) Upgrade all outdated equipment with energy efficient appliances
Energy efficient appliances might cost more but in the long run, they save you money by using less electricity. Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) regulation was introduced in 2013 for 5 types of electrical appliances – refrigerator, air-conditioning, television, fan and lightings.
If your old appliance is not working at maximum efficiency, it will use more energy, and that will add to your electricity bill. Replace it with high efficiency appliances that operate at lower costs. Also, ensure that you get the capacity you need and not one that’s too high.
8) Maintain and clean regularly
Clean your equipment and electrical appliances and/or service them regularly to ensure that they’re not dirty and dusty so they run at maximum efficiency. This includes appliances that have fans, motors and other moving parts.
Make sure that all hinges, catches and sealing strips are in good shape and undamaged. For example, if the seal of your refrigerator door is damaged, it will allow the cold air to escape, and this will add to your monthly electricity bill.