Why it matters
Motors, transformers, and coil loads produce inductive reactive power; without correction, cos φ falls and reactive penalty risk increases. A correction project is not simply installing capacitors — load profile, shift changes, and seasonal consumption must be analysed using OSOS data. Poorly tuned correction can exceed the capacitive reactive (Rc) limit and cause reverse penalties. Periodic correction maintenance (capacitor failure, shunt reactor tuning) degrades the reactive ratio over time; live monitoring is essential.
Impact on the bill
Reactive ratio = (reactive kVArh / active kWh) × 100. For contracted power below 30 kW, the inductive limit is 33% and the capacitive limit is 20%; at 30 kW and above, inductive is 20% and capacitive is 15%. When limits are exceeded, excess kVArh × unit reactive energy charge is added to the invoice. Subscribers below 9 kW are exempt. The return on correction investment is measured by the monthly reactive penalty avoided; early warning via OSOS before billing reduces cost.
How ENOPTIMAL tracks it
The ENOPTIMAL OSOS module monitors inductive and capacitive reactive ratios live and generates alerts before billing when limits are exceeded. The reactive penalty calculator offers before/after correction scenario projections. In the invoice verification module, reactive line items are cross-checked against the current tariff table. Our Reactive Energy and Reactive Charges guide provides the technical framework for correction design.