Effects of kVAh billing systems (Part 2)
Legally speaking
Once the legal terminology steps in, things can further get more complicated. As a thing that is neither generated nor used is being charged as a commodity.
Secondly, the technicality for which the kVA is measured is questionable as it does not follow the law of conservation of energy.
The regulatory commission’s reaction to this concept and its approval is also a hard nut to crack.
kVAh metering
An innovative metering solution has been proposed to replace the current approach of kWh metering, this suggests that the consumers should be billed according to the apparent energy consumption and not according to the active energy (kWh). This would also mean that a separate metering infrastructure is required to be installed on the consumer premises for recording the apparent power consumption.
Reactive power – Indian Perspective
The voltage quality scenario in India is very poor. The abnormal voltages, typically the low voltages hamper the system stability very drastically. Reactive power in the network causes drag in the interconnected system and reduces system stability. This invites the need for reactive power compensation, utilities seem to invest heavily in the power factor correction equipment on the supply side, but due to the increasing demand, the usage of capacitor banks has become cumulative over the years and is difficult to predict the further need of it which is increasing with the demand. The shift of using capacitors of appropriate rating as a power factor improvement solution from the utility(Electricity provider) side to the demand side (Customer side) is recommended so that the cost burden is not totally on the utility (Electricity provider).
However, despite strict regulations and fine/penalty systems in practice, many end-users still seem to be less motivated to install power factor correction equipment at the demand side. With the introduction of the kVA metering and kVA tariff structure, It is hoped that the consumers will be more aware of the reactive power being drawn from the utility (Electricity provider) and will take measures to reduce the same.
If this is achieved, it can be a win-win situation for the utilities which will not require investing heavily in the capacitor banks to correct the power factor on the supply side and also from the energy-saving point of view for a developing nation like ours. This is just an Ideal case scenario.
Elliot Systems can help!!
The commercially conscious consumers need a system where they can track and keep a log of the vital parameters that are responsible for the power quality at their premises. Elliot Systems Pvt. Ltd. works in the same area and will be happy to help you to keep a track of your system health by providing real-time data of the energy parameters like;
Apparent energy (kVAh)
Active energy(kWh)
Reactive energy(kVArh)
And many more
The supervisor can keep track of these parameters through a customized EMS (Energy monitoring system) dashboard which can be accessed through his mobile, tablet phone, PC, or laptop.
Sources;
Know Your Power A-Citizens Primer on the Electricity Sector – Prayas Energy Group.
kVAh metering: magic solution or aberration – Surendra Jhalora.