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Edenor and Edesur will fine 700,000 homes for a technical detail: what is the power factor and how to check it - Infobae
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Edenor y Edesur aplicarán multas a 700.000 hogares por un detalle técnico: qué es el factor de potencia y cómo revisarlo
Esos usuarios deberán ajustar sus instalaciones eléctricas para evitar sanciones por parte de las distribuidoras de energía a partir de octubre
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September 05, 2024
These users will have to adjust their electrical installations to avoid sanctions from energy distributors starting in October.
The power factor is an indicator that measures how efficiently electrical energy is used in an installation (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Starting October 1, 2024, the energy distribution companies Edenor and Edesur will begin to apply fines to more than 700,000 households in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) that have not adapted their electrical installations to the new power factor established by the National Electricity Regulatory Entity (ENRE). This measure, announced by Resolution 85/2024, aims to promote more efficient use of energy and prevent overloading of the electrical grid, especially during times of higher demand, such as during the summer months.
What is power factor?
The power factor is an indicator that measures how efficiently electrical energy is used in a facility. This parameter is expressed by a value between 0 and 1, where 1 represents optimal energy use. The closer the power factor is to 1, the better the use of the energy consumed. Conversely, a lower value indicates that energy is being used inefficiently, which can overload the electrical network and increase the risk of supply failures.Until this resolution came into force, the minimum acceptable power factor was 0.85 , a value that remained in force for more than 60 years. However, ENRE established a new threshold of 0.95, a standard that is already used in other provinces in Argentina and internationally. This means that, from now on, users who have a power factor below 0.95 may be fined .
The main problem with a low power factor is the waste of energy. When this indicator is below 0.95, the energy consumed is not used efficiently, which not only increases consumption on bills, but also causes greater wear and tear on the home's electrical installations and can cause power outages due to overloading of the networks.
Edenor and Edesur users can check their power factor directly on their electricity bill
How is power factor calculated?
Power factor is calculated from the ratio of two types of energy: active energy and reactive energy. Active energy is energy used to perform useful work, such as turning on lights, running appliances, or charging electronic devices. This energy is measured in watts. Reactive energy , on the other hand, is energy generated by equipment that uses motors, such as washing machines, water pumps, or elevators. This energy is needed to generate magnetic fields that allow these motors to operate, but it is not directly converted into useful work, which contributes to energy waste.
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The power factor is obtained by dividing the active energy by the sum of the active and reactive energy. If the resulting value is less than 0.95, the electrical installation is not making adequate use of the energy supplied and the user may be penalized.
Who is required to make changes?
The ENRE resolution mainly affects users of the T1 (small demands), T2 (medium demands) and T3 (large demands) tariff categories of Edenor and Edesur. These users must review their electrical installation and, if necessary, incorporate additional equipment such as panels with capacitors, which help improve the power factor. The installation of these devices is crucial to reduce the consumption of reactive energy and, consequently, avoid fines.It is important to note that, according to ENRE, buildings under a horizontal property regime or real estate complexes are exempt from these sanctions until new meters are installed that are capable of recording both active and reactive energy. Until then, they will not be required to comply with this requirement, which gives them more time to adapt to the regulations.
When do fines start to apply?
The schedule of sanctions established by ENRE Resolution 544/2024 provides for a progressive application of fines starting on October 1, 2024. From that date, users who do not comply with the new value of the power factor will begin to receive fines equivalent to 30% of the total value of the surcharge. Subsequently, on May 1, 2025, the surcharge will increase to 60% , and from December 1, 2025, 100% of the surcharge will be applied to users who have not yet made the necessary adaptations.Users whose power factor is below 0.85 will face even more severe penalties. For this reason, it is essential that households make the relevant modifications before October 1 to avoid greater penalties.
How to check the power factor on the bill?
Edenor and Edesur users can check their power factor directly on their electricity bill. In the section corresponding to consumption details , this value is usually indicated together with information on active and reactive energy consumption. It is also represented as “Cosine of Fi”. If the power factor is less than 0.95, the user must contact a licensed electrician to make the necessary adjustments to the electrical installation.Among the modifications that may be required, the installation of capacitor panels is one of the main ones. These devices help to optimize energy use and reduce the amount of reactive energy consumed. By improving the power factor, the risk of receiving fines is reduced and contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the home.
To adapt electrical installations and avoid sanctions, users must request the installation of meters that record both active and reactive energy (depositphotos.com)
What procedures must users complete to avoid fines?
To adapt electrical installations and avoid sanctions, users must request the installation of meters that record both active and reactive energy. Edenor and Edesur have established a series of requirements that must be met when making this request. Among the documents that must be presented are the ID of the service holder (or in the case of legal persons, the ID and the social contract) and the Declaration of Conformity of Electrical Installations (DCI), provided that it is not a case in which there are already meters or pillars installed.In the case of homeowners, it is necessary to present the property deed or the declaration of heirs. If the title does not include the address of the home, it must be accompanied by the corresponding cadastral plan. Meanwhile, for those who are not owners, a lease agreement, loan agreement, purchase agreement, trust or a certificate of domicile can be presented.
If the procedure is carried out by a third party, in addition to the aforementioned documentation, the authorized person must present his or her ID and an authorization note signed by the service holder.
Destination of the funds raised
The money raised through fines imposed by Edenor and Edesur will be allocated to a trust fund to finance the Smart Metering Program (PMI) . This program aims to modernize the metering system, replacing old analog meters with digital meters that will allow a more precise reading of electricity consumption. In addition to improving accuracy, these new meters will help users make more efficient use of energy and reduce their bills.This modernization process is key to moving towards a more efficient and reliable electrical system, where both the user and the network benefit from more rational energy management.
