Definition

What Is Reactive Energy?

What is reactive energy? Reactive energy (kVArh) is the energy component that feeds the magnetic field of inductive loads such as motors, transformers, and coils; it does no useful work on its own but burdens the grid. Active energy (kWh) is billed consumption; the distribution company limits the reactive/active ratio and applies reactive charges (penalties) when exceeded.

Why it matters

If reactive energy is not measured, the "reactive charge" line item noticed after billing can reach tens of thousands of lira annually at many industrial facilities. Inductive reactive (Ri) comes from motors and transformers; capacitive reactive (Rc) from over-correction. A correction project must calculate kVAr based on load profile and OSOS data — simply installing capacitors is not enough. OSOS and quality power analysers monitor reactive ratio in real time and provide data for correction and load planning. Power factor (cos φ) aims to stay below both Ri and Rc limits; the ideal state is a cos φ value close to active power.

Impact on the bill

Subscribers with contracted power of 9 kW and below are exempt from reactive penalties. Above 9 kW, permitted reactive/active ratios vary by contracted power: below 30 kW, capacitive limit 20%, inductive 33%; at 30 kW and above, capacitive 15%, inductive 20%. Ratio = (reactive kVArh / active kWh) × 100; when exceeded, excess kVArh × unit reactive energy charge is added to the invoice. Limit percentages are stored by contracted power in invoice archives. Unit reactive energy charge is updated in the periodic tariff table; projecting penalties with outdated rates gives wrong results.

How ENOPTIMAL tracks it

The ENOPTIMAL OSOS module monitors reactive ratio live and estimates penalties when limits are exceeded; current ReactiveEnerjiBedeli tariff table is used. The reactive penalty calculator offers projections with contracted power and consumption data. In the invoice verification module, reactive items are cross-checked against tariff. The 30 kW threshold for capacitive 20% / inductive 33% below and 15% / 20% above is applied in live monitoring.

Related resources

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about electricity invoices and consumption management.

Is there a reactive penalty exemption?

Subscribers with contracted power of 9 kW and below are exempt from reactive penalties. Above 9 kW, inductive and capacitive limit percentages apply according to contracted power.

What are the reactive limit percentages?

Below 30 kW contracted power: capacitive 20%, inductive 33%; at 30 kW and above: capacitive 15%, inductive 20%. Ratio = (reactive kVArh / active kWh) × 100.

How is reactive penalty prevented?

Reactive ratio is monitored via OSOS; correction (capacitor bank) is tuned to load profile. ENOPTIMAL generates alerts before billing when limits are exceeded.

Track this term with your data

Request a demo to explore the related modules.