Do big electricity consuming industries receive a discount for taking part in load-scheduling arrangements?

[dug777]

I would be happy to avoid gaming/running my computer during peak load times if it got me an off-peak bulk discount Altho i guess if you lived in California, you wouldn't be able to turn your computer on all summer

Aside from the frivolity, what is the answer to my question?

 

[Christobevii3]

There are certain things that give them discounts. Using power off peak helps and so does how the power is used. I forget what it is called but my friend works for txu and changing out say a bunch of electrical motors that have a much more steady draw will save them money and often get paid to do it versus keeping an old one.

 

[So]

Yes, such things are accounted for.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Christobevii3
There are certain things that give them discounts. Using power off peak helps and so does how the power is used. I forget what it is called but my friend works for txu and changing out say a bunch of electrical motors that have a much more steady draw will save them money and often get paid to do it versus keeping an old one.

Large industries pay by power factor, as well as KwH. It's not about "steady draw", it's that electric motors tend to be inductive loads. Utility companies HATE that, because they have to supply more current for a given amount of power use. Sometimes they'll have large banks of capacitors to correct the power factor closer to one, and save on utility charges.

Us home users can have whatever power factor we like on our equipment.

 

[huberm]

we participate in something called powershare at my office. It is quite a hassle for me as I'm the generator guy, but my employer saves quite a bit of money.

When the power company is experiencing heavy load they will call and/or fax me and a powershare will start. I'll go out and start my generators and take buildings off of the commercial power.

In exchange, we get a discounted rate per KwH we use I believe.

 

[dug777]

Interesting stuff really, i'm starting work at the WA Office of Energy next year so i guess i'll get to learn about it all in detail then