Electrical Energy Efficiency
Ask your local electrician for more information

There are many benefits of electrical energy efficiency with the array of technologies that are available. As the EU moves towards more of these options and therefore optimal levels of electricity consumption the electrical contractor and electrician should work hard to adapt their skill levels.

For electrical businesses there is a strong business case for investing in the skills required to install more energy efficient electrical products and designs. Businesses and individuals often consider good energy efficient practices as an important part of being compliant or a good citizen. For electricians and electrical contractors the reality is that not using energy efficiently is like walking past money on the high street. Do consumers really want to pay more for their electricity bills? The answer is obvious but the communication of such energy efficient practices should be completed by electricians and the wider communities and authorities throughout the UK.

Investing in energy efficiency creates economic value but the development of the electrical energy efficient strategy throughout UK and its prioritisation has not been implemented to a large extent by electrical companies. Improved electrical energy efficiency though should reduce the risk of environmental damage and assist human health.

There are a range of barriers, which impact on the development of the energy efficient strategy. There is a lack of information about the costs and benefits of the products which an electrician could install. Consumers and commercial buyers tend to base purchases on the first cost as opposed to the long term benefits and the eventual payback period. As mentioned above organisations continue to do what they know best whether that be rewires, fuseboard changes or shower installations.

Doing something new is not considered therefore resulting in poor business progression and a lack of prioritisation. Electricians may choose to purchase other equipment which helps them target other markets. There is a lack of understanding from the installer, for example the electrician and the consumer towards energy efficiency and the direct environmental consequences.

Government intervention is required to assist the progression of such schemes and they should promote energy efficiency and support electricians via their own purchasing policies for energy-efficient technologies. Such economies of scale will be apparent as a result of the governments spending power to develop the new energy-efficient technologies.

One particular initiative that electricians should pay attention to is the WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) regulations. This places an emphasis on the disposal of lamps and has product life cycle implications and process requirements for electricians to follow. Government grants also aim to help business re-lamp their premises with energy efficient lamps. Your local electrician should be able to help with the process when applying for grants and provide information on the correct electrical installation practices.

WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) is just one of the areas for improvement in energy efficiency, but it is important to note the importance of eco-design requirements from the construction phase of the electrical installation. On completion Energy Labeling will be used to communicate the benefits of energy efficient practices to the end user and electricians.

EU funding for research and development is required on a continual basis to assess the impact of the most recent technologies. The skill level of an electrician needs to continually adapt to meet the changes. Energy Efficient Motors are just one area which will continually change and thus the expertise in understanding their operation will also need to develop. The days of continuity are over and electricians and electrical contractors must embrace the evolution of energy efficiency. Accounting for 65% of all industrial electricity use in the EU, motor systems are an important way in which energy usage can be reduced.

Energy Efficient Distribution Transformers are also very relevant. If you replace a relatively modern transformer with a new high efficiency version you can reduce energy losses by up to 75%. If you replace a 30 year old Distribution Transformer it cuts the losses by as much as 90%.

Electricians can install efficient local distribution with reduced resistance wiring to help energy efficiency by transferring the electrical current efficiently, thereby reducing the losses in energy.

Almost all of the end uses of electrical appliances show substantial potential for increased energy efficiency. The development of new technologies in appliance manufacturing is key to driving forward energy efficiency but end users must embrace this through the steady replacement of existing systems with more modern equipment by approved and qualified electricians.

Boilers are also a consideration with Minimum efficiency standards that are now in operation for domestic central heating and hot water boilers. The products range now available are extensive and end users should consider the options with their local electrician and gas engineer. While energy efficiency technology in this area is covered the design, efficiency and use patterns for boilers should be undertaken to identify areas for improvement.

Heat pumps can provide good energy savings and are up to twice as efficient as they were 30 years ago. Your electrician will inform you of the improvements that have been made such as precise control of the flow of refrigerant, the variable speed blowers, improved motors, two speed compressors, and improved copper heat exchangers.

Distributed Generation has been integrated by businesses to minimize the risk of costly disruptions in electricity supply. Electricians have installed small-scale or “distributed” power generators to assist with this function. During periods of peak demand, when electricity is at its most expensive distributed generation helps businesses save money by providing an alternative to the grid.

Energy efficient transportation is also a key consideration for the electrical contractor and electrician themselves, so they can reduce local air pollution and greenhouse gases when making necessary trips to visit the end user. Hybrid-electric and all-electric vehicles are a big expansion area for car manufactures so your local electrician will be thinking about these issues in the consideration of their business objectives.