Adjusting motor start-up to reduce demand charges

Typically, a motor requires six times as much electricity during start-up as it does to continue running. It usually takes a motor less than five seconds to start, accelerate and reach operating speed.

By starting large motors as far apart as possible, you can spread demand over a wide period. Total energy consumption will be the same, but the peak demand could be lower.

Some best practices for motor start-ups:

• Start large horsepower motors one at a time.
• Wait until the first motor has started, accelerated and reached running speed, then start another motor.
• Motors should be sized properly, operated only when needed and should be turned off when they will not be used for extended periods.
• Computerized load management controls can help stagger motor start-ups.

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