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Power Factor

To determine your power factor, visit the power factor calculator

Power Factor Calculator

The power factor measures how efficiently electrical power is being utilized. Whether you’re managing a commercial facility, operating industrial equipment, or looking to reduce energy costs, understanding power factor is essential.

What is Power Factor?


Power factor is a measure of how efficiently electricity is being used. It’s usually shown as a percentage. A higher percentage means better efficiency, while a lower percentage means more energy is being wasted.

To break it down:

  • Working power (in kilowatts or kW) refers to the electricity that performs useful work, such as lighting a bulb or operating a machine.
  • Apparent power (in kilovolts-amperes or kVA) is the total electricity supplied to a system, some of which may not be used effectively.
Power Factor Diagram

Power Factor = Working Power ÷ Total Power Supplied

Interested in determining your current power factor? Visit the power factor calculator. Be sure you use the billing information found on the bill you received in August.

Power Factor Calculator

So, if the power factor is low, you’re getting less useful work out of the electricity you’re paying for.

What causes a low power factor?

Low power factor occurs when electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, and fluorescent lights, draws current that’s out of phase with the voltage. This reduces energy efficiency and can lead to higher utility costs. Other causes include harmonics, unbalanced loads, and systems running under light load.

How does low power factor impact KV REMC?

A low power factor indicates that a system is not utilizing the supplied electrical power efficiently.  For KV REMC, this results in increased strain on equipment, higher energy losses, reduced system capacity, and higher electricity costs.

When does a lower power factor start impacting a member’s bill?

If a member's power factor drops below 90%, the demand on their bill will increase.  This is achieved by multiplying the original demand by 90% and then dividing the result by the actual power factor.

Billed Demand = Demand Reading x (90% ÷ Actual Power Factor)

How can a member improve their power factor?

To improve your power factor, consider installing power factor correction (PFC) equipment, such as capacitors, which can help reduce reactive power and increase the efficiency of your electrical system.  Running motors close to their full load and utilizing variable frequency drives (VFDs) can enhance power factor by minimizing wasted energy.  These are the most common and least expensive ways to improve the power factor on your service.