What is Reactive Cost?

Electricity subscribers use a portion of their electricity consumption in a form called reactive energy. Reactive energy creates magnetic fields in electrical circuits, making the system work, but does not do useful work. For this reason, electricity distribution companies monitor reactive energy to ensure proper operation of their systems and to prevent overloads, and impose a penalty called "reactive fee" on consumers when reactive energy usage exceeds a certain limit.

Why Are Reactive Energy and Reactive Cost Important?

Reactive energy control is very important to maintain the balance of the electrical grid and reduce energy losses. Reactive energy is used to support magnetic fields formed in an electrical circuit, but does not directly produce work like active energy. Excessive use of reactive energy may create extra load on the network and cause the system to lose more energy. For this reason, electricity distribution companies apply reactive fees to subscribers to control their reactive energy consumption.

Who Pays Reactive Fee?

Reactive fee is generally applied to industrial and commercial subscriber groups. The electrical equipment used by such subscribers, especially industrial machines, consume large amounts of reactive energy. Residential subscribers are exempt from paying reactive fees as long as they stay within certain limits. However, for commercial and industrial facilities whose contractual power exceeds 9 kW, compensation panels must be installed to minimize reactive energy consumption.

How to Measure Reactive Energy? 

Reactive energy consumption is measured through electricity meters. If reactive energy consumption exceeds the determined limits, the reactive energy fee is reflected to the consumer in addition to the active energy bill. Limits set for reactive energy use: 

• Inductive Reactive Energy: It should not exceed 20% of active energy consumption. 
• Capacitive Reactive Energy: Should not exceed 15% of active energy consumption. 

If these limits are exceeded, the reactive fee will be added to your invoice.

Ways to Reduce Reactive Cost

One of the most commonly used methods to reduce reactive energy consumption is to install compensation systems. Compensation panels balance the reactive energy occurring in the electrical circuit, preventing unnecessary load on the network and preventing the formation of reactive costs. Compensation systems are frequently used in industrial and commercial facilities, and when adjusted correctly, you do not have to pay reactive costs.

Reactive cost is an important element that businesses need to increase energy efficiency. Thanks to reactive energy control, you can not only avoid penalties but also reduce your operating costs by improving energy efficiency.