Efficiencies in distribution design and operating practices

By operating utility distribution systems in the lower range of the ANSI C84.1 allowable voltage limits, both the utility and the customer benefits by having lower energy costs and high quality power. The basis of this conclusion is that electric load is not 100% constant power (PQ) load, but is actually a combination of constant power, constant impedance, and constant current. Performing cost-effective improvements to the distribution systems reduces the total voltage drop on the distribution feeder and changing the operation of the voltage regulation equipment reduces the average voltage level on the feeder. Utilities that have used these techniques have constantly reported energy savings without adverse impacts on customers or equipment. Savings have ranged from 0.2% to 1.2% energy savings for each 1.0% voltage reduction.