Why Measuring Energy Use is Essential for Sustainability

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the importance of monitoring energy consumption has transitioned from a mere option to a critical necessity. With electricity prices soaring, it is imperative for businesses to actively seek ways to reduce spending and operational costs. Elliott Ajose, Regional Sales & Technical Manager for Chauvin Arnoux UK, sheds light on the most prevalent inefficiencies plaguing industrial installations and the tools engineers and maintenance staff can employ to tackle these challenges head-on.

One of the most effective strategies for identifying hidden inefficiencies lies in diligent tracking of power usage within facilities. This practice not only aids in understanding the reasons behind unexpectedly high energy costs, but also helps pinpoint the underlying causes of frequent equipment repairs and replacements. By shining a light on these inefficiencies, organisations can significantly enhance both their operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Research conducted by the Carbon Trust reveals that substantial energy savings—potentially up to 20%—can be realised through the replacement of outdated equipment and the implementation of energy-efficient solutions. Among the recommended measures is the installation of variable-speed drives for fans, pumps, and motor-driven systems, which can dramatically reduce energy consumption. Additionally, a survey by British Gas, encompassing 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK, found that a staggering 46% of total electricity consumption occurred during “out-of-hours” usage. This alarming statistic is largely attributed to lighting, heating, and IT equipment left running in unoccupied offices, as well as car park lighting operating continuously.

Office equipment itself is a significant contributor to energy consumption. A simple yet effective measure—switching off non-essential equipment at the end of the day—can yield an energy saving of approximately 12%. Furthermore, leaving office equipment on standby during weekends and bank holidays can cost an average SME around £6,000 annually. Clearly, fostering a culture of energy awareness among staff can lead to substantial financial benefits.

While many organisations have already made the switch to LED lighting, there remains the potential for further savings through the incorporation of occupancy sensors. These devices can cut electricity usage by an impressive 30%. Moreover, utilising daylight sensors or photocells to adjust artificial lighting based on the availability of natural light can result in an additional 40% reduction in electricity consumption.

Despite the progress made in energy efficiency, a staggering 50% of UK industrial facilities continue to grapple with poor Power Factor and load balancing. Power Factor is a crucial metric that measures the efficiency with which electrical power is utilised, while load balancing ensures an equitable distribution of electrical loads across the three phases of supply. Both of these factors are pivotal in mitigating energy losses and reducing overall consumption.

To effectively identify and rectify these inefficiencies, a Power and Energy Logger (PEL) is an indispensable tool. Whether employed to troubleshoot specific issues or proactively optimise power distribution, PELs should hold the same significance for building maintenance technicians as a multimeter or thermometer. These modern instruments represent a leap forward in efficient energy monitoring.

Contemporary PELs are compact, lightweight devices engineered to collect electrical data with remarkable efficiency. They can be installed temporarily within distribution panels or various locations throughout a facility without interrupting the mains supply or halting operations. This feature renders them invaluable for ongoing monitoring and energy audits, allowing businesses to gain insights into their energy usage without the disruption of traditional monitoring methods.

The versatility of PELs is noteworthy; they can monitor specific equipment or entire departments with ease. Equipped with Rogowski coil current sensors that loop around conductors and magnetic voltage probes that attach to MCB screw heads, PELs ensure a completely non-intrusive installation. Importantly, these devices can be installed by a qualified electrician without necessitating a power shutdown, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

PELs diligently gather and log critical electrical parameters, including three-phase current, voltage, power, and energy consumption over customisable periods that range from mere seconds to several months. Advanced models, such as the Chauvin Arnoux PEL113, go a step further by measuring Power Factor, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and individual current and voltage harmonic levels. These sophisticated devices can store millions of data points, which are readily accessible either locally or remotely via USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or internet connections.

Once local monitoring is concluded, some PELs can be semi-permanently installed within cabinets at the main supply point. These devices can be self-powered from the installation itself and, when connected to a local network, provide continuous monitoring capabilities with configurable alarms to detect issues in real-time. This proactive approach to energy management can be a game-changer for many organisations.

For businesses that require permanent energy monitoring, retrofitting older installations with panel-mounted equipment often entails costly downtime and extensive modifications. However, the semi-permanent installation of a PEL offers a cost-effective alternative. By enabling real-time monitoring from a PC, businesses can efficiently track energy usage, Power Factor, and harmonic content over time, while also setting up alerts for potential issues. This flexibility allows organisations to respond swiftly to energy management needs, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs.

By implementing a well-structured PEL solution, organisations can adopt an efficient and flexible approach to energy management. This not only aids in driving down operational costs but also contributes to broader sustainability goals. As we continue to navigate the challenges of the energy landscape, it’s crucial for businesses to remain vigilant and proactive in their energy consumption strategies.

To learn more about optimising electricity consumption and cutting expenses, we invite you to explore further at Chauvin Arnoux UK. Stay informed, stay efficient, and together, let’s champion the cause for a sustainable future.

This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. For more insightful articles and updates, consider subscribing.

This rewritten article captures the essence of the original while presenting it in a more engaging and reader-friendly format suitable for the audience of the ‘Net Zero News Network’.