Hypewatch:
Energy Savings Claims from Power Conditioning Equipment

• Evaluate and document how much energy is being wasted by what routes, and how the proposed technology can offer savings. Manufacturers that use multiple mechanisms to achieve energy savings and can’t identify which mechanism will provide what savings may be suspect.
• Clearly evaluate the unique benefits to the facility while using similar facilities as a reality check. Distinguish between how much energy is lost through a mechanism and how much of those losses can be prevented.
• Different facilities and equipment have different power-quality and reliability needs; don’t pay for what isn’t important. Working with the utility or hiring an independent power quality consultant may cost more up front but will help to ensure that the solution matches the problem.
• Case studies used in marketing rarely account for variations like changes in operation and weather, and may present extraordinary results as the norm. More reliable are detailed audits by reputable third parties and rigorous laboratory testing according to industry-recognized standards. If utilities are providing rebates for a product, that’s also a good indication that it is a cost-effective energy-saver.

“Simply install a ‘power conditioning’ device on the electrical service in your home or commercial facility, and you can see 10%–20% overall energy savings!” That’s what some companies manufacturing these devices, which remedy power-quality problems, would have you believe. Compelled to investigate by companies seeking entry into the GreenSpec Directory for energy-saving benefits, GreenSpec’s editors, along with EBN, have confirmed that this kind of claim is usually too good to be true. Energy savings from using power-conditioning systems are almost always negligible. Other benefits of improved power quality—such as greater equipment longevity and reduced maintenance—can provide quick payback when tailored to a facility’s needs. If the right system is installed to solve a real power quality problem, energy savings can sometimes be an added bonus.

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