WHAT IS POWER FACTOR (PF)?
Electrical loads such as electric heating and incandescent lights use “resistive” power, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Certain types of loads, such as electric motors, however, require magnetizing current to operate. In order to properly measure the demands placed on the system by these types of uses, your utility company must also measure demand in terms kilovolt amperes (kVA). The ratio between the kW and kVA demands (kW/kVA) is referred to as the “Power Factor”. A PF of 1.0 is ideal and a PF of 0.65 would require that approximately 1.5 times the applications real power has to be available from the AC line. “Power Factor” is a measure of how effectively you are using power. In calculating your bill, utilities assume that the power factor should be above 90% of the kVA demand. In short, when your power factor drops below 90% (rates vary by hydro suppliers), a power factor surcharge is applied to cover the cost of supplying additional reactive power. Therefore a Power Factor bel
