All Posts
Log in / Sign up

Can this simple solution help manufacturers slash energy bills by up to 19%?

Two workers in a manufacturing setting with sheet metal

Imagine cutting your energy bills by nearly a fifth without making sweeping changes to your operations. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But what if the answer lies in something as straightforward as voltage optimisation?

For manufacturers, energy consumption is a constant challenge. With hefty bills cutting into margins, every kilowatt saved makes a difference. Voltage optimisation might just be the key to those savings, helping businesses not only cut costs but also extend the life of their equipment, reduce waste, and contribute to sustainability goals. And it’s all done quietly in the background, without demanding constant attention.

What is voltage optimisation?

Voltage optimisation works by regulating the power supply that enters your building. Think of it as a filter. The energy coming into your premises is often supplied at a higher voltage than necessary – typically above 240 volts, while most electrical equipment in the UK only requires around 220 volts to function efficiently.

That extra voltage doesn’t translate into better performance. Instead, it results in unnecessary energy consumption, overheating, and wear on your equipment. This is where voltage optimisation steps in. By reducing the incoming voltage to the optimal level for your machinery, it ensures that everything runs efficiently, using only the energy that’s needed. And when you’re not wasting energy, you’re saving money.

How does it work?

Once installed, a voltage optimiser will lower the voltage supplied to your equipment without impacting its performance. You won’t notice any changes in how your machinery operates, but you will notice a difference in your energy bills. It’s a bit like tuning a radio to the perfect station, removing the static so you hear only the music. Voltage optimisation fine-tunes your power supply, reducing energy waste and ensuring everything works smoothly.

The benefits to your business

Voltage optimisation is a solution that delivers a range of advantages for manufacturers, all working together to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Let’s explore the benefits:

  • Energy cost savings: One of the most immediate impacts of voltage optimisation is a reduction in energy consumption. While the maximum savings can be as high as 19%, the average for most businesses is around 6.5%. For a business spending £100,000 a year on electricity, that’s a potential saving of £6,500 annually. Over several years, this can add up to a substantial amount, freeing up funds for other investments in your operations.
  • Prolonged equipment lifespan: Electrical equipment isn’t designed to handle the higher voltages often supplied by the grid. When machines receive more power than they need, they can overheat and wear out faster. Voltage optimisation helps by ensuring that your equipment only gets the voltage it requires, reducing strain and prolonging its useful life. This means fewer repairs and replacements, saving you time and money.
  • Increased resilience: By reducing voltage fluctuations, this approach helps protect your equipment from sudden surges that could lead to breakdowns or downtime. With this extra layer of protection, your operations run more smoothly, minimising disruptions and costly interruptions.
  • Minimal maintenance: One of the best things about voltage optimisation is its simplicity. Once installed, it’s essentially “fit-and-forget” technology. It doesn’t require ongoing monitoring or adjustments, allowing you to focus on your core operations without worrying about constant upkeep. It works quietly in the background, consistently delivering savings without any need for intervention.
  • Sustainability gains: Reducing your energy consumption naturally leads to a lower carbon footprint, making voltage optimisation an environmentally friendly choice. This technology helps businesses align with their sustainability goals and meet the growing demand for greener practices from customers and regulators alike. By cutting energy waste, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future while also benefiting your bottom line.
  • Rapid return on investment: With the savings you’ll see on your energy bills, most businesses recoup the cost of installing voltage optimisation systems within 18 months. After that, it’s all about continuing to benefit from reduced energy bills and longer-lasting equipment.

Real world results

This isn’t just theoretical. Voltage optimisation has already been implemented in more than 20,000 locations across the UK, including big names like Kellogg’s, IKEA, and ASDA. These businesses have seen the tangible benefits of optimising their power supply, from reduced bills to extended equipment lifespans.

For a manufacturer, where margins can be thin, the return on investment is rapid. Most businesses see a full return within 18 months, thanks to the significant savings on their energy bills. After that, it’s all about ongoing savings and improved operational efficiency.

Is voltage optimisation right for you?

If you’re wondering whether voltage optimisation could work for your business, the first step is to test your current voltage levels. This will show you if your incoming power is higher than what’s necessary, which could be leading to unnecessary energy consumption and wear on your equipment.

At Troo, we offer a free tool called Troo Volt. This simple plug-in device measures the voltage at your sockets, giving you an accurate reading of what’s coming into your building. It’s easy to use and provides clear data on whether voltage optimisation could be beneficial for your operation.

Want to know more? Click through for a detailed look at how the tool works and how it can help you make informed decisions about your energy use.