As electricity rates continue to rise, power factor becomes increasingly important to large electricity customers. Poor power factor means you are not getting as much working energy as you are paying for. Attendees at the February 26th Klickitat PUD Irrigators meeting received information on improving motor management practices, which can gain significant savings in electricity use, improving power factor.

Steve Dunnivant, a field consultant with Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and Dan Walser, engineer with Consolidated Electrical Distributors, were the featured speakers at the meeting, which had a significantly lower turnout than past years.

Tracking motor inventory and rewind histories can improve your decision-making and selection of efficient motors, according to Dunnivant. He provided software called EM2, which is now available at the Goldendale office, for comparing new motor efficiencies against user's current motors. The software is also available on the web at www.drivesandmotors.com.

Walser presented information on alternative starters and controls for motors to reduce the reactive energy required to start your motor. This in turn reduces your possible demand charge and reduces the amount of heat created in your motor.

The web site www.oit.doe.gov has software available for download called MotorMaster+, which allows a customer to save or print a motor inventory, along with pertinent information on each motor such as repairs/rewind dates, and hours of use.

Any irrigators interested in more information about either presentation can call Steve Dunnivent at 509-531-3389 or for copies of the handouts "An Allen-Bradley Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Motor Fundamentals" or "Electric Motor Management" call Miquette Ihrig at 509-773-7635.

Time of Use Can be Cost Effective

Klickitat PUD commissioners approved a 13.3 percent rate increase for Time-of-Use (TOU) irrigation, after discussion at the annual Irrigators meeting. TOU allows irrigators to take advantage of off-peak rates by timing some, or all, of their irrigation hours to match the lower rate. KPUD provides this rate as an alternative to the standard rate, which helps some irrigators control costs. Irrigators need to run their previous consumption against both the standard rate and the TOU rate to determine what is best for their application. The new TOU rates can be found on the KPUD web site at http://www.klickpud.com/rates/timeuse.asp

Meter Changes Coming Up

Large irrigation accounts will be impacted by the October 1, 2001 rate change from BPA, which calls for KPUD to pay a power factor penalty for anything that falls below 97%. Over the last couple of rate periods BPA has been tightening up this percentage, from 87% to 95% to the current 97%. Customer responsibility for the power factor penalty has been discussed at previous irrigator's meetings, and KPUD has been providing information and assistance to irrigators in preparation for passing on the penalty costs, which are currently paid by KPUD. Customers will be responsible for power factor penalties next season. New meters will need to be installed in most locations, but irrigators who have had meter changes in the past few years probably have one that will measure power factor. Dan Walser reported on equipment irrigators can install to replace or eliminate this penalty.

Earth Day Coming Soon

Come join us at the April 20th Earth Day event in Goldendale, sponsored by the General Store, Klickitat PUD and ENERGY STAR®, for the chance to win light bulbs and torchiere coupons. Anyone who can answer energy questions correctly will win ENERGY STAR labeled Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs, and the opportunity to turn in your old halogen torchiere for a $10.00 coupon towards a new ENERGY STAR labeled fluorescent torchiere. $15.00 fluorescent torchiere coupons will also be given out to anyone interested. Hands-on displays such as the sweepsmobile housing a demonstration of appliances, CFL lightboxes and literature will be available. So bring your old torchiere lamp and look for Mr. Zippy on the courthouse lawn. Enjoy the fun and atmosphere of Earth Day!